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Post Specification Post Title: Assistant Professorship in Microbiology Post Status: Permanent Discipline of Microbiology, School of Genetics and Microbiology, Department/Faculty: Faculty of Engineering, Mathematics & Science Reports to: Head of the School of Genetics and Microbiology Location: Moyne Institute of Preventive Medicine, Main Campus Appointment will be made on the Lecturer Salary Scale at a point in Salary: line with Government Pay Policy Closing Date: 12 Noon Friday 30th January 2015 Post Summary The School of Genetics and Microbiology seeks to make an appointment to Assistant Professor in Microbiology as part of the implementation of the strategic plans of Trinity College and the School of Genetics and Microbiology. The successful candidate for this post will be expected to be actively engaged in research relevant to Molecular Microbiology and to have a proven track record in attracting research funding. Candidates must have a Ph.D. and relevant postdoctoral experience in Molecular Microbiology or a related scientific discipline. The successful candidate will contribute to the lecturing programme of the School and will undertake undergraduate and postgraduate supervision. In addition, the appointee will be expected to participate in administration within the School. The appointment will be tenable from 1st October 2015. Informal Enquiries can be made to: Professor Charles Dorman, Head of the School of Genetics and Mircrobiology by e-mail: [email protected] or telephone: + 353-1-896-2013 or to Professor Ursula Bond, Head of the Discipline of Microbiology by e-mail: [email protected] or telephone: + 353-1-896-2578. Background to the Post The Discipline of Microbiology has an international reputation in fundamental molecular microbiology and molecular microbial pathogenesis and has research programmes in prokaryotes, eukaryotes and viruses. A vacancy has arisen as a result of the resignation of a member of staff who is an expert in anti- malarial research and drug target identification. The Discipline wishes to make an appointment in the area of Molecular Microbiology; while we are particularly interested in those working in the areas of molecular microbial pathogenesis and/or antimicrobial action/resistance mechanisms, candidates with excellent track records in other areas of molecular microbiology are also encouraged to apply. The appointment is being made in line with the strategic plan of the School of Genetics and Microbiology and is aligned with the Genes and Society and the Infection and Immunity research themes of the University. This appointment is not restricted to those studying eukaryotic microbes and applications are encouraged from suitably qualified candidates conducting relevant research in all types of microbes. Standard duties of the Post The successful candidate will: Be expected to establish an externally funded research group and to conduct research in their field of expertise. S/he will be expected to regularly disseminate and explain research findings through leading peer-reviewed international publications (on a sustained basis), as well as at conferences, workshops and meetings. The appointee will be expected to provide research supervision to postgraduate students, both as a sole supervisor and collaboratively with other Trinity academics. S/he will be expected to develop appropriate course modules and a high-profile public lecture series. S/he will engage in teaching and examinations at undergraduate and at postgraduate levels. S/he will participate in administration within the Discipline and, from time-to-time, to serve on School and University committees. S/he will be responsible for administrative duties in areas such as admissions, student recruitment, examinations, course leadership and student attendance as required. Funding Information Funding for research in Molecular Microbial Pathogenesis is available from national sources such as Science Foundation Ireland (http://www.sfi.ie) and the Health Research Board (http://www.hrb.ie). International agencies to which Ireland-based applicants may apply include the European Research Council (http://erc.europa.eu) and the Wellcome Trust (http://www.wellcome.ac.uk). Person Specification Qualifications The person appointed to this post will have: An excellent academic record, and have completed a Ph.D. degree in Molecular Microbiology or a related discipline within the biomolecular sciences. This is a non-clinical appointment. Have or be willing to acquire, an appropriate postgraduate professional qualification in third- level teaching (e.g. by taking the new Trinity College Postgraduate programme in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education for which fees will be paid). Knowledge & Experience (Essential & Desirable) Teaching Ideally the appointee will have experience of mentoring postgraduate students. Potential for recruiting and supervising postrgraduate students. Experience in lecturing at university level is essential and it would be desirable to have had experience of designing and monitoring undergraduate research projects and teaching practical laboratory courses. Experience in curriculum design, examinations and course administration is also desirable. Proven experience of facilitating seminars, presentations and workshops. Employment of innovation approaches to learning and teaching. A collaborative working style, with openness to collaboration with colleagues in other disciplines. Evidence of being a strategic thinker and practical organiser is essential. A commitment to scholarship is essential. A commitment to student care is essential. A commitment to the contribution of knowledge to society is essential, Evident of a personal contribution and commitment to excellence in teaching is essential. Experience of using new teaching media is desirable. Experience of working collaboratively and effectively in an interdisciplinary environment is desirable. The candidate must be able and willing to teach topics in microbiology at undergraduate level that lie outside their immediate area of specialization. Research Knowledge of recent research in the relevant areas is essential. A proven track record in attracting research funding and relevant postdoctoral experience in Molecular Microbiology or a related scientific discipline. The successful applicant will have significant experience of research in molecular microbiology at a postdoctoral level and have a strong publication record that includes several papers with the applicant as a senior author. There will be evidence of strong standing in the applicant's field of expertise (such as invitations to speak at international conferences, evidence of service on research grant review boards or on the editorial boards of well-established and respected journals). Evidence of research achievement, and of future research potential by means of publications which demonstrate originality and value is essential. Candidates will be expected to have presented data at international conferences and to be members of relevant learned societies. The appointee will have led/managed an independent, externally funded research team and have had experience of research budget management and of mentoring postgraduate students. Administration Essential Proven track record in organisation and administration including leading and working collaboratively with colleagues as part of a course team. A commitment to student care. A commitment to own professional development. Good organizational skills are required, including an ability to meet deadlines. Desirable Proven experience in designing, planning and implementing academic programmes for professional learning as demonstrated by example. Evidence of potential competence in the administration of academic programmes. Potential to manage and develop modules and programmes in a university setting. Effective communicator. Honesty and integrity. Ability to work effectively as a member of a team. Good communication skills. Good organisational skills. Willingness to contribute to the University, to the discipline and to the wider community Skills & Competencies The successful candidate will have the interpersonal skills needed to function effectively and collegiately in research, teaching and administration within the Microbiology Discipline, the School of Genetics and Microbiology and the wider College. Strong communication skills are essential. We will look for evidence of good management abilities; in addition to research management, the appointee will have to work with and guide technical and administrative staff within the School in delivering its teaching programmes. In addition, candidates will be assessed on their demonstrated potential contribution to the School, to the University and to the wider community. Benefits The appointee will have research laboratory and office space in the Moyne Institute of Preventive Medicine. The Moyne Institute has undergone a rolling programme of refurbishment and has well-appointed research labs, a dedicated preparation laboratory with technical and laboratory attendant staff, its own lecture theatre and seminar room, and an administration centre. The School of Genetics and Microbiology consists of two institutes, the Moyne Institute (Microbiology) and the Smurfit Institute (Genetics) and the appointee will have access to core research equipment in these buildings. In addition, the Faculty of Engineering, Mathematics and Science is home to the Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute (TBSI)