Basic Function

The person recruited for the post will work in the residue analysis laboratories, where they will receive comprehensive training in laboratory skills, ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation system which incorporates an electronic quality system and LabVantage LIMS, Health & Safety, and advanced analytical instrumentation. Following this, they will be trained on analytical methods for the detection of trace residues in complex biological matrices. The position is a great opportunity to develop skills in the area of liquid chromatography, mass spectrometry, and new analytical techniques for food analysis.

Background

The Teagasc Residue Analysis Laboratories are based in the Food Safety Department at Ashtown, Dublin 15. The Campus is located 10 minutes from Ashtown train station, which is on the Dublin Connolly to Maynooth and Docklands to M3 Parkway train lines.

The Residue Analysis Laboratory is ISO/IEC 17025 accredited, and is one of the first food testing laboratories to receive accreditation in Ireland. It is accredited for testing of the following groups of substances in food of animal origin (animal tissues, milk, eggs, honey, aquaculture and plasma):

• Banned nitrofuran drugs;
• Anthelmintic drugs;
• Anticoccidials;
• Antiviral drugs;
• Carbamate pesticides;
• Pyrethroid pesticides;
• Chlorate and perchlorate.

The laboratory acts as Irish National Reference Laboratory for the accredited substance groups identified (except chlorate/perchlorate). In this role, it develops, validates and applies accredited testing methods for the Irish Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine to support the National Residue Control Plan and the export of Irish Food by ensuring compliance with EU Legislation. It also provides state of-the-art residue testing to the Irish food industry.

The laboratory houses a very active research group led by Prof. Martin Danaher that carries out research on the development of analytical methods for food testing, which covers the areas of residues and contaminants (e.g., veterinary drugs and mycotoxins) and food compositional analysis (vitamins, minerals, and lipids).

The laboratory consists of approximately 12 scientists made up of PhD students, Research Officers, and Technologists. The Residues group has seven laboratories equipped with state-of-the-art analytical instrumentation, including nine LC-MS/MS systems and one ICP-MS. The laboratory also houses a range of other equipment, such as HPLC, IC, and GC-FID systems.

• Laboratory and data analysis to a high standard.
• Record keeping and analytical report preparation.
• Adherence to sample turnaround times.
• Maintain traceability of samples within the laboratory, including sample reception.
• Equipment maintenance, troubleshooting, and calibration.
• Method validation and writing of validation report.
• Contribute to good governance in the laboratory, including active participation in training, laboratory upkeep, and improvement.
• Ensure quality control within the laboratory, including charting and critical assessment of results, documenting SOPs, and auditing.
• 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.