Basic Function:

Teagasc seeks to recruit an enthusiastic, ambitious post-doctoral scientist to funded position as part of the Horizon Europe funded project CoDiet. The successful candidate will have experience in the analysis of shotgun microbiome data from human gut samples and multi-omic data integration.

Background:

The Teagasc Food Programme is located at two sites, Moorepark Food Research Centre (Fermoy, Co. Cork). The programme is based on applied research which involves significant industry engagement. In addition to its own programme, Teagasc participates in many large research initiatives ( VistaMilk Centre, the Dairy Processing Technology Centre, Meat Technology Ireland, Food for Health Ireland) with industry partners and other research providers in the university sector. The current role will be located at the Moorepark research site, where significant food and health related research takes place and which hosts relevant infrastructure such as the Moorepark Technology Ltd. pilot plant, a dedicated food safety laboratory, the Teagasc DNA Sequencing Centre, The National Food Imaging Centre and a Food Biotest facility.

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 Orla OSullivan 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:

• Responsible for the analysis of shotgun metagenomic data.
• Integration of multi-omic datasets.
• Liasing with other partners from CoDiet
• Be willing to regularly upskill, including through attending workshops and training courses, in this and related areas.
• Engage in Education and Public Engagement activities.
• Generating publications.

 
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 Bioinformatics, Molecular Biology, Microbiology or related field
• Relevant research experience not to exceed 3 years’ post-PhD
• Demonstrated research and technical expertise in analysis of shotgun sequence data from microbiomes and combining of multi-omic datasets.
• 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 setting own research agenda
• Evidence of teamwork and collaboration with relevant partners