Basic Function:

The successful Postdoctoral research fellow will work as part of the project team for the Dairy Processing Technology Centre Project 1.2 - Functional Indicators. The successful candidate will be responsible for carrying out laboratory analysis including acid and rennet-induced gelation, heat stability, mineral analysis and pilot plant trial work, along with data handling, trending and scientific writing and communication.

Background to Project:

This project aims to characterise the changes in the functional properties of commercial milk throughout the year, as influenced by seasonal milk production practices. Weekly milk samples will be provided throughout the year by several industry partners for measurement of functional properties relating to specific commercial dairy products. The position will be based at the Teagasc Food Research Centre, Moorepark, which is Ireland’s leading dairy research institute with national responsibility for all aspects of dairy research, including grassland management, cow nutrition and milk composition. The research programme is conducted by over 40 scientific and technical professionals, supported by administrative and operative staff.

Background to Teagasc Post-Doctoral Programme:

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. 

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.

The PD Fellow will, while working in conjunction with senior research staff, gain insight and experience into a variety of areas including the processes of project and budgetary management, publishing in peer-reviewed academic journals, writing grant applications, and attracting external funding; the development of active collaboration with relevant national and international research communities; the development of communication and presentation skills, leadership and management skills, and overall career development.

Modules will be conducted under the supervision and direction of the (Project Leader) or other designated manager in conjunction with the Head of Department.

Duties & Responsibilities specific to this project:

• Oversee acquisition, organisation, trending and statistical analysis of data generated from laboratory analysis.

• Conduct pilot plant scale trial work on small or medium scale milk volumes as required.

• Keeping up to date on current literature and scientific developments in the area of seasonal effects on milk composition and functionality.

• Design, organisation and conducting of experimentation on liquid milk and gelation samples.

• Preparation of scientific manuscripts using acquired experimental data.

• Communication of research findings to the wider project team, collaborators and industry representatives.

 
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.

• 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.

• 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.

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 or related discipline 
• Relevant research experience not to exceed 3 years post-PhD
• Demonstrated research and technical expertise in chemical and functional analysis of food products
• 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 technical staff 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 milk and dairy product research
• Data handling and computer skills
• Experience in statistical analysis 
• Experience in pilot plant processing
• Experience in rheological analysis
• Experience in analytical techniques such as chromatographic or spectrometric methodologies
• Experience in setting own research agenda