Post-Doctoral Fellow Level 1 In Veterinary Parasitology

Duration:

Temporary Post-Doctoral Appointment. This is an externally funded non Grant-in-Aid contract post, the indicative duration of which is 22 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:

The successful candidate will be tasked with investigating the anti-parasitic properties of bioactive plants and their potential to reduce the use of veterinary anthelmintics in livestock production. The role involves reviewing the scientific literature on control of ruminant parasites by incorporation of bioactive forages into the diet, collection of bioactive plants from geographical locations around Ireland throughout the growing season, extraction and quantification of bioactives with potential anti-parasitic properties from selected plants and in vitro testing of the anti-parasitic effect of plant extracts. The position is part of a collaborative project between Teagasc Grange and Teagasc Ashtown.

Background:

The pasture-based production system in Ireland ensures livestock are continuously exposed to ubiquitous parasites such as gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN), which compromise animal health, welfare and productivity. Our farming system relies heavily on the availability of effective drugs to control these pathogens. However, recent studies have demonstrated the presence of resistant GIN in Ireland; hence, strategies that reduce our reliance on these drugs are urgently needed. Concomitantly, there is a societal need for sustainable livestock production. Compared to traditional perennial ryegrass swards, multispecies swards can maintain herbage yields at reduced inorganic nitrogen fertiliser inputs. Particular legumes and herbs/forbs may also contain bioactive compounds with anti-parasitic activity. Such bioactivity has been associated with the presence of a range of plant secondary metabolites such as condensed tannins, saponins and sesquiterpene lactones, which are present in a number of botanical families. Grazing bioactive forages may be a sustainable alternative to anthelmintics for the control of parasitic infections in livestock. During this project the scientific literature on control of ruminant parasites by incorporation of bioactive forages into the diet will be reviewed. Samples from plants of interest will be collected from geographical locations around Ireland throughout the growing season. Plant samples will be chemically characterised to identify bioactive molecules with potential anthelmintic activity. Extracts containing the characterised bioactive molecules will be tested in vitro for anthelmintic efficacy against abomasal and small intestinal GIN.

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 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 Professioinal 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 the Orla Keane or other designated manager in conjunction with the Head of Department.

Duties & Responsibilities specific to this project:

• Review the scientific literature and identify opportunities for the use of bioactive plants for GIN control within an Irish pasture-based system.
• Collect plant tissue from different geographical locations and at various time points throughout the growing season to reflect the differing plant physiological states.
• Perform chemical extractions from, and analysis of, selected plants to identify and quantify bioactive compounds.
• Assess, in vitro, the anti-parasitic efficacy of plant extracts.
• Collate and analyse data and contribute to the writing of scientific papers.
• Disseminate results to other members of the project team and to stakeholders.
• Assist with the development and maintenance of protocols/Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and risk assessments for relevant techniques.
• Actively participate in the Performance Management Development System/Post-doctoral training programme.

Additional Duties & Responsibilities:

• To interpret research findings and prepare scientific and popular press publications.
• To disseminate research findings to a variety of audiences as appropriate.
• To assist Teagasc in meeting the commitments of the Quality Customer Service Charter and Action Plan.
• To comply with all relevant Teagasc policies and procedures.
• To fully co-operate with the provisions made for ensuring the health, safety and welfare of themselves, fellow staff and non-Teagasc staff and co-operate with management in enabling Teagasc to comply with legal obligations. This includes full compliance with the responsibilities outlined in the Safety Statement.
• To actively participate in the Teagasc Post-Doctoral Fellowship programme and review processes, and to undertake all Post-Doctoral Fellowship training and associated duties as agreed in the Training & Development Plan.
• To take up additional duties as they may arise and be assigned by management.

This section outlines the qualifications, skills, knowledge and/or experience that the successful candidate would be required to demonstrate for successful discharge of the responsibilities of the post. Applications will be assessed on how well candidates satisfy these criteria.

Essential

• PhD in biological or agricultural science or chemistry
• Relevant research experience not to exceed 3 years’ post-PhD
• Demonstrated research and technical expertise in laboratory techniques
• 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
• An ability to collaborate with team members and PhD students to help build research knowledge and skill and to guide professional development
• Commitment to teamwork and collaborating with colleagues as per our Teagasc Together ethos
• Excellent communication skills (oral, written, presentation) with an ability to enable effective knowledge and technology transfer
• Ability to generate new ideas, unique concepts, models and solutions

Desirable

• Experience of Irish pasture-based ruminant production systems
• Knowledge of the biology of parasites of ruminants
• Experience in setting own research agenda
• Evidence of teamwork and collaboration with relevant partners