Post-doctoral Research Fellow, School of Agriculture and Food Science

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

Reference no - 016469

The position aims to address the challenge of the continuous lowering of milk powder regulatory upper limits for nitrate and nitrites in milk powder ingredients. With continuous downward pressure on regulatory limits nitrite/nitrate levels in milk powders for infant formula are an industry wide concern from an infant health point of view in final products. In addition, these lower limit may prevent access of Irish products to some markets. Possible sources of nitrates and nitrites include, on farm fertiliser usage, the processing manufacturing environment, e.g. cleaning chemicals and via the conversion of nitrites from nitrites during processing through a redox reaction or via bacterial catalysed conversion. The successful applicant will use data analytics and a farm gate to product approach to identify the leading causes for high nitrite levels in milk powders and implement strategies at lab and pilot-scale to minimise / eliminate their formation in same. In addition, the project aims to examine the viability of a rapid test for nitrites as means of more closely monitoring levels of nitrates and nitrites. Location will be mixed between the research institute and on site in industry.

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 - € €48,427 per annum

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

Closing date: 17:00hrs (local Irish time) on 11th October 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/