Post-doctoral Research Fellow Level 1, UCD

Applications are invited for a Fixed-term post until 30 November 2025 of a UCD Post-doctoral Research Fellow Level 1 within UCD School Biology and Environmental Science

Mycotoxins are harmful metabolites produced by fungi in cereals. Mycotox-I ia a new Island of Ireland collaborative project between University College Dublin (UCD), Teagasc, Queens University Belfast (QUB) and the Agrifood and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) Northern Ireland. This project will develop and deploy standardised state-of the art tools to assess and reduce the risk of mycotoxins in Irish cereal grain, from farm to fork. NI and ROI researchers will develop and share common tools to detect the producer fungi and toxins in grain.

These tools will be then used to determine the impact of environment, varieties and agricultural inputs on fungal and mycotoxin risk in the field, milled grain and derivative produce. All data generated will underpin the development of a new machine-learning-based decision support system tailored to reduce mycotoxin loads in food produce produced on this island, thus reinforcing the quality of Irish grain.

The Postdoctorate scientist will be responsible for determining the diversity of toxigenic Fusarium species in Irish cereals (particularly oats, in association with Teagasc and AFBI), their association with mycotoxin contamination (in association with Teagasc and Queens University Belfast), and the potential impact of biological disease control agents and oat variety on mycotoxin levels in grain (in association with Teagasc and AFBI).

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.

Fixed Salary: €39,131 per annum

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

Closing date: 17:00hrs (local Irish time) on 14th January 2022

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.

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