HR Reference: PD1/NP/0414

Research Area: Food
Eligibility: PhD in a relevant discipline with up to 3 years’ (max.) relevant experience. 

Post Duration: 42 months
Location:  Teagasc Food Research Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork

Training Rate: The current PD1 scale is as follows: PD1: €33,975 (min.); €34,974; €36,003 (max.)

Basic Function of the post: A Post-Doctoral Fellow is required to establish optimised pilot scale processes for the production of a range of antimicrobial peptides currently under investigation within the Cork Bacteriocin Group.

A range of processes will be exploited for the isolation, purification, concentration and preservation of the activity of antimicrobial peptides (bacteriocins). This will be achieved by progressively scaling up these processes from laboratory to small and large pilot scale.

Background: The project will focus on developing methods for the scale-up of bacteriocins under investigation within the Cork Bacteriocin Group (CBG) from laboratory scale to pilot scale. The CBG have patented a number of novel peptides including variants of Nisin A, Bactofencin LS1 and lacticin 3147.

In addition, the project aims to widen the spectrum of inhibition of bacteriocins, through combination-based approaches with other antimicrobial peptides, to target both Gram negative and Gram positive food pathogens. Following scale up, food-based studies will be undertaken in conjunction with a PhD student based in the Microbiology Department in University College Cork to determine the efficacy of these antimicrobial peptides, and combinations thereof, to control pathogens in food systems.

Person Specification
Essential

• PhD in Food Science/Food Process Engineering/Microbiology
• Relevant research experience not to exceed 3 years’ post-PhD

Desirable

• Experience in Food Science or Food Process Engineering, including membrane separation and other processes
• Experience in microbiology and propagation of lactic acid bacteria

Further Information for Candidates : Candidates can access a Fellowship Programme Application form for this post on the Teagasc website, please click the APPLY button below.

Teagasc is an equal opportunities employer. 

Canvassing will disqualify.

Teagasc do not accept CV’s.