Basic Function

The successful candidate will be responsible for evaluation of technologies for processing a range of plant based crops at farm (production) and pilot plant level for protein (and residual biomass) extraction. Targeted technologies include dry separation, ultrasound, hydrodynamic cavitation/membrane separation, microwave processing, on-farm fermentation and extrusion/drying.

The candidate will be responsible for carrying out laboratory-based analysis and formulation of plant based foods. Tasks also include integration of digital technologies such as IR analytics for tracking composition of selected protein crops. The work will be carried out with European partners to support a number a work packages on Innovative technologies to add value across the supply chain. Understanding of food processing and protein chemistry are essential to the role

Background

VALPRO Path is a €10M Horizon Europe funded Innovation Action, coordinated by Teagasc, and started in September 2022.

The ambition of VALPRO Path is to co-create, validate and demonstrate new production pathways that promote the sustainable and circular production of plant proteins for food and feed across the EU. The emphasis is on underpinning economic value through nutrient use efficiency, protein quality, circularity and biodiversity. VALPRO Path is built on the principles of co-designing, demonstrating, and evaluating new supply and technical models.

The advertised position is focused on exploiting technical/logistical innovations, concentrating on protein extraction, concentration, drying and subsequent analysis. Processing and analysis of residual biomass remaining after protein extraction, is also within scope. Teagasc is a diverse and inclusive organisation with several research centres located around Ireland. The current role is based at the Teagasc Food Research

Centre at Moorepark to support technological innovation in relation to protein extraction, processing and analysis.

• Implementation of the project, work plan as detailed in the Grant Agreement to meet agreed milestones and deliverables.
• Carry out pilot plant trials for extraction of protein from plant / crop resources.
• Design experiments, complete laboratory testing for compositional, functionality, product formulation and processing trials.
• Formulation of beverages and solid foods from plant based ingredients for further analysis.
• Transfer of data from production, processing and shelf-life to partners for life cycle analysis (LCA) analysis of plant based ingredients.
• Assist in the coordination, data collation, writing and preparation of scientific communication and agreed reporting for funding body.
• Assist in the dissemination and exploitation of results from the research through publication, knowledge transfer channels as well as public engagement and other appropriate routes.
• Support VALPRO Path partners with the technical aspects of work package 2 and IPS 4.
• To assist Teagasc in meeting the commitments of the Quality Customer Service Charter and Action Plan.
• To 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.