Post Doctoral Researcher School of Food and Nutritional Sciences/Cork Centre for Vitamin D and Nutrition Research

18 Months, Fixed-Term, Whole-time Post

Position Summary

The Cork Centre for Vitamin D and Nutrition Research at the School of Food and Nutritional Sciences, UCC (https://www.ucc.ie/en/vitamind/), through its Joint Directors (Professor Kevin Cashman and Professor Mairead Kiely) are coordinating a newly funded European Commission Horizon Europe project on Tackling micronutrient malnutrition and hidden hunger to improve health in the EU [the Zero Hidden Hunger EU project https://www.zerohiddenhunger.eu]. This large-scale, multidisciplinary project, with 19 partners from 10 countries aims to provide estimates of the true prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies, based on priority biomarker and micronutrient intake data in European populations and their associated health costs, focused on high-risk population subgroups, and 2) provide the best possible evidence to develop context-specific, tailored food-focused solutions to ensure adequate supply of vitamins and minerals from diets from sustainable sources. Using high-throughput biomarker and advanced data analytical and modelling techniques, Zero Hidden Hunger EU will deliver credible evidence enabling policymakers and food system actors to deliver food-focused strategies to eradicate micronutrient deficiencies from Europe. The Cork Centre for Vitamin D and Nutrition Research has several Post-Doctoral Researcher positions available within the Zero Hidden Hunger EU project.

University College Cork is the core analytical centre for analysis of vitamin D status within the entire project.  We welcome applications from highly motivated and enthusiastic candidates for a Post-Doctoral Researcher in Vitamin D Mass Spectroscopy position.  The Post-Doctoral Researcher will coordinate, manage and undertake the important centralised analysis of circulating 25(OH)D by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectroscopy (LC-Tandem MS).

The ideal candidate will have/be:

• A PhD qualification

• A high level of experience using liquid chromatography/mass spectroscopy for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of analytes in biological samples.

• Good communication, organisation and interpersonal skills.

• A highly skilled and adaptable individual with a proven ability to report to stakeholders in a timely and professional manner.

Project Title: Tackling micronutrient malnutrition and hidden hunger to improve health in the EU (Zero Hidden Hunger EU) – Vitamin D PD

Post Duration: 18 months

Salary: €43,908 - €50,302 p.a. (IUA Post-Doctoral Researcher PD1 Salary Scale)

For an information package including further details of the post see https://ore.ucc.ie/.

Informal enquiries can be made in confidence to Professor Kevin Cashman, School of Food and Nutritional Sciences, Tel: + 353 (0) 21 490 1317, Email: [email protected]

Applications must be submitted online via the University College Cork vacancy portal (https://ore.ucc.ie/). Queries relating to the online application process should be referred to [email protected], quoting the job-title and project name.

Candidates should apply, in confidence, before 12 noon (Irish Local Time) on Friday, 31st of May 2024.

No late applications will be accepted.

Please note that an appointment to posts advertised will be dependent on University approval, together with the terms of the employment control framework for the higher education sector.

UCC is committed to creating and fully embracing an inclusive environment where diversity is celebrated.  As a University we strive to create a workplace that reflects the diversity of our student population where people from a wide variety of backgrounds learn from one another, share ideas, and work collaboratively. UCC is committed to being an employer that recognises the value of diversity amongst its staff.  We encourage applicants to consult our policies at https://www.ucc.ie/en/edi/policies/ and initiatives at https://www.ucc.ie/en/edi/implementation/  and we welcome applications from everyone, including those who are underrepresented in the protected characteristics set out in our Equal Opportunities & Diversity Policy.

UNIVERSITY COLLEGE CORK IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES EMPLOYER

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