Basic Function:

The Post-Doctoral Scientist will work on a Horizon Europe funded project ‘SUSTAIN-A-BITE’. The successful candidate will perform laboratory-based research on minimally processed, plant-based foods. The research will focus on tracking digestion of these foods by employing lab-based gastrointestinal digestion protocols. The scientist will also culture intestinal cell lines, maturing them into an in vitro gut barrier. The scientist will investigate absorption of food digesta (protein and vitamins) across this barrier. Health checks on this gut barrier, in response to these novel foods, will also be evaluated. The satiating capacity of the foods will be evaluated by measuring hormone responses of enteroendocrine cells to digesta. The successful candidate will interact with the wider SUSTAIN-A-BITE team to share digesta samples and data. It is a requirement that the successful candidate publish results from the project in high impact peer-reviewed journals.

Background:

As part of a European consortium, Teagasc was awarded funding by Horizon Europe HORIZON-CL6-2024-FARM2FORK-01-2: SUSTAIN-A-BITE ‘Propelling Health and Sustainability Through Innovative Food Products and Processes’. Teagasc’s role in SUSTAIN-A-BITE is to evaluate foods in terms of digestion, gut barrier health and absorption. We will do this by using lab-based digestion protocols and pre-clinical cell models. Teagasc is a well-recognised international leader in this research area, and will build on this experience within SUSTAIN-A-BITE.

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 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 Linda Giblin or other designated manager in conjunction with the Head of Department. 

Gain first-hand insights into the Teagasc Post-Doctoral Fellowship Programme from those who've lived it.  Click here to explore their stories.

Duties & Responsibilities specific to this project:

• To perform in vitro gastro-intestinal digestion (INFOGEST) of food prototypes
• To differentiate intestinal cells (Caco-2/HT29MTX) into pre-clinical models of the gut barrier
• To track protein digestion (degree of protein hydrolysis, SDS-PAGE and Size Exclusion Chromatography)
• To perform health checks on intestinal cells (Real-time PCR, western blots, cytokine quantification)
• To track protein and vitamin absorption across the in vitro gut barrier
• To measure satiety hormones in enteroendocrine cells in response to digesta

 
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.
• To 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 cell biology, protein chemistry, molecular biology, biochemistry or related discipline
• Relevant research experience not to exceed 3 years’ post-PhD
• Demonstrated research and technical expertise in cell biology &/or protein chemistry &/or molecular biology
• 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
• Commitment to teamwork and collaborating with colleagues as per our Teagasc Together ethos
• 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 INFOGEST gastrointestinal protocols
• Experience in culturing immortalised adherent cells
• Experience in quantifying water soluble vitamins
• Experience in setting own research agenda
• Evidence of teamwork and collaboration with relevant partners