Basic Function:

Teagasc, in collaboration with the VistaMilk Research Ireland Centre, is seeking a highly motivated and proactive post-doctoral 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.

The Teagasc post-doctoral programme provides training and development opportunities for early career scientists that enhances their experience of learning and equips them with the necessary skills for the next stage of their chosen career in research.  Appointees to a Teagasc Post-Doctoral Fellowship will be required to undertake a Level 9 Professional Diploma in Researcher Development delivered by University College Dublin (UCD).

This professional diploma is a flexible, modular programme which embraces a blended learning approach to align with the Post-Doctoral Fellow's role in Teagasc.  It is designed to develop competencies and transferable skills in research, professionalism, communication and career development.  The majority of the programme is delivered online with the remaining elements delivered in-person at Teagasc locations.  This blended approach affords the Post-Doctoral Fellow the opportunity to meet and network with other Teagasc colleagues.  During the course of the diploma Post-Doctoral Fellows will have access to a full range of supports including the UCD library, writing centre and careers centre.

This is a research focused training role, the primary purpose of which is to provide early career scientists with the opportunity to develop their research skills and competencies.

The Post-Doctoral Fellow will, while working in conjunction with senior research staff, gain insight and experience into a variety of areas including the processes of project and budgetary management, publishing in peer-reviewed academic journals, writing grant applications, and attracting external funding; the development of active collaboration with relevant national and international research communities; the development of communication and presentation skills, leadership and management skills, and overall career development.

Modules will be conducted under the supervision and direction of the Dr Eoin Murphy and Dr Norah O’Shea in conjunction with the Head of Department.

Duties & Responsibilities specific to this project:

• 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 aid PhD student in interpretation of data and model development
• To ensure all activities and data produced are adequately documented and curated
   
  Additional Duties & Responsibilities:

• To interpret research findings and prepare scientific and popular press publications.
• To disseminate research findings to a variety of audiences as appropriate.
• To assist Teagasc in meeting the commitments of the Quality Customer Service Charter and Action Plan.
• To comply with all relevant Teagasc policies and procedures.
• To 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.
• To actively participate in the Teagasc Post-Doctoral Fellowship programme and review processes, and to undertake all Post-Doctoral Fellowship training and associated duties as agreed in the Training & Development Plan.
• To take up additional duties as they may arise and be assigned by management.

This section outlines the qualifications, skills, knowledge and/or experience that the successful candidate would be required to demonstrate for successful discharge of the responsibilities of the post.  Applications will be assessed on how well candidates satisfy these criteria.

Essential

• PhD in Food/Dairy Science, Food/Dairy Technology, Process/Chemical Engineering or similar discipline
• Relevant research experience not to exceed 3 years’ post-PhD
• Demonstrated research and technical expertise in dairy science, dairy process technology, pilot-scale process optimisation or similar
• Evidence of research activity (publications, conference presentations, awards) and future scholarly output (working papers, research proposals etc)
• Excellent project management, analytical, report writing and data analysis skills
• An ability to collaborate with team members and PhD students to help build research knowledge and skill and to guide professional development
• Commitment to teamwork and collaborating with colleagues as per our Teagasc Together ethos
• Excellent communication skills (oral, written, presentation) with an ability to enable effective knowledge and technology transfer
• Ability to generate new ideas, unique concepts, models and solutions
• Mathematically minded: excels at logical reasoning, pattern recognition, and quantitative problem-solving.

Desirable

• Additional desirable criteria can be included by the PI as required
• Experience in data modelling
• Experience in setting own research agenda
• Evidence of teamwork and collaboration with relevant partners