Basic Function

Teagasc, in collaboration with the VistaMilk Research Ireland Centre, is seeking a highly motivated and proactive researcher to support the development of advanced dairy processing models. The successful candidate will work closely with the project management team and a PhD student to design and implement both machine learning and fundamental mechanistic models for spray drying of dairy matrices.

Key responsibilities will include planning and conducting pilot-scale trials using a newly refurbished spray dryer equipped with extensive data-capture infrastructure, generating the data required to develop and optimise these models. In addition, the researcher will also contribute to the development of a broader, top-level model charting milk’s journey from farm gate to consumer.

Background

The VistaMilk Research Centre (vistamilk.ie) is a unique collaboration between agri-food and information and communications technology (ICT) research institutes, alongside leading Irish and multinational food and ICT companies. Funded by Taighde Éireann Research Ireland and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM), the centre is hosted by Teagasc, the Irish Food and Agricultural Development Authority.

This position aligns with VistaMilk’s overarching goal of harnessing digital and information technologies to advance key segments of the Irish dairy ecosystem. In particular, the focus is on dairy exports which represents approximately €6 billion annually, with the primary focus being on dairy powders which accounts for around half of the total export value.

The models developed by the successful candidate, together with the associated project, will support the ongoing innovation and growth of the Irish dairy industry. The role will be based at the Teagasc Food Research Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork, utilising the extensive laboratory and pilot-scale infrastructure available on site.

• To plan and execute spray drying trials for the purpose of collecting data to develop and validate models
• To perform associated lab-based physiochemical analyses
• To ensure the data capture infrastructure (instrumentation and data historian) are operational
• To interpret research findings and prepare scientific and popular press publications.
• To disseminate research findings to a variety of audiences as appropriate
• To aid PhD student in interpretation of data and model development
• To ensure all activities and data produced are adequately documented and curated
• 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.