Basic Function:

Teagasc is looking to recruit an enthusiastic, ambitious post-doctoral scientist to an APC Microbiome Ireland funded position (apc.ucc.ie) with extensive expertise in microbiome science, and Bioinformatics.This post-doctoral scientist will work as part of a team focusing on analysis of extensive datasets on the bacterial communities in the gut and how mode of birth and/or antibiotic exposure influences these communities. Experience in bioinformatics, including analysis of gut microbiota composition using cutting edge computational approaches and functional potential is relevant to the role.

Background:

Infant gut microbiota can be severely depleted in infants born by C-section or exposed to antibiotics. The PD2 will be involved in an APC Microbiome Ireland research project in collaboration with UCC and will work as part of a team focusing on microbiome science and bioinformatics analysis for determination of gut microbiota composition and functional potential of the microbiome. Experience in bioinformatics, microbiology, statistics, molecular biology, analysis of gut microbiota composition and functional potential is highly relevant to the role

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 whcih 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 PD Fellow will, while working in conjunction with senior research staff, gain insight and experience into a variety of areas including the process 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 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:

• To undertake microbiome science for determination of gut microbiota composition and functional potential of the human gut microbiome via 16S rDNA and metagenomics sequencing and bioinformatics analysis
• To provide assistance in conducting research activities, including planning, organizing, conducting, and communicating research studies within the overall scope of a research project.
•  To coordinate and perform a variety of independent and team activities involved in the collection, analysis, documentation and interpretation of information/results.
• To aid with the preparation of reports for the project and contribute to outreach activities
• To write the results up for publication in high impact scientific journals

 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.
• 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 may arise or as 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, Bioinformatics, Genetics, molecular biology, with experience of analysis of gut microbiota composition and functional potential.
• A minimum of 3 years and not more than 5 years’ relevant research experience
• Demonstrated research and technical expertise in microbiome science - based research projects and knowledge of the techniques used.
• Track record of researcher dissemination including peer-reviewed publications
• Experience in generation of shotgun metagenomic datasets and targeting specific genomes of interest from said datasets.
• Research experience in genotypic and phenotypic characterization of novel bacterial strains.
• Strong 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
• Proven record of collaboration with team members and PhD students to help build research knowledge and skill and to guide professional development
• An ability to collaborate with team members and PhD students to help build research knowledge and skill and to guide professional development
• Excellent communication skills (oral, written, presentation) with a demonstrated ability to enable effective knowledge and technology transfer
• Demonstrated ability to generate new ideas, unique concepts, models and solutions

 Desirable

• Experience in using the R bio-statistical tool or equivalent
• Experience in human gut microbiome research projects
• Full driving license
• Experience in setting own research agenda
• Evidence of teamwork and collaboration with relevant partners
• Knowledge of intellectual property management (IP) processes and how to protect research findings
• Management of PhD students to build research skill and knowledge and to support and guide their professional development