Deadline: 1 August 2022 or until position is filled
I. Background
Fruits and vegetables contain a diverse community of microbes (microbiome) which play a significant role in plant health and subsequently human health. These microbes have a myriad of functions including flavour development, ripening and health through the production of secondary metabolites. Much attention has been paid to the role single classes of secondary metabolites such as polyactylenes and glucosinolates play in gut health, less attention has been dedicated to the role the whole crop microbiome plays on gut health and particularly the impact agronomic practices, such ripening stage of the crop when harvested, storage, packaging and the impact this has on the crop microbiome itself.
Within the Meta-Hortproject, the impact of early harvesting and tray ripening of commonly imported produce will be investigated and compared to Irish grown produce. Key indicators, such as the impact of harvesting, variety and agronomy on the crop microbiome, the prebiotic and probiotic potential of the fruit, and its resultant impact on metabolic pathways will be investigated. In vitro gut models will be used to infer the potential resulting impact on gut health. The use of these models will allow for an assessment of agronomic approach for the optimisation of beneficial outcomes for the consumer.
II. Benefits
- The scholarship funding is €24,000per annum and includes University fees of up to a maximum of €6,000 per annum and is tenable for 4years.
- The successful candidate will primarily be based in the Food Biosciences Department in Teagasc, Moorepark under the supervision of Dr Orla O’Sullivan with separate tasks to be completed under the supervision of Dr Caitriona Guinane at the Department of Biological Sciences, Munster Technological University, Cork Campusand Dr Michael Gaffney at the Teagasc HorticulturalDevelopment Department, Ashtown, Dublin 15.
- The student will have the opportunity to develop his/her skills in a broad range of areas, including laboratory skills in microbiology, DNA sequencing technologies, simulated gut models and bioinformatic analysis.
- Some experience or knowledge of horticultural crops would also be of benefit.
- Experience will also be gained in management assessment, data management and analysis, writing and publishing peer-reviewed scientific papers, and networking with experts in the field.
- The student will also have the opportunity to attend and present research findings at (inter)national conferences.
- This position will allow the candidate the opportunity to work at Ireland’s leading agricultural research organisation, attain a PhD from a well-recognised Irish University, to gain a skillset and qualification that will equip them for a wide variety of future careers, and to significantly contribute to the improvement of the understanding of agronomy on the microbiome of fruit and vegetables.
III. Requirements
- Applicants should have a primary degree (minimum 2.1) in an appropriate discipline (Biological sciences, Biotechnology, horticulture or plant biology or equivalent).
- A Master’sdegree would be a distinct advantage. The successful candidate should have an ability to work independently to a schedule, and a demonstrated capability in the delivery of research projects at undergraduate level.
- The successful candidate should have excellent verbal and written communication skills, high levels of initiative, self-management, achievement orientation and motivation.
- For applicants whose first language is not English, requirements are outlined here.
- Students should indicate in their application if they have already completed an English language proficiency test and submit supporting documentation
IV. How to Apply?
Submit an electronic copy of Curriculum Vitae and a cover letter/ letter of motivation to both Dr Caitriona Guinane ([email protected]) and Dr Michael Gaffney ([email protected])
