Funded PhD Position jobs

Duration:

Temporary Post-Doctoral Appointment. This is an externally funded non Grant-in-Aid contract post, the indicative duration of which is 10 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:

We wish to recruit a dynamic and suitably qualified post doctoral researcher to support the BoviTB project with particular focus on epidemiological modelling of national TB testing data and animal health data. The successful candidate will be involved in both data analysis and modelling activities and project management activities at the Teagasc Dairy Research Centre, Moorepark. The successful candidate will have proven experience in animal science, data analysis, working in a team environment, have a keen interest in epidemiology and be a good communicator with a capacity to organise, manage and prioritise workload.

Background:

Teagasc has an international reputation for researching and developing pasture-based systems of livestock production. Teagasc Moorepark is the site of the dairy research programme and it investigates aspects of dairy production research such as nutrition and milk composition, grassland and grazing management, breeding and reproduction, health and welfare, milking technology, milk production systems, environmental and economic analysis. Teagasc Moorepark are seeking to appoint a highly qualified and enthusiastic Post Doctoral Fellow to support a Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) funded project entitled BoviTB. The objective of BoviTB is to to investigate the factors that may affect the outcome of bovine tuberculosis tests in cattle in Ireland.

Eradication of bovine tuberculosis (bTB) remains a significant challenge in Ireland and internationally. The single intradermal comparative cervical tuberculin (SICCT) test is used to screen all cattle herds for infection annually, with the gamma-interferon test being used also in certain cases to increase sensitivity. Both of these tests rely on the animals’ own immune system to detect infection. It is well established that physiological stress can lead in immunosuppression in both humans and animals, and it is hypothesised that it may therefore impact TB diagnostic test performance which rely on the hosts' immunological response. To test this hypothesis, the BoviTB project will conduct a large retrospective data analysis using data from 2018-2022, combining animal-level data from various sources. The successful candidate will be based in Teagasc Moorepark for the duration of 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. 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 Niamh Field 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:

• Compiling nationally available data and reviewing literature on bovine tuberculosis testing, bovine health parameters and production-related stress.
• Cleaning and merging of data to create new animal-level datasets incorporating TB testing data, animal health data and herd-level data.
• Working with the BoviTB team to model the effect of various physiological stressors on the performance of TB tests.
• Maintaining high standards of data management and organisation for the duration of the project.
• Lead meetings with project partners to facilitate data sharing and collaboration.
• Ensure all research and statistical methods employed during the project are appropriate and effective for each task.

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 Science or related discipline
• Relevant research experience not to exceed 3 years’ post-PhD
• Demonstrated research and technical expertise in managing, manipulating and analysing large animal-level datasets
• 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 bovine infectious disease
• Experience in setting own research agenda
• Evidence of teamwork and collaboration with relevant partners
• Experience in epidemiological research
• Experience in advanced statistical analysis including regression modelling and machine learning

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.