Post Doctoral Level 1 in Molecular Parasitology

Job title:

Post Doctoral Level 1 in Molecular Parasitology

Company:

Teagasc

Job description

Job DescriptionDuration:Temporary Post-Doctoral Appointment. This is an externally funded non Grant-in-Aid contract post, the indicative duration of which is 36 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:The successful candidate will be responsible for the development and application of new parasite diagnostic tools in farmed ruminant research. In particular, the role will involve the development of high-throughput, molecular diagnostics for gastrointestinal nematode speciation in Ireland i.e. the ‘nemabiome’ method. It will also involve application of existing and novel diagnostic tools for the detection of gastrointestinal nematode infection of ruminants and assessment of anthelmintic resistance and farm-specific, best practice parasite control management strategies. The candidate will be a part of the parasitology research team at Teagasc and also work closely with the wider project team in University College Dublin, Queen’s University Belfast, Animal Health Ireland and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the MarineBackground:Since anthelmintic drugs revolutionised parasite control of ruminant livestock in the 1960s, the risk of anthelmintic resistance (AR) development has been on the horizon. Our pasture-based production system in Ireland ensures livestock are continuously exposed to ubiquitous parasites such as gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN), which compromise animal health, welfare and productivity. Large numbers of larval and/or adult stages in the gastrointestinal tract cause pathophysiological changes and impact feed intake, nutrient use and production efficiency. Infection of ruminants with GIN was recently estimated to cost the Irish agriculture industry €60 million per annum. Our farming system relies heavily on the availability of effective drugs to control these pathogens. However, recent studies have demonstrated the presence of resistant GIN in Ireland. An inability to manage these ubiquitous parasites represents a major threat to our grass-based production system and our greenhouse gas emission targets. Strategies to manage GIN in the face of AR are urgently required. The recruited post-doctoral scientist will be part of a wider project team which aims to improve knowledge and awareness of AR among stakeholders, develop and validate diagnostic tools for wide-scale, national surveillance of AR, identify risk factors for AR and barriers to implementation of sustainable control practices and develop models of parasite population dynamics and demonstrate their ability to inform best practice parasite control on Irish cattle farms.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 or other designated manager in conjunction with the Head of Department.Job ObjectivesDuties & Responsibilities specific to this project:

• Develop and validate high-throughput, molecular diagnostics (nemabiome method) for gastrointestinal nematode species identification in Ireland.
• Apply nemabiome method to anthelmintic resistance and animal management studies.
• Evaluate novel parasite detection tools.
• Assist with anthelmintic resistance surveillance studies and risk factor analysis.
• Provide expert technical support to the parasitology research programme and collaborators.
• Collate and analyse data and contribute to the writing of scientific papers.

.Additional Duties & Responsibilities:

• Dissemination of results to other members of the project team and to stakeholders.
• Liaise and collaborate with the wider project team.
• Assist with the development and maintenance of protocols/Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and risk assessments for relevant techniques.
• 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 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 RequirementEssential

• PhD or equivalent in molecular biology, parasitology or a related field.
• Relevant research experience not to exceed 3 years’ post-PhD
• Demonstrated expertise in laboratory techniques.
• Evidence of research activity (publications, conference presentations, awards).
• Project management, data collation, data analysis and report writing skills.
• An ability to collaborate with team members.
• Communication skills (oral, written, presentation) and an ability to effectively transfer knowledge.
• Ability to generate new ideas, unique concepts and solutions.

Desirable

• Knowledge of Irish cattle production systems.
• Knowledge of the biology of parasites of ruminants.
• Experience with next-generation sequencing.
• Experience with parasite detection methods.

Note: Alternative location(s) may be considered solely at the discretion of Teagasc management.

Expected salary

€44128 per year

Location

Dunsany, Co Meath

Job date

Fri, 04 Apr 2025 23:35:07 GMT

To help us track our recruitment effort, please indicate in your email/cover letter where (vacanciesin.eu) you saw this job posting.