Post Doctoral Research Fellow Level 2 in Crop Processing and Food Innovation

Job title:

Post Doctoral Research Fellow Level 2 in Crop Processing and Food Innovation

Company:

Teagasc

Job description

Job DescriptionDuration:Temporary Post-Doctoral Appointment. This is an externally funded non Grant-in-Aid contract post, the indicative duration of which is 36 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 Post-Doctoral (PD) Level 2 researcher, to lead the research in the area of crop processing and gluten-free innovation. The successful candidate will be based at the Ashtown campus in Dublin, where facilities include research and analytical laboratories and a food processing pilot plant.Background:The project aims to conduct innovative research and focus on the processing and exploration of Irish-grown faba beans. Processing and potential gluten-free applications will be researched. Blending with other ingredients will be exploited, with onward novel product research, development and innovation trials, where techno-functional and sensory characteristics will be optimised. A multi-disciplinary approach coupled with statistical design will be undertaken for the development of suitable process methodologies for formulating novel gluten-free prototypes. The structure-function relationship of the new product matrices will be fully characterized and optimised using traditional and novel analytical methods and technologies.The Post-Doctoral Level 2 researcher will bring their expertise and experience of crop, ingredient and food processing and scientific and technical communications. They will lead active ongoing collaboration with the national partners of the project. The successful candidate will design, undertake and provide new pathways and solutions in cereal processing and gluten-free product innovation in this field.Background to the Teagasc Post-Doctoral Programme: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 PD Fellow will, while working in conjunction with senior research staff, gain insight and experience into a variety of areas including the process 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 Dr. Eimear Gallagher or other designated manager in conjunction with the Head of Department.Job ObjectivesDuties & Responsibilities specific to this project:

• To apply multi-disciplinary scientific approaches, coupled with suitable process methodologies to process, characterise and unlock the ingredient potential of Irish-grown faba beans.
• To apply novel food innovation approaches for the optimisation of re-designed gluten-free extruded products.
• To apply complimentary analytical research tools and technologies to elucidate new information relating to physical structure, texture and sensory attributes of processed flours and re-designed matrices.
• To enhance the fundamental scientific capability of the cereal/bakery research group at Ashtown.
• To collaborate with the national partners in the project, and instigate industry collaboration where appropriate.

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.
• 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 may arise or as assigned by management.

Skills RequirementThis 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 science, food technology or food engineering.
• A minimum of 3 years and not more than 5 years’ relevant research experience
• Demonstrated research and technical expertise in crop processing, design and structure/function relationships of gluten-free food matrices, statistical design and analysis.
• A fundamental, documented and in-depth understanding of food ingredient characterisation and food product techno-functional properties.
• A documented working knowledge of cereal chemistry techniques.
• Track record of researcher dissemination including peer-reviewed publications.
• Excellent project management, analytical, report writing and data analysis skills
• Proven record of collaboration with team members and PhD students to help build research knowledge and skill and to guide professional development
• Excellent communication skills (oral, written, presentation) with a demonstrated ability to enable effective knowledge and technology transfer
• Demonstrated ability to generate new ideas, unique concepts, models and solutions

Desirable

• Experience in statistical design, crop science and practices.
• Experience in setting own research agenda.
• Evidence of teamwork and collaboration with relevant partners.
• Knowledge of intellectual property management (IP) processes and how to protect research findings.
• Management of PhD students to build research skill and knowledge and to support and guide their professional development.

Expected salary

€46570 per year

Location

Ashtown, Dublin

Job date

Thu, 25 Apr 2024 05:12:30 GMT

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