Basic Function:
The successful candidate will work on consumer- and stakeholder-focused approaches to investigate and develop solutions to prevent vitamin D deficiency in Ireland. The work will include design, implementation and analysis of a consumer survey. Using a design-thinking approach, the successful candidate will also engage with relevant stakeholders in policy, industry, civil society and the scientific community to identify and refine solutions to address the problem of endemic vitamin D deficiency. Quantitative and qualitative research approaches to identify and analyse the barriers, risks and uncertainties inherent in solving the challenge will be used to develop and consider a range of evidence-based solutions to tackle vitamin D deficiency within a national framework.
Background:
Vitamin D deficiency is common across Europe, especially in Ireland. It can have a negative impact on skeletal development among children and contribute to ill-health among adults, including impaired immune defence. Vitamin D deficiency is due to a combination of low sunlight and/or low vitamin D intake. Limited sun availability in Ireland means that we are dependent on food to supply vitamin D, but because the amount of vitamin D in our food system is low, our intake of vitamin D is also low. Fortifying food can potentially prevent vitamin D deficiency. Using a multi-actor approach, the VitD-DPI [Vitamin D-Deficiency Prevention IRELAND] project aims to present a policy-ready National Framework for Vitamin D Deficiency Prevention, developed using a collaborative and multi-actor approach, engaging expert and citizen stakeholders across Irish society.
This research forms part of a larger Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine FIRM funded research project involving a transdisciplinary, inter-institutional team. This affords the successful candidate a unique opportunity to work within a diverse team of food experts in a vibrant and friendly research environment.
Background to Teagasc Post-Doctoral Programme:
The Teagasc post-doctoral programme provides training and development opportunities for early career scientists that enhances their experience of learning and equips them with the necessary skills for the next stage of their chosen career in research. Appointees to a Teagasc Post-Doctoral Fellowship will be required to undertake a Level 9 Professional Diploma in Researcher Development delivered by University College Dublin (UCD).
This professional diploma is a flexible, modular programme which embraces a blended learning approach to align with the Post-Doctoral Fellow's role in Teagasc. It is designed to develop competencies and transferable skills in research, professionalism, communication and career development. The majority of the programme is delivered online with the remaining elements delivered in-person at Teagasc locations. This blended approach affords the Post-Doctoral Fellow the opportunity to meet and network with other Teagasc colleagues. During the course of the diploma Post-Doctoral Fellows will have access to a full range of supports including the UCD library, writing centre and careers centre.
This is a research focused training role, the primary purpose of which is to provide early career scientists with the opportunity to develop their research skills and competencies.
The Post-Doctoral Fellow will, while working in conjunction with senior research staff, gain insight and experience into a variety of areas including the processes of project and budgetary management, publishing in peer-reviewed academic journals, writing grant applications, and attracting external funding; the development of active collaboration with relevant national and international research communities; the development of communication and presentation skills, leadership and management skills, and overall career development.
Modules will be conducted under the supervision and direction of Dr. Sinead McCarthy or other designated manager in conjunction with the Head of Department.
A detailed job specification can be accessed on our website at
www.teagasc.ie/opportunitiesTo apply interested applicants are required to set up their profile on TOPJobs (
https://topjobs-teagasc.thehirelab.com/Account/WizzkiLogin), the Teagasc recruitment portal.
Find out more about our recruitment process on
https://www.teagasc.ie/about/opportunities/the-recruitment-process/ Closing Time/Date: 9th May 2024 @ 12:00
Salary Range: Post Doc (Level 1) with a Salary Scale of €42,206 to €46,447
Duration: 18 Months
Location: Food Research Centre, Teagasc, Ashtown, Dublin 15, D15 KN3K
