Basic Function:

The candidate will be working alongside a PhD student and a wide range of scientists from UCD and AFBI to collect samples and information in Irish pig herds. The analytical element of the project will be developed by another team within the project. The candidate will help develop the sampling plan and will monitor the farms during the project and changes in general health of the herds. The post-doctoral fellow is expected to have the skills and knowledge to be able to help with the design and performing the sampling, analyses and publication of the results. There may be an element of human sampling at some point in the project.

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.

Background:

The Teagasc Pig and Poultry Research and Knowledge Transfer Department carries out research, KT and education for the Irish pig and poultry sectors. One of the main challenges that these sectors are facing in recent years is the need to reduce infectious diseases. The post-doctoral fellow will join a cutting-edge interdisciplinary project using the latest molecular techniques to monitor Influenza in pig herds and create the first data set in the Republic of Ireland.

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 Edgar Garcia Manzanilla or other designated manager in conjunction with the Head of Department. 

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Duties & Responsibilities specific to this project:

• Developing and implementing sampling programmes in Irish commercial pig farms.
• Basic laboratory processing and analysis of oral fluids, blood and faeces.
• Bioinformatic analysis of virome, microbiome and resistome.
• Advanced statistical analysis and publication of the results.

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.

Essential

• PhD in animal science, veterinary or related before the start of the contract
• Relevant research experience not to exceed 3 years’ post-PhD
• 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

• Additional desirable criteria can be included by the PI as required
• Experience working with Irish pig farmers would be a plus
• Experience in setting own research agenda
• Evidence of teamwork and collaboration with relevant partners