Basic Function:
Teagasc seeks to recruit an early career post-doctoral scientist to a Cystic Fibrosis Foundation funded position. The successful candidate will have experience in the extraction of DNA, preparation of shotgun metagenomics sequencing libraries and analysis of shotgun microbiome data from multiple sources (human, animal, fermented foods, food chain) including the correlation of MAG (metagenome assembled genomes), taxonomic, functional and diversity related outputs with other data. The successful candidate will have a track record in this area of analysis across a variety of microbiomes.
Background:
The funding for this project was received from the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. This foundation is the world's leader in the search for a cure for CF and supports a broad range of research initiatives to tackle the disease from all angles.
Approximately 80,000 people in the world and 1,200 people in Ireland have Cystic fibrosis (CF). CF is a multisystem disorder caused by a mutation in a gene that encodes cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance (CFTR) protein. Lung disease is responsible for the majority of the morbidity and mortality in CF. Predicted survival for individuals with CF currently exceeds forty years, however the current mean age of death is still in the twenties. Medications that can modulate the natural history of CF and minimize, or even prevent, the development of life-threatening consequences of CF have been long sought after, particularly if these can be commenced in young children prior to the development of organ damage and irreversible disease. The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation have funded a study entitled RECOVER, with partner institutions including (but not limited to) the National Children's Research Centre, Royal College of Surgeons and Teagasc. One aspect of the RECOVER project is an investigation of the changes in abdominal manifestations of CF on modulator therapy and the relationships between these changes and other important treatment outcomes such as sweat chloride response, nutritional outcomes and pulmonary outcomes. A bank of CF microbiome samples (stool, sputum and nasal lavage samples) are ready to be analysed at Teagasc. Teagasc have a long history in microbiome research. The Teagasc Sequencing Centre has a large high throughput DNA sequencing platform and an associated bioinformatics platform, which facilitates the in-depth investigation of microbial communities. The appointed post-doctoral scientist will work on the bank of CF microbiome samples and will carry out DNA extraction, shotgun sequencing and the bioinformatic analysis required to reveal the taxonomic profile and functional potential of the CF microbiomes.
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 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 the Prof. Paul Cotter 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 (
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: 11th April 2024 @ 12:00pm
Duration: 12 Months
Location: Food Research Centre, Teagasc, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co Cork, P61 C996
