Basic Function:

Teagasc seeks to recruit a Postdoctoral Researcher (PD1) to an exciting Research Ireland funded position. The successful candidate will be a self-motivated researcher who will be involved in generating a better understanding of the microbial components of milk kefir and water kefir and how they can be applied to make new and better fermented beverages. This will be done using classical microbiological techniques and omics approaches.

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.

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 Project Leader Professor Paul Cotter 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:

• High throughput culturing of fermented beverage microorganisms
• In vitro characterisation of fermented beverage microorganisms
• Generate new defined communities of fermented beverage starter cultures
• Scaling up fermented beverage production

 
Additional Duties & Responsibilities:

• To disseminate research findings to a variety of audiences as appropriate.
• 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 complete all time records on SmartSimple in a timely manner.
• 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 Microbiology
• Relevant research experience not to exceed 3 years’ post-PhD
• Demonstrated research and technical expertise in one or more of the following:

1. Culturing of a wide range of fermented food/beverage microorganisms   
2. In vitro characterization of fermentation-associated microorganisms
3. Generation of defined communities for fermented food/beverage production

• 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 of scaling up fermented food/beverage production
• Experience in analyzing microbial genomic and/or shotgun metagenomic data
• Evidence of teamwork and collaboration with relevant partners.
• Experience in setting own research agenda
• Evidence of teamwork and collaboration with relevant partners

Gender, Diversity and Inclusion

At all levels in Teagasc, we believe in growing and keeping alive an open, diverse and inclusive workplace which is respectful to all and nurtures different perspectives, for the benefit of all in the organisation.

We are committed to the principles of 'Equal Opportunities, No Barriers, Active Inclusion'.

We actively welcome applications from people from diverse backgrounds.