Basic Function:

The appointee will be based at the Teagasc Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Moorepark, and will work as part of a multidisciplinary team delivering the Teagasc milk quality programme. The successful candidate will play a key role in supporting activities aimed at ensuring the production of premium quality milk at farm level and supporting the wider dairy sector. The appointee will be responsible for the coordination, processing and laboratory analysis of milk and associated samples generated through both commercial and research programmes, with particular emphasis on microbial quality, somatic cell count, indicators of intra-mammary infection, milk composition and potential residues in milk. They will undertake appropriate laboratory testing, maintain accurate sample and analytical records, and contribute to the application and refinement of robust methods for assessing milk quality and identifying factors influencing milk quality within the farm-gate. The appointee will provide laboratory support to research and field activities, working closely with researchers, laboratory personnel, dairy farmers, commercial milk processors and other industry stakeholders. They will contribute to the interpretation, reporting and dissemination of laboratory findings and support the preparation of information for scientific and farming communities. The role will require a strong understanding of the principles underpinning milk quality, excellent laboratory, analytical and organisational skills, and the ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Background:

Teagasc Moorepark is a world leading institute for grass-based dairy production research.  It has national responsibility for all aspects of dairy production research, which includes grassland and grazing management, dairy cow breeding and reproduction, dairy cow health and welfare, milk composition, dairy cow nutrition, milking technology, milk production systems and economic analysis. The research programme is conducted by over 30 scientific and technical professionals, supported by administrative and operative staff. Teagasc Moorepark operates a total of 7 individual dairy research farms totalling 500 hectares and over 1,200 dairy cows.

• Conducting routine laboratory analysis of milk and associated samples in accordance with established procedures, protocols, test methods and specifications.
• Operating, maintaining and carrying out routine quality control checks on laboratory equipment, including GC and FOSS instrumentation.
• Receiving, processing and preparing samples for analysis, ensuring appropriate identification, traceability, storage and timely processing.
• Liaising with milk processors and other stakeholders regarding sample collection, delivery and analysis, and preparing and presenting detailed analytical reports and results as required.
• Maintaining accurate laboratory records and data, including analytical results, sample information, calibrations, temperatures, equipment checks and other quality control information through worksheets, LIMS and relevant systems.
• Maintaining high standards of laboratory quality assurance, quality control, health and safety, and compliance with relevant standard operating procedures and Teagasc policies.
• Supporting the identification and investigation of milk quality issues relating to microbial quality, somatic cell count, intra-mammary infection, milk composition and potential residues, and contributing to the identification of appropriate mitigating strategies.
• Supporting the collection, organisation and management of milk quality data from commercial and research programmes, ensuring data are accurate, complete and appropriately documented.
• Contributing to the interpretation and reporting of laboratory findings and the preparation of technical reports, scientific publications and other material for dissemination to scientific, industry and farming audiences.
• Providing training, guidance and practical support to students and other personnel undertaking milk quality analyses as required.
• Working collaboratively with Teagasc researchers, laboratory personnel, dairy farmers, milk processors and other stakeholders to support the effective delivery of the milk quality programme.
• 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.

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.