Duration:
Temporary Post Doctoral Fellow Appointment. This is an externally funded non Grant-in-Aid contract post, the indicative duration of which is 21 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:
This competition seeks to recruit a Post Doctoral Fellow to join the “Salt Reduction at Gel” project. This project aims to study the construction of emulsion gel systems, explore the mechanism of emulsion gel regulating salty taste perception and subsequent food applications. This project delivers potential benefits for several stakeholders, including farmers, industry, public health, and policymakers and could lead to the development of new, healthier food products that use locally sourced ingredients. Additionally, new market opportunities could be delivered for farmers and contribute to the sustainability of Irish agriculture, by developing new approaches for food processing and formulation, that meet consumer demand for healthier, low-sodium products.
Background:
The fellowship is being undertaken as part of the Research Ireland’s Frontier for Future project “Salt Reduction at Gel”. This research will be undertaken at the Teagasc Food Research Centre Moorepark, located at Fermoy, Co. Cork, which is part of the Teagasc Food Programme, in collaboration with partners from University College Cork. The successful candidate will be directly involved in designing novel food structures in the different food systems, providing new ideas for scientific salt reduction and low-salt food development, and promoting consumer health as well as innovative product solutions to industry.
Teagasc Moorepark is located on a 110 hectare site in North Cork, with a dedicated Food Research Centre, an extensive Animal and Grassland Research Facility, a Pig Production Development Facility, the National Food Innovation Hub, a Food Biotest Unit and the pilot plant, Moorepark Technology Limited. The Teagasc Food Research Centre Moorepark is internationally recognised as a centre for excellence to conduct dairy research and Food for Health. It has a proud history in the development of microbial cultures, new dairy ingredients and hybrid cheese varieties for dairy companies.
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 Dr. Prabin Lamichhane or other designated manager in conjunction with the Head of Department.
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