Basic Function

Teagasc is seeking to recruit a scientist with a proven track record in meat science and demonstrated expertise in statistical data analysis. The successful candidate will have responsibility for conducting experimental studies investigating meat quality, with a particular focus on tenderness. We are seeking a competent, driven and enthusiastic Contract Research Officer to undertake research as part of the Meat Technology Ireland (MTI) Centre based in Teagasc Ashtown. This project provides an excellent opportunity for a Research Officer with expertise in meat science and statistical data analysis to join our research team and expand their knowledge and skill base through research of strategic importance to the Irish meat sector. This post will be carried out in the Food Quality and Sensory Science Department at Teagasc Food Research Centre, Ashtown, Dublin 15.

Background

Working in Teagasc and within the MTI, yoiu will be part of a research team whose focus is to improve tenderness outcomes for the Irish red meat sector. This research will be firmly underpinned by a sound scientific understanding of meat eating quality, a high quality research approach, a keen eye for detail and accuracy in collecting, analysing, interpreting and reporting data. The research officer will be responsible for factory sampling, laboratory based analysis of meat quality and proximate analysis, and may be required to participate in meat biochemistry analysis, shelf life analysis and sensory panels. An important aspect of the role will be in statistically analysing existing large datasets to elucidate pattern and process in influencing meat quality and other meat characteristics. Reporting directly to the lead of the Lamb Blueprint Project, within the Meat Quality Pillar, you will play a critical role in ensuring the research objectives are achieved in a timely, professional and high quality manner. They will communicate in a clear, effective way with the research 

MTI Background 
The MTI is a unique project, co-funded by Enterprise Ireland, industry and hosted by Teagasc, in collaboration with ICBF, UCC, DCU, IMR, TUS, MTU and TU Dublin. The activity crosses the interface between academic endeavour and commercial exploitation. The role will require an exceptional individual with advanced scientific training, excellent communication skills and good project management experience. A significant portion of their time may be spent on-site in MTI industry member plants and in the partner RPOs institutions. While reporting to the hiring manager, they will work directly with the MTI Research & Innovation Project Manager and participating company leads, to ensure research outputs from the Centre are seamlessly transferred and embedded in the MTI member companies. The candidate will be required to act within the MTI Memorandum of Understanding governing the management of confidential information. The candidate will be required to contribute to identifying opportunities and formulating solutions to facilitate progress for the participant companies and researchers involved.  
 

• Plan and conduct research trials to monitor lamb red meat eating quality affected by post-mortem factors, with a particular, but not exclusive, focus on tenderness, proximate analysis, and antioxidants. The work will involve a balance of factory sampling, desk-based data analysis and laboratory-based analysis of attributes related to eating quality.

• Report and discuss progress updates with the Research Leader, with the MTI Director and participate where required, on the Research Project Management Group (RPMG).

• Assist the MTI Research & Innovation Project Manager in directing the assigned MTI projects.

• Assist Research Programme manager with project management and ensure project objectives are met in timely manner.

• Present findings in oral and written format to the research community and to industry.

• Clearly and effectively communicate with research team, managers, industry personnel, and other experts in accordance with the MTI protocol e.g. in planning research, planning factory visits, etc.

• Contribute to the development of standard operating procedures.

• Ensure timely preparation of technical and research reports and manuscripts.

• Review literature and keep up to date with relevant scientific and technical developments.

• Establish and/or apply protocols to evaluate meat tenderness and other meat quality treats.

• Assist with project management and sample curation. This includes liaising with industry personnel to ensure full traceability within the factory environment.

• If required, record data at factory and laboratory level, compiling data, performing statistical analysis and interpreting data.

• 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 assist Teagasc in meeting the commitments of the Quality Customer Service Charter and Action Plan.

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

• 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.