Basic Function

Teagasc seeks to appoint a Data Analyst at Technologist Grade with demonstrated skills in statistical analysis and associated machine learning approaches including multivariate interrogation of large biological/food datasets. The successful candidate will contribute to the goals of Meat Technology Ireland and advance the state-of-the-art in meat science, with a particular focus on understanding and optimising beef quality, in collaboration with Teagasc colleagues, external collaborators and relevant stakeholders. The successful candidate will apply state-of-the art approaches and will have proficiency in statistical programming tools, such as MatLab, R or Python. The role will be to integrate diverse datasets, perform quality control and apply state-of-art statistical and machine learning approaches to extract new insights on fundamental industry challenges from large datasets. They will also have an interest in expanding their knowledge in the area of bioinformatics in support of analysis of omics data (proteomics).

Background

The successful applicant will be employed by Teagasc to work within MTI, which 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. While reporting to the hiring manager, they will also work with the MTI Centre Director 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 role will require an exceptional individual with advanced data analytics training, excellent scientific communication skills and an interest in industry-facing research. The mission of Teagasc is to assist the growth and development of the Irish food industry through excellence in research, advice and training. Teagasc Ashtown has an international reputation as a centre of excellence in meat science. The multi-disciplinary campus at Ashtown, Dublin 15 consists of research and analytical laboratories and food processing pilot plants with an international research community in a collegial environment. Of pivotal national importance, the Centre works closely with the food industry to ensure that outputs from the research programme contribute to supporting sustainability and competitiveness in the food sector.

• To bring competence in statistical analysis of large carcass and meat science datasets, with a view to development of decision support tools for the meat processing sector.
• Clearly and effectively communicate with the research team, managers, industry personnel, and other experts in accordance with the MTI protocol e.g. in planning research, planning factory visits, etc.
• Present findings in oral and written format to the research community and to industry.
• Report and discuss progress updates with the Research Leader, with the MTI Director and participate where required, on the Research Project Management Group
• 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.