Research Assistant
School of Biological, Health and Sports Sciences
The School of Biological, Health and Sports Sciences, located in TU Dublin’s City Campus, Grangegorman, has a long history of educating students to the highest level in both the fundamental and applied biosciences, and in allied health sciences. The School of Biological and Health Sciences offers PhD and MSc research opportunities across a range of research areas including Biomedical Sciences, Therapeutics, Biotechnology, Nutrition, Dietetics and Health with funding from a number of grant agencies. The School’s research is aligned to the new Environmental Sustainability and Health Institute, the Greenway Hub, located on the new and developing TU Dublin’s Grangegorman campus.
IYCF-E-Ire Project
Infant and young child feeding in emergencies (IYCF-E) is the comprehensive term used for the planning, protection, and support of the safe feeding of babies and young children during an emergency.
Breastfeeding is recommended by national and international public health bodies. Where breast-milk feeding is not possible, safe feeding of an appropriate infant formula is an alternative option. During emergency situations, appropriate and evidence-based support of infant and young child feeding (IYCF) is needed quickly as the greatest risks to this group are posed by diarrhoea, infections, and malnutrition. Even in well-nourished populations, an emergency can quickly place the health of infants and young children at risk.
Consequently, the WHO has urged member states to develop preparedness plans for IYCF during emergencies. Creating environments where women are supported and empowered to start and maintain breastfeeding has been identified as critical within government policies across the island However, recent global events such as the Covid-19 pandemic, the US infant formula shortage, and fears in the UK about formula access post-Brexit, illuminate the serious challenges faced by parents and carers in sourcing the correct food for babies and young children. Families on the island of Ireland are not immune to vulnerabilities in the IYCF supply chain and so the development of an IYCF-E plan is necessary to plan and prepare for such eventualities. There is no IYCF-E plan in development, or in place, in either jurisdiction on the island currently.
The project will investigate what is needed for an IYCF-E preparedness plan that would be appropriate across the island of Ireland. Similar emergencies would likely affect both countries, being on the same island, so creating a cross-border plan is sensible.
Job description
The post holder will be required to liaise with members of the IYCF-E-Ire research team, specifically Dr Liz O’Sullivan and Dr Aileen Kennedy. Work will be mainly completed remotely with some on-site days for reviews /updates, and it is anticipated that the role will commence in early November 2024.
Specific duties include:
- Analysing qualitative and quantitative data related to infant feeding,
- Completing sections of the IYCF-E-Ire report, with support from supervisors,
- Providing admin support to the research team,
- Preparing abstracts for submission to conference,
- Preparing manuscripts for submission to academic journals.
Candidate requirements
Essential
- A level-8 undergraduate nutrition or health related degree
- Excellent written communication skills
- Ability to communicate effectively (online and in-person)
- Ability to work both independently and in a team
- Access to a computer and good internet connection
Desirable
- Knowledge and understanding of breastfeeding-related policy in Ireland
- Experience writing reports or academic journal articles
Salary
- The successful candidate will be appointed at Point (01) of the Research Assistant salary scale i.e. €31,962p.a. and the contract duration is 4 months full time. Position is a non-pensionable position.
To apply, please e-mail your cover letter and CV in PDF format, quoting the job title, to liz.osullivan@tudublin.ie by 12pm on 29th October 2024.