Basic Function:

The successful candidate will work on consumer- and stakeholder-focused approaches to investigate and develop solutions to prevent vitamin D deficiency in Ireland. The work will include design, implementation and analysis of a consumer survey. Using a design-thinking approach, the successful candidate will also engage with relevant stakeholders in policy, industry, civil society and the scientific community to identify and refine solutions to address the problem of endemic vitamin D deficiency. Quantitative and qualitative research approaches to identify and analyse the barriers, risks and uncertainties inherent in solving the challenge will be used to develop and consider a range of evidence-based solutions to tackle vitamin D deficiency within a national framework.

Background:

Vitamin D deficiency is common across Europe, especially in Ireland. It can have a negative impact on skeletal development among children and contribute to ill-health among adults, including impaired immune defence. Vitamin D deficiency is due to a combination of low sunlight and/or low vitamin D intake. Limited sun availability in Ireland means that we are dependent on food to supply vitamin D, but because the amount of vitamin D in our food system is low, our intake of vitamin D is also low. Fortifying food can potentially prevent vitamin D deficiency. Using a multi-actor approach, the VitD-DPI [Vitamin D-Deficiency Prevention IRELAND] project aims to present a policy-ready National Framework for Vitamin D Deficiency Prevention, developed using a collaborative and multi-actor approach, engaging expert and citizen stakeholders across Irish society.

This research forms part of a larger Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine FIRM funded research project involving a transdisciplinary, inter-institutional team. This affords the successful candidate a unique opportunity to work within a diverse team of food experts in a vibrant and friendly research environment.

Background to the 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.  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 Dr. Sinead McCarthy or other designated manager in conjunction with the Head of Department.

Duties & Responsibilities specific to this project:

• To apply a range of qualitative and quantitative methods, coupled with suitable methodologies and statistical analysis to characterise and unlock the potential for vitamin D fortification to prevent deficiencies in the population
• To manage analysis and interpretation of data from a large-scale consumer survey
• To conduct co-design workshops with stakeholders
• To submit peer review publications for high impact journals and dissemination the research findings at scientific and non-scientific events
• To prepare reports and presentations for delivery to the wider scientific community and stakeholders for the project
   
  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 Nutritional Science, Public Health, Food Science, Food Marketing, Psychology, or other relevant discipline.
• Relevant research experience not to exceed 3 years’ post-PhD.
• Demonstrated  understanding of the role of fortified foods in the diet and experience in consumer surveys, statistical analysis and segmentation analysis.
• Knowledge of SPSS or similar statistical packages
• Knowledge of  data modelling.
• 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 peer review publications, aptitude for multidisciplinary approaches, qualitative research experience.
• Experience in co-design or similar qualitative research understanding.
• Experience with NVIVO or similar qualitative software knowledge and experience.
• Experience in setting own research agenda
• Evidence of teamwork and collaboration with relevant partners