Senior Post Doctoral Researcher, DNA computing

Maynooth University is committed to a strategy in which the primary University goals of excellent research and scholarship and outstanding education are interlinked and equally valued. We are seeking applications for a Senior Postdoctoral Researcher on the topics of DNA computing, DNA data storage, and DNA nanostructures in the research group () of Professor Damien Woods at the Hamilton Institute, with a possible co-appointment in the Department of Computer Science. EU and Irish national funding is provided by the DISCO project funded by the EIC Pathfinder Challenge programme (), and the Active Tiles project funded by Science Foundation Ireland Frontiers of the Future Programme (SFI FFP). The role involves engineering DNA-based self-assembly systems, DNA/molecular computers, and DNA data-storage systems in the wet-lab. Specifically, topics include:

1. Designing and implementing DNA nanostructures for DNA computing and DNA storage for the EIC DISCO project (DNA based Infrastructure for Storage and Computation).
2. Control of nucleation for DNA tile-based self-assembly (SFI FFP project: Active DNA tiles for programmable nucleation of robust DNA).

Both topics involve designing DNA nanostructures, including DNA origami, DNA tile-based systems, and DNA computers of any/every kind including new, imaginative designs. Ideal candidates will have familiarity with such systems and should demonstrate the ability to carefully design and execute wet-lab experiments. Another potential direction is on theory; mathematically and computationally analyzing the computational power of molecular computers. The successful candidate will develop their research skills, publish high-quality work, receive training and mentorship in grant funding applications, supervise students, and advance their academic career. We seek creative individuals willing to take initiative on research directions in an exciting and foundational research topic and who wish to define the future of the field. Furthermore, the ideal candidate for Senior Post-Doctoral Researcher should have a PhD (or equivalent research experience) and a background in experimental practice of DNA-based molecular computing, and/or in theoretical computer science. Candidates with a theoretical background and experience are welcome but should demonstrate a keen interest and/or understanding of chemical, biochemical, physical theory relevant for thinking about molecular processes such as self-assembly, molecular robotics, and/or chemical reaction networks. Also, candidates with a background in bioengineering, synthetic biology, molecular self-assembly, physics, chemistry, and other related fields will be considered, but should have an interest in applying ideas from algorithms and computer programming to the molecular setting. The ideal candidate should have a history of outstanding research publications commensurate with career stage, which will be used as criteria to assess suitability. In addition, candidates applying should have relevant post-PhD experience suited to the role, specifically at least two years of post-doctoral research experience of relevance to the project (typically academia, but research-focused industry experience too providing there is appropriate justification). Appointments will be made in accordance with public sector pay provisions. Closing Date: 23:30hrs (local Irish time) on Sunday, 23rd March 2025. Please note all applications must be made via our Online Recruitment Portal at the following link: Applicants should submit a CV along with a cover letter. The cover letter should be a research statement of up to 4 pages articulating suitability for the position. Candidates are free to choose the content for their research statement as they please, keeping the job description and above criteria in mind; suggested topics include (a) research vision and plans, and (b) justification of why experience, interests, and research plans make them an ideal candidate. Applications must be submitted by the closing date and time specified above. Any applications which are still in progress at the closing time on the specified closing date will be cancelled automatically by the system. Late applications will not be accepted. Maynooth University is an equal opportunities employer. The position is subject to the Statutes of the University. #J-18808-Ljbffr