Basic Function:

Teagasc is seeking to recruit a highly motivated Postdoctoral Fellow in Food Science/Chemistry/Biochemistry/Nutrition for an industry-funded position. The aim of the project is to assess the in vitro digestive behaviour of nutritional beverages, consumer foods and food ingredients, and to relate the nutritional profiles to their techno-functional properties.

The successful candidate will be responsible for wet-chemistry laboratory activities, project management and communication with the industry client. In vitro digestion methods will include the Infogest static and semi-dynamic protocols including down-stream analysis. The candidate is expected to have the knowledge and skills to design and carry out in vitro digestion experiments, generate and analyse data and write up results.

Background:

Collaborative industry projects are central to the Teagasc Food Programme. In this project we will use high‑quality scientific methods to solve applied problems and deliver innovative, practical solutions, in collaboration with a multi-national client.

The Protein Chemistry, Food Structure and Digestion group is led by Dr André Brodkorb and is based at the Teagasc Food Research Centre (TFRC) Moorepark. The group comprises 8 to 12 scientists - PhD students, postdoctoral researchers and research scientists - from around the world and is internationally recognised as a centre of excellence in protein science and food digestion.

The group’s research focuses on the structure–function relationships of foods and food ingredients, with particular emphasis on proteins and hydrocolloids. Projects span the full “source to delivery” continuum: production, processing, storage through to consumption and gastro-intestinal transit (in vitro and in vivo). We also apply structuring strategies to develop encapsulation systems for the delivery of bioactives using protein/polysaccharide aggregates and microgels. A range of state‑of‑the‑art equipment and facilities is available within the Food Chemistry and Technology Department at TFRC Moorepark.

The group’s post-doctoral fellows also engage in various outreach activities, including monthly food digestion webinars (YouTube channel @fooddigestion) and in-person public events

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 Andre Brodkorb 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:

• Undertake research and analysis at laboratory scale
• Apply in vitro digestion models (static and semi-dynamic) to study the digestive fate of food samples.
• Perform microstructural analysis of food and in vitro digesta samples.
• Perform biochemical analyses to characterize food samples and to quantify nutrient breakdown during in vitro digestion.
• Collaborate with the industrial partner to present results and plan experimental work as appropriate.
• Prepare research reports for Teagasc and industry partners.

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 food science/technology, nutrition, chemistry, biochemistry or related discipline
• Relevant research experience not to exceed 3 years’ post-PhD
• Demonstrated research and technical expertise in (wet) laboratory skills in one or more of the following areas: structural and/or analytical characterisation of food samples/ingredients, protein/peptide analysis, in vitro digestion methods, advanced microscopy.
• 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 lab-based food digestion models and/or characterization of digesta (demonstrated research and technical expertise in these areas would be highly desirable).
• Experience in setting own research agenda
• Evidence of teamwork and collaboration with relevant partners
• Track record of scientific publication in peer-reviewed journals.

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.