Post-doctoral Researcher In Milk Microbiome

Job Summary

Duration:

Temporary Externally Funded Non Grant-in-Aid contract post, the indicative duration of which is 16 months, subject to contract. A panel may be formed from which future similar vacancies may be filled; such a panel will remain active for a maximum period of 12 months.

Basic Function

A research scientist at post-doctorate level is required for high throughput sequencing (shotgun metagenomics)-based analysis of the dairy milk microbiome. These milk samples have been collected from multiple locations over an extended time, providing a unique opportunity to determine how different factors (season, location, weather) might influence the milk microbiome. The role will primarily focus on the bioinformatic analysis of data to assess diversity, taxonomy (including at strain level) and functional potential as well as investigating correlations with metadata. Experience in contributing to DNA extraction and sequence library preparation is also desirable (but not essential). The successful candidate will be part of the successful Vision 1/Cotter research team and integrate with other researchers with considerable experience in the analysis of microbiomes of relevance to foods, food chains and human health.

Background to 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. 

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 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) or other designated manager in conjunction with the Head of Department.

Background to Project

The role in funded through the SFI Research Centre, VistaMilk (https://www.vistamilk.ie), which represents a unique collaboration between Agri-Food and information communications technology (ICT) research institutes and leading Irish/multinational food and ICT companies. Funded by Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) and the Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine (DAFM).

Job Objectives

Duties & Responsibilities specific to this project:

• Bioinformatic analysis of milk microbiome data generated through shotgun metagenomics and correlation with metadata

• To take a leading role in the further development of the research

• Work closely within a team of researchers and PIs from Teagasc and partner institutions as well as the mentoring of students and early-stage researchers in the research group

• Preparation of research manuscripts for high impacting peer review journals

• Represent Teagasc at meetings focusing on omics analysis and high throughput sequencing technologies

• Participate in Education and Outreach activities

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 they may arise and be assigned by management 

Skills Required

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 or microbiology

• Relevant research experience not to exceed 3 years’ post-PhD

• Demonstrated research and technical expertise in bioinformatics, with a particular emphasis of the analysis of shotgun metagenomics data 

• 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

• 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 DNA extraction and/or preparing samples for metagenomic sequencing

• Experience in setting own research agenda

• Evidence of teamwork and collaboration with relevant partners

Attachment:

PD1_I_471279b2-af31-44cb-80d7-699f35240e83.pdf