The purpose of the role is to characterise food grade bacteria with antimicrobial activity against specific spoilage and pathogenic microorganisms. This study will focus on the exploration of antimicrobial peptides as viable alternatives to current food preservation methods, with the aim to isolate and characterise organisms producing antimicrobials which have applications for improvements to food.
Background to this Project Microbial secondary metabolites are highly desirable in the food industry and contribute not just to product quality and flavour but also to shelf-life and safety. In this respect, antimicrobial-producing Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) have been shown to enhance food safety and extend shelf-life for a variety of food applications.
Our group within APC Microbiome Ireland have extensive experience of large scale screening programmes for antimicrobials which have led to the discovery of a variety of bacteriocins including Lacticin 3147, Bactifensin, Thuricin, and more recently Nisin J and Actifensin. The purpose of the project is to isolate food grade bacteria with antimicrobial activity against specific spoilage and pathogenic microorganisms as viable alternatives to current food preservation methods.
Background to the Teagasc Post Doctoral Programme
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, the development of active collaboration with relevant national and international research communities, the development of communication and presentation skills and possible experience in the mentorship of students.
The PD Fellow will conduct a specified programme of research, supported by a modular training programme, which will include modules of relevance for the development of specific knowledge and research skills, professionalism and communication 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.
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.
Job Objectives
Duties & Responsibilities specific to this project:
- Fermentation of bacteria with anti-bacterial/anti-yeast activity
- Drying of fermentates into powders using a number of different drying technologies
- Reconstitution of powdered fermentates and assessment of antimicrobial activities/phenotypes.
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.
- 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 Required
Essential
- PhD in Microbiology, Food Science, Dairy Science, Biotechnology or related.
- Relevant research experience less than or equal to 3 years since you were awarded your Ph.D.
- Demonstrated ability in microbiology and in dairy fermentations and technology.
- Experience in drying technologies
- 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
- 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 setting own research agenda
- Evidence of teamwork and collaboration with relevant partners
Attachment: PD1_I_71d2bd89-88ce-402e-abe1-fa26e97d859f.pdf
Closing Date: 25/07/2022