Deadline: 30 November 2022

I. Background
This PhD study is part of a Teagasc lead work package within the EU HORIZON funded project Giant Leaps. The Giant Leaps project looks to novel dietary proteins to accelerate our transition from animal-based to alternative proteins in our diet. This transition is key to reducing the footprint of our food system in terms of greenhouse gas emissions, energy, water and land use.

This 4-year research PhD will focus on digestion and ‘health and wellness’ of these novel proteins. It is a wet- lab based PhD project within the disciplines of cell biology and biochemistry. Initially we will identify the parameters that define a healthy in vitro gut barrier. Protein digesta will then be added to this
healthy gut barrier and permeability studies performed. For ‘health and wellness’ information, satiety and muscle biomarkers will be monitored
in vitro.

There will be opportunities throughout the programme for professional development training, conference attendance and international travel to expand your research interest

II. Requirements

• Applicants should have a First or Second Class (2H1) Honours B.Sc. degree in an appropriate discipline (such as Biochemistry, Biomedical Science, Cell Biology, Nutrition or Food Science).
• The successful candidate should be self-motivated with enthusiasm to develop wet-lab technical skills including gastrointestinal digestion protocols, cell culture methodologies, protein quantification techniques (ELISA, western blot, immunohistochemistry) and mRNA quantification (RT-PCR).
• They should have an interest in and aptitude for laboratory–based research.
  Non-native speakers of English require a minimum score of IELTS 6.0 for entry into postgraduate programmes.

III. Award

• This PhD starts no later than 1 Feb 2023 and is a collaborative project between Teagasc Food Research Centre, Ireland, Munster Technology University, Ireland and INRAE, France.
• The student will be based primarily at Teagasc’s Moorepark
  Campus, Cork, Ireland and will be registered at Munster Technology University, working under the supervision of Dr. Linda Giblin (Teagasc) in association with Dr. Michael Callanan (MTU) and Dr. Myriam Grundy (INRAE).
• The scholarship funding is €24,000 per annum and includes college fees of up to a maximum of €6,000 per annum and is tenable for 4 years

IV. How to Apply?

• Submit an electronic copy of Curriculum Vitae to
  Dr. Linda Giblin ([email protected])
• Please include ‘2021231-GiantLeaps-GutHealth’ in the subject line