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February 7, 2023   •   News

Postdoc Opportunity: Microbiome Researcher

Closing Date: 24 February 2023, 12pm (Irish Time)

Location: Teagasc, Ireland

Full information on this role and how to apply can be found HERE.


Background

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.

The agri-food sector is Ireland’s largest indigenous industry and a key player in the national economy. Sustainability of ruminant production has implications for the environment, the economy and food security. ‘Microbiome’ is a term that describes the genome of all the microorganisms, symbiotic and pathogenic, living in and on all vertebrates. Microbiomes associated with the host play a key role in health, welfare and environmental efficiency in ruminant production systems. This post doctoral fellowship is part of a large international project called ‘HoloRuminant’, funded by the EU Horizon 2020 Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (2014-2020). The goal of the project is to elucidate the development and role of ruminant-associated microbiomes and their interplay with the host in early life and throughout fundamental life events. The project will use a holistic multi-omics approach to characterise the acquisition and evolution of microbiomes from different ruminant body sites and their influence on the host’s resistance to disease and environmental efficiency of production. The project will determine microbiomes’ functions by combining multi-level information for microbes, host and their interaction; define microbiomes’ roles during challenging life periods such as perinatal, weaning, and after exposure to pathogens; and evaluate the effect of ruminant microbiomes on critical phenotypes for sustainable production, health and welfare.

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.