Postdoc in Food Technology, Food Process Engineering Ireland

This project will be carried out as part of a state funded Dairy Processing Technology Centre (DPTC) in collaboration with industry (New protein fractions for nutritional, medical and therapeutic applications prepared by innovative separation technology).The Dairy Processing Technology Centre (DPTC) is Ireland’s centre of excellence for dairy processing research and innovation, established to help to fuel growth in the Irish dairy sector by performing research focused on cost-efficient processing; facilitating a step-change in environmental sustainability; and creating, validating and commercialising a pipeline of science and technology-based manufacturing platforms for Teagasc Post Doctoral Fellowship Programme – PD1/PD2 2 dairy ingredients.

The DPTC is a strong, long-term industry-academic collaborative partnership that will develop, build and translate the knowledge and capabilities in dairy processing that are needed today and for the long-term growth of the sector. Current industry members of the Centre are Arrabawn Co-op, Aurivo Co-op, Carbery Group, Dairygold Co-op, Glanbia Ingredients Ireland, Kerry Group, Lakeland Dairies and Tipperary Co-op.

This project will focus on developing a separation platform (membrane / chromatography / electro-dialysis) for production of next generation powders for use in nutritional / medical and or therapeutic beverages. Account will be taken of market and consumer trends in determining the most viable opportunities for growth among these sectors. In conjunction with other DPTC projects, separation techniques will be developed to manufacture whey protein concentrates with modified protein profiles (e.g. enriched with higher/lower molecular weight fractions) and milk protein concentrates (MPCs) with varying nutritional profile through altering the ratios of casein:whey:minerals.

The altered composition may be driven by nutritional opportunities or to add value to the mix of constituents. In addition, the project will seek to assess the functionality of liquid concentrates (in some cases purified using a chromatography step) and dried proteins such as whey and total milk protein products with a view to enhancing functionality e.g. dissolution properties, heat stability, viscosity, emulsion formation, sensory attributes etc. End product functionality will be correlated with physico-chemical analyses

This position is a Teagasc Post-Doctoral (PD) Research Fellow position and as such 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 first 3 years (36 months) of this programme will be at Post-Doctoral Research Fellow Level 1 (PD1) and while working in conjunction with senior research staff, will gain insight and experience into a variety of areas including the processes of project and budgetary management, the development of active collaboration with relevant national and international research communities and relevant industry partners, the development of communication and presentation skills and possible experience in the mentorship of students.

The remaining year (12 months) of the programme will be at Post-Doctoral Research Fellow Level 2 (PD2). This advanced research focused training role provides experienced Post-Doctoral researchers with the opportunity to build on their prior experience. Both the PD1 and the PD2 fellowships are supported by a modular training programme, to enhance overall career development. Modules will be conducted under the supervision and direction of the Project Leader or other designated manager in conjunction with the Head of Department.

Duties & Responsibilities specific to this project: · Adaptation of new and existing technologies for the separation of milk components particularly in the context of their end use in applications such as infant, sports and advance medical nutrition · Mapping of protein profiles and amino acid sequences of permeate/retentate streams from a range of different membranes processes · To map the physical partition of key macro and micro nutritional components in bovine milk, including proteins, carbohydrates, fat, microbes, minerals, vitamins and trace components using conventional and novel process techniques

Develop a new range of functionalised high protein products with added value from novel separation processes · To liaise with industry partners, project sponsors and key stakeholders, facilitating cross divisional alignment on specific project targets and goals · To develop the next generation of ceramic and organic membranes to add value to new and existing dairy streams · To work closely with other team members within the DPTC project as well as with industry partners and the wider scientific community, thus enriching the specific tasks within the project brief. · Develop new membrane separation platforms for production of next generation powders for use in infant, medical and therapeutic beverage 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. · 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 they may arise and be assigned by management

Person Specification This 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 Qualifications

PhD in Food Science, Food Technology, Food Process Engineering or a related discipline Relevant research experience not to exceed 3 years’ post-PhD v Demonstrated research and technical expertise in membrane filtration, protein fractionation, dairy processing and the chemistry of milk components v Evidence of research activity (publications, conference presentations, awards) and future scholarly output (working papers, research proposals etc) v Excellent project management, analytical, report writing and data analysis skills v An ability to collaborate with team members to help build research knowledge and skill and to guide professional development. v Excellent communication skills (oral, written, presentation) with an ability to enable effective knowledge and technology transfer v Ability to generate new ideas, unique concepts, models and solutions

Strong knowledge of milk fractionation technologies with particular emphasis on ceramic/organic membrane filtration · Experience in unit processes associate with dairy ingredient generation · Experience in lab and pilot scale activities

  • Experience in setting own research agenda · Evidence of teamwork and collaboration with relevant partners

Further Information for Candidates Candidates can access a Fellowship Programme

Application form for this post on the Teagasc website at http://www.teagasc.ie/opportunities/postdoctoral/index.asp. Teagasc do not accept Curriculum Vitae’s as an application for a position. In order to apply for a post the relevant application form must be completed in order to be considered. Completed application forms should be TYPED and saved in MS Word format and submitted by email to teagascjobs@clark.ie no later than 12 midnight on Monday 22nd June 2015.

Teagasc is an equal opportunities employer. Canvassing will disqualify. The details contained above are subject to change without notice.