Duration: Temporary Post-Doctoral Appointment. This is an externally funded non Grant-in-Aid contract post, the indicative duration of which is 50 months, subject to contract. A panel may be formed from which future similar vacancies may be filled; such a panel will remain active for a maximum period of 12 months.
Location: Food Research Centre, Teagasc, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co Cork, P61 C996
Basic Function:
Teagasc seeks to recruit an enthusiastic, ambitious post-doctoral scientist to a H2020 funded position as part of the DOMINO project. The successful candidate will have experience in the analysis of shotgun microbiome data from the gut microbiome and the generation of outputs from that data. In particular, experience in the analysis of outputs from human clinical trials, animal trials and combining multi-omic datasets is essential.
Background:
DOMINO is an EU H2020-funded Research Innovation Action commenced in March 2023. Teagasc is key a partner in DOMINO which aims to harness the microbial potential of fermented foods for healthy and sustainable food systems. Overall, the project takes a multipronged approach to address these challenges. Randomised control trials will seek to establish a functional impact of fermented foods on health. Microbiome expertise will be used to develop new and novel fermented foods, and improve the sustainability of the food production process via the application of synthetic ecology-based approaches. Associated analysis methods will generate informatics tools for the wider research community. In addition, the project will assess the public perception of fermented foods from groups across Europe, and incorporate this into the design and development components of the project.
The Teagasc Food Programme is located at two sites, Moorepark Food Research Centre (Fermoy, Co. Cork) and Ashtown Food Research Centre (Dublin 15). The programme is based on applied research which involves significant industry engagement. In addition to its own programme, Teagasc participates in many large research initiatives (APC Microbiome Ireland, VistaMilk Centre, the Dairy Processing Technology Centre, Meat Technology Ireland, Food for Health Ireland) with industry partners and other research providers in the university sector. The current role will be located at the Moorepark research site, where significant food and health related research takes place and which hosts relevant infrastructure such as the Moorepark Technology Ltd. pilot plant, a dedicated food safety laboratory, the Teagasc/APC Microbiome Ireland DNA Sequencing Centre, The National Food Imaging Centre and a planned Food Biotest facility.
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 PD 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 Orla O'Sullivan 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/opportunities To apply interested applicants are required to set up their profile on TOPJobs, the Teagasc recruitment portal.
Find out more about our recruitment process on
https://www.teagasc.ie/about/opportunities/the-recruitment-process/
