Basic Function:

Teagasc seeks to recruit a Post-Doctoral Researcher to an externally funded position. The successful candidate will have experience in working with fermented foods, conducting colon model experiments, performing bioassays to test the anti-allergenic properties of these foods, and ideally, the analysis of 16S amplicon sequencing data, including generating taxonomic, functional and diversity related outputs using assembly-based and assembly-free approaches.

Background:

H&H and VistaMilk have funded the project entitled ”PLANTIALLERGY (Plant milk fermentates as anti-allergy ingredients).’’ The PLANTIALLERGY project is led by Teagasc through Dr Harsh Mathur in collaboration with University College Cork and APC Microbiome Ireland, with inputs from Prof. Liam O’Mahony and Prof. Paul Cotter.  The Teagasc component of the project, led by Dr Harsh Mathur is focused on the generation of novel plant-based fermented foods and downstream testing of their effects on the faecal microbiota of children afflicted with egg and milk allergies through a series of ex vivo human distal colon model bioassays analysis of microbiome data, generated through 16S amplicon sequencing. The UCC component of PLANTIALLERGY led by Prof. O’Mahony will involve evaluation of faecal water samples from the aforementioned colon model experiments and associated metabolites for their anti-allergenic effects, using cell culture-based bioassays. Teagasc are recruiting a microbiologist/cell biologist to lead this project. The successful candidate will then identify correlations between faecal microbiota profiles and anti-allergenic properties of these novel plant-based fermented foods.

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, the development of active collaboration with relevant national and international research communities, the development of communication and presentation skills and possible experience in the mentorship of students.

The Post-Doctoral Fellow will conduct a specified programme of research, supported by a modular training programme, which will include modules of relevance for the development of specific knowledge and research skills, professionalism and communication skills, leadership and management skills, and overall career development. Modules will be conducted under the supervision and direction of the  Project Leader Harsh Mathur or other designated manager in conjunction with the Head of Department.

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Duties & Responsibilities specific to this project:

• Generate novel plant-based fermented foods using substrates such as plant-based milk alternatives (PBMAs), oat-based substrates, amongst others by using previously characterised microbial strains from the APC and DPC Culture Collection banks.
• Use ex vivo models of the human distal colon to evaluate the effects of these novel plant-based fermented foods on the faecal microbiota of children afflicted with egg and milk allergies.
• Identify changes in community composition, functional potential and diversity through 16S amplicon sequencing from faecal samples used in the above-mentioned colon model assays.
• Isolate faecal water from the colon model experiments to identify associated metabolites for their anti-allergenic effects, using cell culture- based bioassays.
• Perform correlation analysis between the faecal microbiota and metabolite profiles and anti-allergenic effects.

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 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, Immunology, Biochemistry, Bioinformatics, Molecular Biology or related field.
• A Full driving licence is an essential requirement
• Relevant research experience not to exceed 3 years’ post-PhD
• Demonstrated research and technical expertise in generating plant-based fermented foods, performing colon model experiments or cell culture-based bioassays.
• 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 Microbiology, Immunology, Bioinformatics, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry would be a distinct advantage
• Experience in analysing 16S amplicon sequencing data.
• 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.