Research Officer – Meat Scientist with expertise in proteomics and meat biochemistry

Job title:

Research Officer – Meat Scientist with expertise in proteomics and meat biochemistry

Company:

Teagasc

Job description

Job DescriptionDuration:Temporary externally funded non Grant-in-Aid contract post, the indicative duration of which is 18 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:We are seeking to recruit a competent, driven and enthusiastic Contract Research Officer to undertake research as part of the Meat Technology Ireland (MTI) Centre based in Teagasc Ashtown. This project provides an excellent opportunity for a Research Officer with expertise in meat science, proteomics, muscle biology and meat biochemistry and statistical and bioinformatics data analysis to join our research team and expand their knowledge and skill base through research of strategic importance to the Irish meat sector. Working in Teagasc and within MTI, the Research Officer will be part of a research team whose focus is to improve tenderness outcomes for the Irish red meat sector and understanding of the underlying mechanisms using OMICs mainly through proteomics. This research will be firmly underpinned by a sound scientific understanding of meat-eating quality, a high-quality research approach using proteomics and protein biomarkers discovery, a keen eye for detail and accuracy in collecting, analysing, interpreting and reporting data. The research officer will be responsible for laboratory-based analysis of meat quality, meat biochemistry, beef ageing proteomics, and may be required to participate in factory sampling of muscle biopsies and meat ageing. An important aspect of the role will be in integrating the whole data of the project and analysing the large datasets using both statistical and bioinformatics methods to elucidate patterns, molecular pathways and processes in influencing beef ageing and other meat characteristics. Reporting directly to the lead of the beef maturation proteomics, the research officer will play a critical role in ensuring the research objectives are achieved in a timely, professional and high quality manner. She or he will communicate in a clear, effective way with the research team, industry, management etcBackground:Teagasc is seeking to recruit a scientist with a proven track record in meat science and demonstrated expertise in beef quality evaluation including beef tenderness, meat biochemistry, muscle biology, OMICs methods namely traditional and emerging shotgun proteomics methods along of statistical and bioinformatics data analyses. The successful candidate will have responsibility for conducting experimental studies investigating meat quality, with a particular focus on beef tenderness. This post will be carried out in the Food Quality and Sensory Science Department at Teagasc Food Research Centre, Ashtown, Dublin 15.The successful applicant will be employed by Teagasc to work within MTI, which is a unique project, co-funded by Enterprise Ireland, industry and hosted by Teagasc, in collaboration with ICBF, UCC, DCU, IMR, TUS, MTU and TU Dublin. The activity crosses the interface between academic endeavour and commercial exploitation. The role will require an exceptional individual with advanced scientific training, excellent communication skills and good project management experience. A significant portion of their time may be spent on-site in MTI industry member plants and in the partner RPOs institutions. While reporting to the hiring manager, they will work directly with the MTI Research & Innovation Project Manager and participating company leads, to ensure research outputs from the Centre are seamlessly transferred and embedded in the MTI member companies. The candidate will be required to act within the MTI Memorandum of Understanding governing the management of confidential information.Job Objectives

• Plan and conduct research trials to study beef ageing and eating quality traits with a particular, but not exclusive, focus on tenderness. The work will involve a factory and a laboratory-based analysis of attributes related to eating quality, muscle biology, meat biochemistry and traditional and shotgun proteomics.
• Record data at factory and laboratory levels, compiling datasets, performing statistical and bioinformatics analyses, interpreting data, writing reports, preparing presentations and writing peer-reviewed scientific papers.
• Assist with project management and sample curation. This includes liaising with industry personnel to ensure full traceability within the factory environment, muscle and meat sampling and storage of samples and meat ageing.
• Apply innovative protocols and high-throughput approaches in the frame of proteomics to evaluate biochemical pathways underpinning beef ageing and tenderness determination.
• Ensure timely preparation of technical and research reports and scientific manuscripts.
• Contribute to the development of standard operating procedures.
• Clearly and effectively communicate with the research team, managers, industry personnel, and other experts in accordance with the MTI protocol e.g. in planning research, planning factory visits, etc.
• Present findings in oral and written format to the research community and to industry.
• Assist the MTI Research & Innovation Project Manager in directing the assigned MTI projects.
• Report and discuss progress updates with the Research Leader, with the MTI Director and participate where required, on the Research Project Management Group.
• 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.
• To fully co-operate with the provisions made for ensuring the health, safety and welfare of oneself, fellow staff and non-Teagasc staff and co-operate with management in enabling Teagasc to comply with legal obligations, including full compliance with the responsibilities outlined in the Safety Statement.
• To carry out 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 RequirementEssentialDesirableQualifications

• An honours Level 8 degree, (as recognised on the

or ), in Food Science & Technology, or Meat Science, or Animal Science or a related discipline.

• A postgraduate degree and/or research experience in Meat Science would be a distinct advantage.

Skills

• Excellent laboratory skills, organization skills, report writing and data analysis
• Proven ability to carry out a range of laboratory methods to measure meat quality attributes (significant technical/laboratory skills required).
• Experience in meat biochemistry and muscle biology
• Experience in omics approaches, namely proteomics applied to muscle foods
• Documented experience of statistical and bioinformatics data analysis and data management skills.

• Proven record of scientific communications.
• Aptitude for multidisciplinary approaches.

Knowledge

• Comprehensive and documented understanding of factors that affect the quality of meat and meat product.
• Comprehensive and documented understanding of factors that affect beef ageing including the biochemical mechanisms.
• Demonstrated ability to successfully manage research projects.
• Comprehensive and documented understanding of muscle to meat conversion and current understanding of the mechanisms.

• Expertise in molecular pathways underpinning muscle to meat conversion and protein biomarkers discovery.

Behavioural Competencies

• Ability to work as part of a team, including consulting, collaborating and building relationships with key stakeholders.
• Dedication to the programme, to quality and to a high degree of integrity in all aspects of work.
• Strives for high quality of work and demonstrates commitment to the programme.
• Ability to communicate effectively to enable knowledge and technology transfer.
• Ability to work independently, to meet self-imposed milestones and deliverables.
• Capacity to successfully develop collaborative links with national and international research organizations and stakeholders.

OtherAs this role will involved driving vehicles, candidates must satisfy and continue to satisfy during employment with Teagasc, legal requirements to drive a car unaccompanied on Irish public roads.
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.Note: Alternative location(s) may be considered solely at the discretion of Teagasc management

Expected salary

€40580 – 77284 per year

Location

Northside Dublin

Job date

Wed, 18 Dec 2024 02:48:24 GMT

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