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 to  Project:

DOMINO is an EU H2020-funded Research Innovation Action commencing 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. 

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 the (Project Leader) or other designated manager in conjunction with the Head of Department.

Duties & Responsibilities specific to this project:

• Responsible for the analysis of shotgun metagneomic data from human and animal trials.

• Integration of multi-omic datasets.

• Liasing with other partners from the DOMINO consortium.

• Be willing to regularly upskill, including through attending workshops and training courses, in this and related areas.

• Engage in Education and Public Engagement activities.

• Generating publications.

 
Additional Duties & Responsibilities:

• To interpret research findings and prepare scientific and popular press publications.

• To disseminate research findings to a variety of audiences as appropriate.

• To assist Teagasc in meeting the commitments of the Quality Customer Service Charter and Action Plan.

• To comply with all relevant Teagasc policies and procedures.

• Fully co-operate with the provisions made for ensuring the health, safety and welfare of themselves, fellow staff and non-Teagasc staff and co-operate with management in enabling Teagasc to comply with legal obligations. This includes full compliance with the responsibilities outlined in the Safety Statement.

• To actively participate in the Teagasc Post Doctoral Fellowship programme and review processes, and to undertake all Post Doctoral fellowship training and associated duties as agreed in the Training & Development Plan.

• To take up additional duties as they may arise and be assigned by management.

This section outlines the qualifications, skills, knowledge and/or experience that the successful candidate would be required to demonstrate for successful discharge of the responsibilities of the post.  Applications will be assessed on how well candidates satisfy these criteria.

Essential

• PhD in Bioinformatics, Molecular Biology, Microbiology or related field.

• Relevant research experience not to exceed 3 years’ post-PhD.

• Demonstrated research and technical expertise in analysis of shotgun sequence data from microbiomes and combining of multi-moic datasets.

• Evidence of research activity (publications, conference presentations, awards) and future scholarly output (working papers, research proposals etc)

• Excellent project management, analytical, report writing and data analysis skills.

• An ability to collaborate with team members and PhD students to help build research knowledge and skill and to guide professional development.

• Excellent communication skills (oral, written, presentation) with an ability to enable effective knowledge and technology transfer.

• Ability to generate new ideas, unique concepts, models and solutions.

Desirable

• Experience in human and animal trial data.

• Experience in setting own research agenda.

• Evidence of teamwork and collaboration with relevant partners.