Teagasc is now seeking to recruit a highly motivated, ambitious scientist with experience in cell culture and microbiology to an industry-funded project.  The successful candidate will be part of a vibrant multi-disciplinary team to assess the health benefits to the gut, of various food ingredients and products.  Gut health biomarkers will include gut immune modulation and satiety hormone production using commercially available immortalized cell lines. The successful candidate will also examine various ingredients for the presence of carbohydrate active enzymes. The successful candidate will be a creative, independent thinker with willingness to learn and acquire new skills.

• Prepare various food ingredients and products for the detection of carbohydrate active enzymes.

• Treat cell lines with gastrointestinal digested foods.

• Perform a range of bioassays including satiety and cytokine ELISA.

• Produce data of excellent scientific quality in terms of precision, accuracy and verifiability.

• Interpret research findings and critically analyze and evaluate one’s findings and those of others.

• Write clearly and concisely producing well-structured and comprehensive reports.

• Apply effective project management through the setting of research goals, intermediate milestones and prioritization of activities.

• Assist Teagasc in meeting the commitments of the Quality Customer Service charter and action plan.

• Actively participate in the annual business planning and Performance Management Development System (PMDS) processes.

• Fully co-operate with the provisions made for ensuring the health, safety and welfare of themselves, fellow staff and non-Teagasc staff and co-operate with management in enabling Teagasc to comply with legal obligations. This includes full compliance with the responsibilities outlined in the Safety Statement.

• Any other duties as may be assigned from time to time.

* This job specification is intended as a guide to the general range of duties and is intended to be neither definitive nor restrictive.  It will be reviewed from time to time with the post holder.

 Note:  The ‘essential’ qualifications, knowledge, skills and behavioural competencies outlined above are ‘must-have’ which will be used in the selection process.