Post-doctoral Research Fellow, Biology and Environmental Science

Applications are invited for a temporary post of a UCD Post-doctoral Research Fellow Level 1 within UCD School of Biology and Environmental Science.

The scientist will work on identifying genes and wheat-microbiome interactions that minimise the risk of diseases, including Septoria tritici blotch and Fusarium head blight. Working with the EU team on the Horizons 2020 grant `InnoVar' the scientist will conduct association transcriptomics (using existing RNA data) to identify genes associated with resistance to Septoria tritici blotch disease in wheat. Within the joint FACCE-JPI EU project `WheatSecurity', they will conduct contained environment studies and access samples from EU demonstrator field trials to assess the resilience of diverse wheat germplasm to biotic stress and conduct DNA-based microbiome studies to assess the impact of genotype x environment interactions on the microbiome studies of roots, leaves and flowering wheat heads. Their work will demonstrate how we can rapidly expedite the development of cultivars imbued with morpho-physiological features that are more resilient under multi-stress environments and management regimes less reliant on chemical inputs.

We are seeking to appoint a Postdoctoral Research Fellow with experience in plant pathology and bioinformatics to conduct disease assessment trials, microbiome and transcriptomics studies in diverse wheat germplasm. This is a research focused role, where you will conduct a specified programme of research supported by research training and development under the supervision and direction of a Principal Investigator.

The primary purpose of the role is to further develop your research skills and competences, including the processes of publication in peer-reviewed academic publications, the development of funding proposals, the mentorship of graduate students along with the opportunity to develop your skills in research led teaching.

Salary: 42,033 - 45,819 per annum

Appointment on the above range will be dependent upon qualifications and experience.

Closing date: 17:00hrs (local Irish time) on 28th March 2023.

Applications must be submitted by the closing date and time specified. Any applications which are still in progress at the closing time of 17:00hrs (Local Irish Time) on the specified closing date will be cancelled automatically by the system. UCD are unable to accept late applications. UCD do not require assistance from Recruitment Agencies. Any CV's submitted by Recruitment Agencies will be returned. The PD1 position is intended for early stage researchers, either just after completion of a PhD or for someone entering a new area for the first time. If you have already completed your PD1 stage in UCD or will soon complete a PD1, or you are an external applicant whose total Postdoctoral experience, inclusive of the duration of the advertised post, would exceed 4 years, you should not apply and should refer to PD2 posts instead.

Prior to application, further information (including application procedure) should be obtained from the Work at UCD website: https://www.ucd.ie/workatucd/jobs/