chemical profiling of commercially relevant Irish seaweed

Title : chemical profiling of commercially relevant Irish seaweed

Supervisory team : Dr. Nicolas TOUZET (lead-PI, IT Sligo), Dr. Roisin NASH (co-PI, GMIT)

Description : The realisation of Ireland’s smart economy requires fostering innovation in promising sectors. Green technologies encompass a range of activities such as biofuel generation, environmental bioremediation or the harvest of high-added value chemicals from natural sources. In this context, the attributes of seaweed are actively researched worldwide.

The recruited student will join the CERIS Strategic Research Centre at IT Sligo to investigate the potential of commercially relevant seaweed in terms of targeted biotechnological applications relevant to a number of industrial sectors, with an emphasis on high-value metabolites such as polyunsaturated fatty acids or phytosterols. In addition, the potential of seaweed to act as biovectors of microplastics on rocky shores will also be investigated.

Profile requirements : Motivated candidates with strong interests in marine sciences and biotechnology must have a 1st Class honours B.Sc. (essential) and/or a M.Sc. (desirable) in relevant disciplines. Candidates with substantial experience in analytical chemistry (HPLC, GC-MS, FTIR) and/or algal biology (sampling, cultivation, physiology) will be considered favourably. Only candidates with a valid European passport are eligible for these positions as international fees cannot be paid from the available funding.

FUNDING SOURCE: CUA Bursary 2020 with a maintenance grant of €13,000 p.a. and up to €4,000 p.a. for expenses as approved. Tuition fees (currently €819 p.a.) will be paid by the Institute for all holders of student bursaries. Students are required to pay their registration fee. The registration fee for 2018-2019 is €3,000 p.a.

DURATION: Funding will be initially for a maximum of 2 years full time Master’s registration. This research has potential to transition into a PhD up to a maximum of 4 years funding.

To Apply
Please send by email to Dr Nicolas Touzet, ([Email Address Removed]) and CC Veronica Cawley [Email Address Removed]
1) A detailed cover letter
2) A full curriculum vitae
3) Academic transcripts for each year of study
4) Contact details of two academic referees

Applicants whose first language is not English must submit the original certificate of completion of an English test.

Please insert the subject line ‘IT Sligo CUA Bursary 2020’ with your electronic correspondence.

Closing Date for Applications: 17:00 local time, 21st of September 2020