Monthly Archives: January 2014
PhD studentship in Agricultural Economics: Ghent University
- Last application date: Feb 15, 2014 12:00
- Department: LA01 – Department of Agricultural economics
- Contract: bepaald
- Degree: MSc-level university degree in in a relevant field Bioengineer, Economics, Political Science with specialisation in the field of econometrics
- Occupancy rate: 100%
- Vacancy Type: wp
Job Description
The MODERNA team of the department of Agricultural Economics of the Ghent University is seeking a highly motivated PhD student for a 4 years position. MODERNA stands for Modelling and Optimisation of Decisions in Economics, Resources, Nature and Agriculture. The candidate will conduct scientific research in the EU project ‘Improved Nutrient and Energy Management through Anaerobic Digestion (INEMAD)’. The current biomass and food production relies very heavily on the external input of nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus, produced by or harvested from fossil sources. The INEMAD project will analyse options to improve the recycling of nutrients and to make food, fibre and biomass production more sustainable (www.inemad.eu). The PhD candidate will focus on the modelling of the different technological options and their economic and environmental impact. The research in this project together with the research from other (European) and consultancy projects in the domain of agricultural and natural resources combined with econometric modelling will eventually result in a PhD at the Ghent Doctoral School (http://www.ugent.be/doctoralschools/en). This main task of research will alternate with disseminating your scientific findings and supervising dissertations of Master students. What we offer you: The position consists of a fulltime, four-year PhD position at Ghent University. We offer you the possibility to work in an academic environment with a dynamic atmosphere at one of the best ranked universities in Belgium (top 3) and worldwide (top 200). Our work is published in top journals such as the European Review of Agricultural Economics, Energy Policy, Journal of Economic Policy Reform, and Food Policy… Furthermore the different European projects gives you access to a broad European network. You get the opportunity to participate in national and international projects, to follow seminars and to present the research in Belgium and abroad to different stakeholders: policy makers, scientists, NGOs…
The Ghent University offers a unique world-class multidisciplinary PhD training programme. This provides students with in-depth, advanced research training, as well as training in professional and transferable skills.
Profile
- You are interested and want to broaden your knowledge about agriculture, nutrient management, technological processes for agro-based conversion of biomass into energy and nutrient recovery and related policy.
- You have some affinity with economic optimization, environmental impact assessment and policy simulation.
- Proficiency in English is a prerequisite.
- Experience with modelling software such as GAMS, R, Matlab, … is an advantage.
- You can work independently, are able to develop your own ideas and know how to communicate them. However you will ask for guidance and feedback whenever needed. You take your responsibility, meet deadlines and are persistent.
How to apply
The application (in English) should include:
- A motivation letter (maximum 1 page)
- curriculum vitae
- contact information (e-mail) of at least one referee
These documents should be sent to berenice.dupeux@ugent.be and ann.verspecht@ugent.be before the 15th of February.
Source: Ghent University, Belgium
Post Doctoral Fellowship Programme in Food Research
| Post Title: | Teagasc Post Doctoral Research Fellow Level 1 (PD1) |
|---|---|
| HR Reference No: | PD1/PB/0114 |
| Research Area: | Food Research |
| Eligibility: | PhD in a relevant discipline with up to 3 years’ (max.) relevant experience. |
| Project Title: | Development of high protein bars as vehicles for functional ingredient delivery |
| Post Duration: | 12 months |
| Location: | Teagasc Food Research Moorepark |
| Reports To: | Head of Department and/or other designated manager |
| Training Rate: | Appointment will be at the minimum point of the Post Doctoral Level 1 (PD1) scale (€33,975).
The current PD1 scale is as follows: Increments will be awarded annually* subject to performance and completion of the prescribed training plan. Note: Exceptional circumstances may apply for candidates with current or previous service in the public sector. *Remuneration and the annual cycle for the payment of increments may be adjusted from time to time in line with Government policy. |
| Basic Function of the post: |
The project builds on outcomes of preceding work with the specific aim to produce nutrient-dense protein products as delivery systems for functional and nutraceutical ingredients. The technical challenges to be addressed include:
|
| Background: | The Teagasc post-doctoral programme provides training and development opportunities for early career scientists that enhances their experience of learning and equips them with the necessary skills for the next stage of their chosen career in research.
The Teagasc post-doctoral programme provides training and development opportunities for early career scientists that enhances their experience of learning and equips them with the necessary skills for the next stage of their chosen career in research. The Teagasc Food Programme at Moorepark encompasses many aspects of food science and technology: Food Processing and Functionality; Safety; Foods for Health; Food Cultures; and Food Quality & Structure. The Teagasc Food Programme fosters science-based Innovation for the agri-food sector in a way that will lead to economic development and profitability through careful and targeted planning with a clear focus on the needs of the food industry. Successful candidate work as integral members of a team of scientists involved in a highly competitive area using state-of-the art laboratory and pilot-scale facilities. The pre-commercial scale-up step utilises the extensive facilities and equipment of the Teagasc subsidiary, Moorepark Technology Ltd., in support of laboratory research to establish proof of concept, optimise process design and provide samples for formulation studies and clinical evaluation, where appropriate. Information generated during the course of the project is expected to lead to the development of innovative functional food ingredient concepts, which will require a proactive engagement with commercial interests to assess marketability. This is a research focused training role the primary purpose of which is to provide early career scientists with the opportunity to develop their research skills and competencies in such areas as developing a research programme, project and budgetary management, developing and maintaining active collaboration with relevant national and international research communities, processes of publication in peer-reviewed academic journals, writing grant applications, attracting external funding, and the mentorship of graduate/post-graduate students. The PD Fellow will conduct a specified programme of research supported by a modular training programme under the supervision and direction of Head of Department or other designated manager. |
Duties & Responsibilities specific to this project:
As a 1-year project which builds on the outcomes of a preceding project, the candidate will be required to take responsibility for the day to day running of the project and execution of experimental work under supervision of the PIs.
This includes first becoming acquainted with existing optimised formulations, and process know-how before undertaking adaptations i.e. inclusion of prebiotic and probiotics. Hence, the candidate is required to be responsible for procurement of consumables, analyses, supervision of assigned technical staff and interpretation of research findings.
The commercial imperative of this FIRMplus-funded project demands that the project engage proactively with commercial interests regarding technologically innovative outputs. The selected candidate is expected to participate in such technological transfer activities with the help of the Teagasc TTO.
Additional Duties & Responsibilities:
- To interpret research findings and prepare scientific and popular press publications.
- To disseminate research findings to a variety of audiences as appropriate.
- To assist Teagasc in meeting the commitments of the Quality Customer Service Charter and action plan.
- To comply with all relevant Teagasc policies and procedures.
- To actively participate in the Teagasc Post Doctoral Fellowship programme and review processes, and to undertake all Post Doctoral fellowship training and associated duties as agreed in the Training & Development Plan.
- To take up additional duties as they may arise and be assigned by management.
Person Specification
This section outlines the qualifications, skills, knowledge and/or experience that the successful candidate would be required to demonstrate for successful discharge of the responsibilities of the post. Applications will be assessed on how well candidates satisfy these criteria.
Essential
- PhD in Food Science & Technology
- Relevant research experience not to exceed 3 years’ post-PhD
- Demonstrated research and technical expertise in ingredient functionality and/or formulation
- Evidence of research activity (publications, conference presentations, awards) and future scholarly output (working papers, research proposals etc)
- Excellent project management, analytical, report writing and data analysis skills
- An ability to collaborate with team members and PhD students to help build research knowledge and skill and to guide professional development
- Excellent communication skills (oral, written, presentation) with an ability to enable effective knowledge and technology transfer
- Ability to generate new ideas, unique concepts, models and solutions
Desirable
- Experience in ingredient research and innovation and consequences for food formulation
- Experience in setting own research agenda
- Evidence of teamwork and collaboration with relevant partners
Further Information for Candidates
Completed application forms should be TYPED and saved in WORD format and submitted by email to teagascjobs@clark.ieno later than 12 midnight on Thursday 6th February 2014.
Please state relevant reference code in all correspondence.
Teagasc is an equal opportunities employer. Canvassing will disqualify.
- Download the Word application form (231KB, Word format).
Source: Teagasc.ie
Early-Stage Researcher (ESR) positions in Crop Science – MaxCROP
Funded by the FP7 Marie Curie European Industrial Doctorate program: Max-CROP
NIAB TAG
Five ESR positions of 3 years duration are available with NIAB-Trading, Cambridge, UK within the Max-CROP program, in partnership with Wageningen University and Research Centre (WU), The Netherlands. Each ESR candidate will be registered for a PhD at Wageningen University, where they will carry out 50% of their research, having a PhD supervisor at NIAB and WU. In addition to the 3 year research project each ESR will be enrolled in a program of technical and complementary skills training organised as part of the Max-CROP program.
NIAB-Trading (www.niab.com) is a UK-based SME whose primary purpose is providing excellent, independent science-based research and information to support, develop and promote agriculture and horticulture; helping the industry to fulfil its potential in supplying food and renewable resources, while respecting the natural environment. WU (www.wageningenur.nl/en), founded in 1918 is a world leading education and research centre in agricultural-related sciences, providing PhDs in the fields of life and food science, and natural resources.
The 5 PhD research projects available are:
ESR (1): “Would non-host resistance in barley prove a source of durable, race-nonspecific resistance for wheat”
ESR (2): “Development of wheat varieties with reduced gluten toxicity, increasing safety for celiac disease patients”
ESR (3): “Application of a Multiparent Advanced Generation Intercross (MAGIC) in wheat genetics and breeding”
ESR (4): “Population and pathogenicity dynamics of the Brassica pathogen Verticillium longisporum”
ESR (5): “Emerging plant diseases: reducing the impact of Alternaria species on potato production”
For full ESR project descriptions visit www.niab.com.
We are looking for highly motivated, enthusiastic researchers with a very high standard of English skills, spoken and written.
All projects are strongly interdisciplinary and require candidate’s with good communication and writing skills. The candidates must not have resided or carried out their main activity in the UK for more than 1 year in the past 3 years, short stays such as holidays are not taken into account. The candidates should not already have a PhD, have a 1st degree which in The Netherlands gives access to a PhD program and must have less than 4 years research experience since completing their qualifying 1st degree. Each ESR will receive a competitive salary and mobility allowance as defined for ESRs by the FP7 Marie Curie, Initial Training Network programs.
Following the European Commission’s Guidelines for Equality between women and men the Max-CROP management team supports the promotion of women in the European Research Area, and encourages applications from women.
To apply, please send by email a cover letter identifying which project/s you are interested in and why, describing your suitability for the position, a detailed CV, and the name and address of two referees to support your application to kate.harrison@niab.com by clicking the APPLY button below,
If you wish to have more details regarding specific ESR projects please send your request to the Max-CROP coordinator Dr Lesley A. Boyd at lesley.boyd@niab.com.
The advertisement will remain open until suitable candidates are found. Interviews will be held in Wageningen, The Netherlands, starting early in 2014.
Agro-futures..... 