Basic Function

Teagasc seeks to recruit a Research Officer to an exciting Research Ireland funded position. The successful candidate will be a self-motivated researcher who will be involved in all aspects of the project, with a particular focus on microbiology, fermented food development, microbiome analysis/bioinformatics (shotgun metagenomics and/or metatranscriptomic/RNASeq), as well as contributing to animal studies. Other tasks will include working with Prof Cotter to coordinate budgets and manage administrative aspects, data, risk, logistics and timelines. They will also work closely with two InFer funded PhD students, collaborators and the funding agency.

Background

Research Ireland has funded the project entitled “InFer: Investigating the specific impact of fermented foods, and associated components, on the gut microbiome and health”. InFer is led by Teagasc through Professor Paul Cotter.  The focus of the project is to identify and optimise the microorganisms and other components present in specific fermented foods, and to assess their impact on gut health using in vivo models.

• Characterise fermented foods and gut microbiomes
• Culture fermented food microbes to generate new communities and foods
• Contribute to animal studies
• Contribute to management of the project and supervision of PhD students
• To assist Teagasc in meeting the commitments of the Quality Customer Service Charter and Action Plan.
• To actively participate in the annual business planning and Performance Management Development System (PMDS) processes.
• 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.
• Any other duties as may be assigned from time to time

* This job specification is intended as a guide to the general range of duties and is intended to be neither definitive nor restrictive.  It will be reviewed from time to time with the post holder.

 Note:  The ‘essential’ qualifications, knowledge, skills and behavioural competencies outlined above are ‘must-have’ which will be used in the selection process.