Duration:
Temporary externally funded non Grant-in-Aid contract post, the indicative duration of which is 44 months, subject to contract. A panel may be formed from which future similar vacancies may be filled; such a panel will remain active for a maximum period of 12 months.
Basic Function
Teagasc seeks to appoint a Research Officer to lead the research and project management duties of a large national initiative in the area of wheat processing and bakery innovation (FIELD2FLOUR Ireland). The successful candidate will be based at the Ashtown campus in Dublin.
Background
FIELD2FLOUR Ireland is a multi-institutional research initiative focused on advancing the sustainability, resilience and value-add potential of Irish-grown spring wheat for food applications. The Research Officer will focus on establishing comprehensive techno-functional profiles of current and emerging spring wheat varieties; enhancing their baking potential through a targeted matrix of functional additives and processing aids and developing optimised bakery processing strategies through advanced fermentation technologies. The role will involve ongoing multidisciplinary collaboration across Teagasc and partner institutions, and engagement with stakeholders from the Irish tillage, milling and food sectors.
The Research Officer will have significant research experience in cereal science, flour functionality, bakery product development and food processing technologies, along with documented scientific and technical outputs in this particular field. They will lead ongoing collaborations with the national partners and industry stakeholders of the project. The successful candidate will demonstrate the ability to work proactively within a multi-disciplinary research environment and provide leadership in stakeholder engagement and knowledge transfer activities.
The mission of Teagasc Food Research Centre, Ashtown is to assist the growth and development of the Irish food industry through excellence in research, advice and training. The multi-disciplinary campus at Ashtown, Dublin 15 consists of research and analytical laboratories, complemented by the National Prepared Consumer Food Centre. The campus is renowned for its international research community and its collegial environment. Researchers at the Centre collaborate both nationally and internationally with other institutes and universities in publicly funded research and development projects and industry contracts. Of pivotal national importance, the Centre works closely with the food industry to ensure that outputs from the research programme contribute to supporting sustainability and competitiveness of the food sector.
- An honours Level 8 degree, (as recognised on the National Framework of Qualifications or equivalent), in science/food science/food engineering, with a specific focus on cereal processing technologies and bakery ingredient structure/function relationships or a related discipline.
- A postgraduate degree in cereal science or food science would be a distinct advantage
- Documented research experience in cereal science and bread technology.
- Proven strong laboratory and pilot-scale research capabilities, including cereal characterisation, grain milling, fermentation technologies and the application of functional processing aids in bread systems.
- Documented experience in experimental design, and statistical modelling for formulation optimization.
- Recognised experience and peer-reviewed publications evidencing applied proficiency in cereal chemistry analytical methodologies.
- Demonstrated ability to generate unique and innovative research concepts, models and solutions.
- Experience in setting own research agenda.
- Track record of dissemination activities, including peer-reviewed publications, technical report writing and scientific/technical oral presentations.
- Excellent project management, analytical, report writing and data analysis skills.
- An ability to collaborate with team members, including PhD students, for building research knowledge and skills and for guiding professional development.
- Excellent communication skills (oral, written, presentation) with a demonstrated ability to enable effective knowledge and technology transfer activities.
- Evidence of teamwork and active collaborations with external project partners.
- Knowledge of intellectual property management (IP) processes and how to protect research findings.
- Experience working in multidisciplinary research teams
- Aptitude for multidisciplinary approaches.
- Ability to work as part of a team, including consulting, collaborating and building relationships with key stakeholders.
- Strives for high quality of work and demonstrates commitment to the programme.
- Ability to communicate effectively to enable knowledge and technology transfer.
The legal requirements to drive a car unaccompanied on Irish public roads is desired but not essential.
Eligibility
This is an open public competition. Should a current serving Teagasc staff member be successful in their application through open public competition for this post, their current contract of employment with Teagasc will come to an end on taking up this post.
Note: The ‘essential’ qualifications, knowledge, skills and behavioural competencies outlined above are ‘must-have’ which will be used in the selection process.
