Basic Function

Teagasc is seeking to appoint a Technologist to support a multidisciplinary industry research project, aimed at developing innovative meat products. The successful candidate will play a critical role in undertaking microbiological analysis and product development trials, with a strong focus on food safety, microbial characterization and new product development.

Background

The role is primarily based in the Food Safety Department at Teagasc Food Research Centre, Ashtown, Dublin 15 and the person will also collaborate with colleagues in the Prepared Consumer Foods Centre and with the industry partner. The Technologist will be responsible for executing a range of laboratory-based tasks focused on the development and validation of bacterial starter cultures for meat products. This includes microbial enumeration, DNA extraction and sequencing, and microbial viability assessments. The Technologist will conduct meat product trials and associated shelf-life and quality analyses (e.g. texture, colour). The role also involves preparing experimental protocols, writing technical reports, coordinating sample collection with the industry partner, and actively contributing to project meetings and data interpretation.

• To contribute to experimental design and planning.
• To conduct a range of culture dependent and independent microbiological analysis, including shelf life studies.
• To conduct a range of meat quality analysis.
• Collate and analyse data outputs.
• Collaborate with the other members of the team in delivering the main objectives and achieving the targets and deliverables set out for the project.
• Liaise with Teagasc and the industry to coordinate sample collection and processing.
• Participate in project meetings and present data interpretation and dissemination of findings.
• Contribute to dissemination of data in oral and written formats.
• 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.