Website University College Cork (UCC)
Description
Applications are invited from individuals interested in enrolling in a PhD research programme as part of the bifidobacterial research group located at APC Microbiome Ireland & School of Microbiology, University College Cork, Ireland, and supported by and in collaboration with Danone Research & Innovation, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
We are looking for highly motivated candidates for two PhD vacancies. The ideal candidate should be recently graduated (ideally H1 or equivalent) BSc and MSc students in Genetics, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Bioinformatics or a cognate area, willing to further develop molecular microbiological, ‘omics’ and bioinformatic skills. Ideally, candidates should possess hands-on experience in molecular (micro)biological and/or bioinformatic skills.
The anticipated research of the PhD students will investigate the molecular mechanisms underpinning preferential carbohydrate metabolism (position 1) or the study of viability states, as relevant to selected human-associated bifidobacteria. A list of publications from the bifidobacterial research group is available here:
https://scholar.google.com/citations?authuser=1&user=StI8gy0AAAAJ
Key duties, responsibilities and abilities (other than those already mentioned above)
- Excellent communication, organisation, interpersonal skills and the ability to work within a team.
- The dissemination of results at conferences and through scientific articles.
- Attendance at postgraduate training courses.
- Regular reporting of research data.
- Occasional laboratory supervision of Bachelor or Master students.
Required qualifications
- A recent postgraduate degree (BSc, MSc) in (molecular) genetics, bioinformatics, (molecular) microbiology, computational biology, bioinformatics, biotechnology or a related discipline (ideally H1 or equivalent).
- Understanding of and/or practical experience in biological systems and bacterial genomics.
- Previous experience in working with next generation sequencing data would be an advantage.
- Ideally: Programming skills (Bash/Perl/Python; can be basic) or general interest in bioinformatics.
- Applicants whose first language is not English must provide an English proficiency certificate. Please check the minimum requirements at: https://www.ucc.ie/en/study/comparison/english/.
Funding Details and Further information
This full-time PhD position is funded for 4 years including a stipend of €25,000 per annum. The studentship will also cover fees at the rate for EU students. Enrolment in PhD degree programme is subjected to academic approval.
Informal enquiriesabout the PhD positions can be made by email to Professor Van Sinderen (d.vansinderen@ucc.ie) or Professor Jan Knol (Jan.Knol@danone.com).
To Apply:
To Apply (for either of the two PhD positions):
Please email the following information to Catherine O’Leary (catherine.oleary@ucc.ie) as a single PDF file:
- A one-page cover letter outlining relevant experience and motivation to participate in a PhD degree programme.
- A Curriculum Vitae including your education history, courses, awards and skills (in English and inclusive of academic grades and contact details for at least two references).
The deadline for applications is 5pm, Friday 6thof March 2026. Applications received after the deadline will not be considered. Please quote “PhD position in bifidobacterial genomics and biology” on the subject line of your email.
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