Basic Function

The appointed Research Officer will play a pivotal role in coordinating and managing research activities within the BIO2PE project, with significant responsibility for technical reporting and engagement with project partners across Europe to ensure the timely delivery of milestones and outputs. The role is ideally suited to a scientist who can thrive in a dynamic, collaborative environment and who has a strong interest in mission-oriented research focused on sustainability and regulatory compliance. Experience in life cycle assessment (LCA) of biodegradable polymeric materials and in the extraction of biopolymers from agri-food waste using novel processing technologies would be a distinct advantage. The appointee will work closely with the wider Teagasc project team to support the achievement of project objectives and to ensure effective dissemination of research outcomes to scientific audiences, agri-food industry stakeholders, policymakers, and relevant state agencies. This position offers an excellent opportunity to contribute to high-impact, multidisciplinary research while further developing professional expertise within an innovative and collaborative environment.

Background

The BIO2PE is ambitious project that aims to revolutionise the plastic sectors by developing bio-based and biodegradable polyethylene (PE) and polyester, directly derived from biomass waste, to combat plastic pollution and advance sustainability. A crucial part of Bio2PEs is its to conduct a comprehensive environmental, economic, and social impact assessment, covering the entire lifecycle of the materials. The BIO2PE project will support the European Circular Economy Action Plan by fostering scalable, sustainable solutions that reduce waste and plastic pollution while promoting resource efficiency.

• Conduct and support research on sustainable materials, including LCA of biodegradable polymeric systems and biopolymer extraction from agri-food waste.
• Ensure research activities align with sustainability, regulatory, and compliance frameworks.
• Coordinate and support the delivery of research activities and milestones within the BIO2PE project.
• Lead and contribute to technical reporting, documentation, and project monitoring in line with funder requirements.
• Engage and communicate effectively with European project partners to ensure timely progress and collaboration.
• Work collaboratively with the Teagasc project team and interdisciplinary stakeholders to deliver project objectives.
• Support knowledge transfer and dissemination through scientific publications, reports, stakeholder engagement, and industry interaction.
• Contribute to the development of new research ideas, funding proposals, and innovation pathways linked to circular bioeconomy goals.
• Maintain high standards of data management, research integrity, and health and safety.
• To allocate, delegate and supervise work of the research staff, as is appropriate.
• To provide specific technical inputs to the research agenda such as literature review, data analysis and preparing reports. Writing and contributing to research reports, policy briefs and other documents.
• To present research results internally and externally at conferences, meetings, including preparing presentations.
• To disseminate research results through web pages, media conferences etc.
• 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.