Multi-scale hyperspectral imaging for enhanced understanding and control of food microbiology

Hyperspectral imaging (HSI) goes beyond the capabilities of conventional imaging and spectroscopy by obtaining spatially resolved spectra from targets at spatial resolutions varying from the level of single cells up to macroscopic objects. Recent developments in hardware have made it possible to obtain macroscopic HSI data using rapid, low cost hand-held systems which have the potential to vastly improve the food industry’s ability to rapidly identify microbial contamination along the processing chain.

However, this potential is hampered by two key challenges. Firstly, there is a lack of knowledge of the underlying biochemical reactions resulting in changes in spectra of contaminated foods that occur at the macroscopic level. This makes it difficult to separate changes in the spectra due to natural senescence from those due to microbial growth. Secondly, there is no existing methodology to link microscopic, mesoscopic and macroscopic HSI of bacterial colonies. Hyper Micro Macro addresses these challenges by:

1. Investigating microbial growth in food matrices and surfaces using HSI across different spatial and spectral modalities (including reflectance and fluorescence) combined with microbial characterisation and high throughput sequencing. 2. Developing new chemometric approaches to combine the data from (1) to better understand these processes.

A vacancy exists for a Post-doctoral Research Fellow – level 2. The successful candidate will initially be employed on a 2 year contract (at PD2 level). Subject to satisfactory performance and outputs related to the research aspects of the role and including satisfactory skill and competency development, in line with the UCD Research Skills and Career Development framework, a second two year contract may be available to the individual at PD 2 level or in the case of outstanding performance, and as assessed against the UCD Research Fellow Criteria, at Research Fellow level.

This is an advanced research focused role, building on your prior experience as a post-doctoral fellow, where you will conduct a specified programme of research supported by research training under the supervision and direction of a Principal Investigator. The primary purpose of the role is to develop new or advanced research skills and competences, on the processes of publication in peer-reviewed academic publications and scholarly dissemination, the development of funding proposals, and the supervision and mentorship of graduate students along with the opportunity to develop your skills in research led teaching.

Salary: €38,155 - €46,255 per annum Appointment on the above range will be dependent on qualifications and experience