Basic Function

The technologist appointed will work as part of the Research Ireland funded VistaMilk Centre based in the Food Chemistry and Technology Department located in Teagasc Food Research Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork. They will be required to manage and execute pilot plant trials at a range of processing scales in both the Biofunctional Food Engineering Facility and Moorepark Technology Ltd. Additionally this role will require advanced analytical and wet chemistry experience as it pertains to milk, dairy and powder samples generated from the research project. They will be responsible for managing both internal and external pilot plant activities including heating and separation technologies, evaporation and spray drying.

Background

The Food Chemistry & Technology Department at Moorepark researches dairy-based products and ingredients and works closely with industry and academic partners. This project focuses on compositional analysis and pilot plant trials as part of a collaborative project with an industry partner. This project requires the appointment of a dedicated technologist with expertise in dairy product manufacture, sample and data analysis to meet these demands. The successful candidate will manage pilot plant trials, advanced analytical techniques, wet chemistry testing and result reporting. The core focus of this role is dairy powder  manufacture and analysis of powder physical and chemical properties.

• Undertaking of laboratory and pilot scale dairy processing trials in response to project requirements
• Operation of pilot plant equipment including thermal, separation, evaporation and spray drying technologies
• Management of pilot plant trials focused on dairy ingredient production.
• Undertaking a broad ranging analytical techniques on samples generated within the project
• Undertaking analytical methodologies to support pilot plant operations including wet chemistry techniques for analysis of powder composition, protein, fat, moisture, etc.
• Undertaking analytical methodologies to support pilot plant operations including rheological, particle size analysis, thermal analysis and other methodologies to determine powder functional properties.
• To coordinate and perform a variety of independent and team activities involved in the collection, analysis, documentation and some interpretation of information/results.
• Compilation of data, preparation of test reports and communication with stakeholders.
• Ensure relevant laboratory records are compiled and kept up to date.
• Participate in good laboratory practices and comply with all H&S guidelines both in the laboratory and pilot plant.
• 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.

Gender, Diversity and Inclusion

At all levels in Teagasc, we believe in growing and keeping alive an open, diverse and inclusive workplace which is respectful to all and nurtures different perspectives, for the benefit of all in the organisation.

We are committed to the principles of 'Equal Opportunities, No Barriers, Active Inclusion'.

We actively welcome applications from people from diverse backgrounds.