PhD Opportunity: Microbiology/Molecular Biology
Ref Number 2021223
Teagasc is offering a post-graduate opportunity in microbiology. The ‘No-2-Nitrates’ project (a collaboration between Teagasc, UCD and TU-Dublin) is funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. This project will develop novel reduced nitrate/nitrite and nitrate/nitrite free meat products including microbial testing and validation for food safety and shelf-life. High pressure processing (HPP) and different packaging systems will be examined as food safety and shelf-life assurance technologies.
The main output will be safe, stable and organoleptically desirable novel meat products.
This PhD offers graduates an opportunity to obtain comprehensive training in both culture based and molecular/WGS/bioinformatics and will be of interest to those considering a career in research, the food and pharmaceutical sectors as well as in the regulatory authorities (FSAI, DAFM, EFSA etc.). This student will be registered in University College Dublin and co-supervised by Professor Declan Bolton (Teagasc) and Professor Paul Whyte (UCD).
Requirements
Applicants should have a primary degree (minimum 2.1) and/or an MSc degree in an appropriate discipline (Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology or similar discipline). Non-native English speakers must have achieved a minimum score of 600 in the paper based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), with a minimum score of 475 in the Test of Written English, 250 computer based TOEFL or 90 internet based TOEFL (iBT) or an average score of 6.5 over all components and a minimum of 6.0 in each band on the Academic Version of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). All test results must be less than 2 years old.
All applicants should have a working knowledge of statistics, be highly self-motivated, cheerful, possess positive attitude and be prepared for laboratory and pilot plant based studies with modern analytical/food processing equipment. A full driving licence is also an advantage but is not essential.
Stipend: €18,000 plus €6,000 in university fees.
Location: The students will be based in Teagasc (Ashtown, Dublin 15).
How to apply:
Further Information/Applications to
Dr. Declan Bolton, (declan.bolton@teagasc.ie)
Closing date: Friday 17th June 2022