Teagasc PhD Walsh Scholarship Opportunity: “Controlling Bacillus spores in dairy powders; factors affecting behaviour during processing conditions”

Deadline: 29 July 2022

Applications are invited for a PhD Walsh Scholarship Project focusing on Bacillus spore control during dairy processing. Spore forming bacteria in dairy processing are of particular concern due to their low tolerance of acceptability as both a safety and quality concern. Bacillus spores can potentially contaminate and survive in dairy products such as infant formula ingredients (lactose, and whey protein) causing issues including spore related toxin production.

This PhD project in direct collaboration with a dairy industry partner will include site visits to track spores from raw milk to final products. Laboratory aspects will include screening of strains for survival capabilities under typical dairy processing conditions and practices, with an aim to assess risk factors and the development and validation of industrially relevant spore control programmes.

The PhD student will spend time across the two collaborating institutes, Teagasc Food Research Centre, Fermoy, Cork and University College Dublin, School of Biosystems and Food Engineering, Dublin.

I. Eligibility

Honours degree in Microbiology, Food Technology, Food Science or related discipline is required.
The normal academic qualification expected for a PhD studentship is an Upper Second Class (Hons) Degree (2H1 or equivalent).
All applications should be accompanied with copies of degree transcripts (translated into English) in order for the Graduate Studies Office to make a decision on academic eligibility.
Applicants with a relevant Master’s degree are also eligible to apply. The successful candidate should be highly self-motivated and work well as part of a wider research team.
Laboratory experience with microbiological techniques, a full driving licence and Industry experience are desirable, but not essential.

II. Award

The Scholarship funding is €24,000 per annum, and includes University fees of up to a maximum of €6,000 and is tenable for 4 years.
International students are eligible for the funding but will need to find their own support to cover the extra tuition fees chargeable to non-EU students.
Teagasc supervisors: Dr Triona O’Brien and Dr Geraldine Duffy
UCD supervisor: Professor Francis Butler.

III. How to Apply?

To apply, please, send CV to [email protected]

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