UCD Post-doctoral Research Fellow Level 1, School of Agriculture & Food Science, 24 months

Job title:

UCD Post-doctoral Research Fellow Level 1, School of Agriculture & Food Science, 24 months

Company:

University College Dublin

Job description

Applications are invited for a temporary post of a UCD Post-doctoral Research Fellow Level 1 within UCD School of Agriculture & Food ScienceApplications are invited for a post-doctoral research fellow position in the UCD School of Agriculture & Food Science. The position aims to evaluate the effectiveness of maternal dietary interventions in ewes to alter early life microbial development in the lambs. In early life there is a period of plasticity while the microbial profile is unstable providing an opportunity for long-term manipulation. Therefore, the approach proposed in this study is to alter the microbial profile in early life by dietary intervention of the dam that will subsequently reduce lifetime methane emissions of the offspring, as the dam is the initial source of inoculation for the progeny. The project will also evaluate the impact of direct provision of the feed additive (linseed oil) in later life to evaluate the impact of direct provision. In Ireland agriculture is the primary contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and contributes 34% of total emissions. Methane accounts for 65% of agricultural emissions and is therefore, a key target for reductions. Intervention strategies tomodify the rumen microbiome to reduce methane emissions have generally focused on the mature animal. However, altering the microbiome at this juncture is difficult, as the rumen microbial community begins to stabilize at 3-4 weeks of age. This has led to persistency issues with the microbial profile returning to the pre-treatment composition once treatment is stopped and direct provision is also difficult in Irish pasture-based production systems. This project will potentially provide a solution that can be applied widely throughout multiple production systems.The primary responsibilities of the successful candidate are to evaluate the impact of the various feeding strategies employed on the microbiome of multiple regions of the dam and the lamb. Assessment will take place of rumen, oral, faecal and colostrum microbiomes of the ewe with subsequent assessment on the microbiome and transcriptome of the lamb in later life. This analysis will be conducted using 16s rRNA sequencing and shotgun metagenomics in concert during multiple stages of development.This is a research focused role, where you will conduct a specified programme of research supported by research training and development under the supervision and direction of a Principal Investigator.The primary purpose of the role is to further develop your research skills and competences, including the processes of publication in peer-reviewed academic publications, the development of funding proposals, the mentorship of graduate students along with the opportunity to develop your skills in research led teaching.Salary: € €42,783- € €49,177Appointment on the above range will be dependent upon qualifications and experience.Closing date: 12:00 noon (local Irish time) on 2nd of May 2024Applications must be submitted by the closing date and time specified. Any applications which are still in progress at the closing time of 12:00 noon (Local Irish Time) on the specified closing date will be cancelled automatically by the system. UCD are unable to accept late applications.UCD do not require assistance from Recruitment Agencies. Any CV’s submitted by Recruitment Agencies will be returned.The PD1 position is intended for early stage researchers, either just after completion of a PhD or for someone entering a new area for the first time. If you have already completed your PD1 stage in UCD or will soon complete a PD1, or you are an external applicant whose total Postdoctoral experience, inclusive of the duration of the advertised post, would exceed 4 years, you should not apply and should refer to PD2 posts instead.

Expected salary

Location

Ireland

Job date

Sun, 21 Apr 2024 06:49:40 GMT

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