Job for Researchers: Postdoctoral Fellow in Early Life Growth – Teagasc, Ireland

About the Role

Teagasc – the Agriculture and Food Development Authority – is seeking an enthusiastic and ambitious Post Doctoral Fellow for a Research Ireland–funded position. The aim of the project is to assess how maternal dietary components impact on early life growth. The successful candidate will undertake pre-clinical studies (murine and porcine), measuring physiological, biochemical and cellular parameters, and identify how these interact and influence early life growth in response to specific maternal dietary components. The appointee will be expected to design experiments, generate data and publish results.

Professional Development & Training

Appointees to a Teagasc Post-Doctoral Fellowship are required to undertake a Level 9 Professional Diploma in Researcher Development, delivered by University College Dublin (UCD). This flexible, modular programme uses a blended learning approach aligned with the fellow’s role at Teagasc. It develops competencies and transferable skills in research, professionalism, communication and career development. Most of the programme is delivered online, with the remaining elements delivered in-person at Teagasc locations, offering opportunities to meet and network with colleagues. Post-doctoral fellows also gain access to UCD library, writing centre and careers centre. The Teagasc post-doctoral programme provides training and development for early career scientists, equipping them with skills for the next stage of their research career.

Responsibilities

Project-specific duties

• Undertake pre-clinical studies (murine and porcine)
• Determine composition and functional pathways in the gut microbiota
• Measure gene expression in host tissues
• Measure biochemical parameters
• Measure parameters related to gut physiology

Additional responsibilities

• Interpret research findings and prepare scientific and popular press publications
• Disseminate research findings to a variety of audiences
• Assist Teagasc in meeting the commitments of the Quality Customer Service Charter and Action Plan
• Comply with all relevant Teagasc policies and procedures
• Complete time records (SmartSimple) in a timely manner
• Cooperate with health, safety and welfare provisions as outlined in the Safety Statement
• Actively participate in the Teagasc Post-Doctoral Fellowship programme and review processes, and undertake all training and associated duties as agreed in the Training & Development Plan
• Take up additional duties as assigned by management

Requirements

Essential

• PhD in animal science, nutrition, microbiology, molecular biology or a related discipline
• Relevant research experience not exceeding 3 years post-PhD
• Demonstrated research and technical expertise in pre-clinical studies
• Evidence of gut microbiota quantification/analysis
• 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
• Ability to collaborate with team members and PhD students to build research knowledge and guide professional development
• Commitment to teamwork and collaboration, consistent with the Teagasc Together ethos
• Excellent communication skills (oral, written, presentation) for effective knowledge and technology transfer
• Ability to generate new ideas, unique concepts, models and solutions

Desirable

• Experience in murine and/or porcine studies
• Experience in metagenomic and/or metatranscriptomic sample preparation, library construction and/or bioinformatic analyses
• Experience in bulk RNA‑seq sample preparation and bioinformatic analyses of RNA‑seq data
• Experience in measuring circulating factors and parameters related to gut physiology
• Experience in correlation analyses linking nutrition, gut microbiota changes and host responses
• Experience in setting own research agenda

What We Offer

Post-doctoral fellows join a dynamic research environment focused on food and agricultural sciences. In addition to project‑specific work, the fellowship includes the UCD Professional Diploma in Researcher Development, access to world‑class facilities, and a supportive network of peers and supervisors. This position is an excellent opportunity for early‑career researchers to build a strong foundation for independent research.

How to Apply

Applications will be assessed on how well candidates satisfy the essential and desirable criteria outlined above. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview. For further details on the Teagasc post‑doctoral programme and the application process, please refer to the official Teagasc careers page.

Original vacancy