Food Technologist

Job Summary

Duration:

Temporary Externally Funded Non Grant-in-Aid contract post, the indicative duration of which is 6 - 9 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.

Background:

Teagasc seeks to appoint a Prepared Consumer Food Technologist on a temporary basis to support the delivery of innovation services within the National Prepared Consumer Food Centre. Their role will include supporting the delivery of services to food industry clients including recipe and product development, scaling and pilot processing of products, operation of equipment, development of SOPs and general trouble-shooting. Candidates should have technical understanding of food and a good knowledge of food production, processing and packaging technologies.

Basic Function:

The role is based in the Food Industry Development Department at the Teagasc Food Research Centre, Ashtown, Dublin 15, which houses the newly established National Prepared Consumer Food Centre. The Centre has state of the art pilot processing facilities and equipment and the appointed person will support the expanding industry support/research and development programme being offered in this area. A key aspect of the role will be working with food industry clients, responding to their innovation needs and supporting the delivery of their specific product, process and packaging requirements. The successful candidate will also be required to support product and processing development trials for industry clients. They will be required to operate a wide range of food processing pilot scale equipment, source raw materials and to assist with the development and maintenance of operating procedures and risk assessments where required.

Job Objectives

• Supporting industry projects in the area of food processing and product development and reformulation, with particular reference to processing of Prepared Consumer Foods.
• Operation of pilot plant and associated equipment, including mixing, extrusion, packaging, thermal and dehydration unit operations.
• Development of SOPs and risk assessment for equipment and processes.
• Sourcing of equipment, ingredients and packaging materials for product, process and packaging trials.
• Supporting administrative and promotional activities related to the National Prepared Consumer Food Centre.
• 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.

Skills Required

Essential

Desirable

Qualifications

At the time of applying, candidates must have

• A QQI Level 8 degree in Food Science/Food Innovation/Culinary Arts or other relevant discipline.

• Relevant experience in industry or other appropriate feild. 

Skills

• Excellent organisation and communication skills.
• Ability to adapt to changing requirements and meet deliverables in a timely manner.
• Data recording and report writing skills.

• Track record of recipe formulation, product development and pilot processing of food.

Knowledge

• Technical understanding of food and food processing.

• Understanding of food quality and safety management systems (e.g. HACCP) as well as basic food regulations.
• Knowledge of the chemistry, microbiology, physical and sensory characteristics of foods.

Behavioural Competencies

• Conscientious self-starter, disciplined, organised and capable of working independently
• Ability to work as part of a team and to communicate effectively
• Flexible, can-do attitude, with an ability to prioritise tasks effectively, with a quality customer service focus.

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.

Attachment:

Techn_a0d0005b-1738-4456-9a66-6aead4885c08.pdf