Location: Teagasc Food Research Centre, Ashtown, Dublin 15
Technologist
Salary: Technologist Grade 1 with a Salary Scale of €41,996 to €79,618
Closing Date: 14/10/2025 12:00 PM
Funded Full Time
Job Description
Duration:
Temporary externally funded non Grant-in-Aid contract post, the indicative duration of which is 24 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 is seeking to appoint a Technologist to support a multidisciplinary industry research project, aimed at developing innovative meat products. The successful candidate will play a critical role in undertaking microbiological analysis and product development trials, with a strong focus on food safety, microbial characterization and new product development.
Background
The role is primarily based in the Food Safety Department at Teagasc Food Research Centre, Ashtown, Dublin 15 and the person will also collaborate with colleagues in the Prepared Consumer Foods Centre and with the industry partner. The Technologist will be responsible for executing a range of laboratory-based tasks focused on the development and validation of bacterial starter cultures for meat products. This includes microbial enumeration, DNA extraction and sequencing, and microbial viability assessments. The Technologist will conduct meat product trials and associated shelf-life and quality analyses (e.g. texture, colour). The role also involves preparing experimental protocols, writing technical reports, coordinating sample collection with the industry partner, and actively contributing to project meetings and data interpretation.
Job Objectives
* To contribute to experimental design and planning.
* To conduct a range of culture dependent and independent microbiological analysis, including shelf life studies.
* To conduct a range of meat quality analysis.
* Collate and analyse data outputs.
* Collaborate with the other members of the team in delivering the main objectives and achieving the targets and deliverables set out for the project.
* Liaise with Teagasc and the industry to coordinate sample collection and processing.
* Participate in project meetings and present data interpretation and dissemination of findings.
* Contribute to dissemination of data in oral and written formats.
* 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 Requirement
Essential
Desirable
Qualifications
* A Level 8 degree (as recognised on the National Framework of Qualifications or equivalent), in microbiology or a related discipline.
* A postgraduate degree and/or research experience in microbiology or food science would be a distinct advantage
Skills
* Excellent laboratory skills, organization skills, report writing and data analysis
* Proven record of scientific communications.
* Track record of recipe development, product development and scaling-up.
* Aptitude for working as part of a multidisciplinary project team.
* Pilot plant and industrial experience in a range of food production and processing technologies is highly desirable.
* Experience working in compliance with Health & Safety and biohazard protocols.
Knowledge
* Broad knowledge on food safety, microbial spoilage and shelf life.
* Strong technical understanding of food manufacturing processes and the effect of various parameters on the quality and stability of food products.
* Knowledge of new and emerging technologies with applications for the food industry.
* Knowledge of chemistry, microbiology, physical and sensory characteristics of foods.
* Understanding of food quality and safety management systems (HACCP, BRC, ISO) as well as basic food regulations.
Behavioural Competencies
* 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.
* Flexible with an ability to prioritise tasks effectively.
* Ability to work independently and meet self-imposed milestones and deliverables.
* A pro-active solutions-focused approach to work with an ability to adapt to changing requirements and shifting priorities.
* Ability to set clear standards, to lead by example, with a quality customer service focus.
Other
As this role will involve 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.