Duration:

Permanent . 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 recruit a highly motivated candidate with a significant level of expertise to manage and run the newly established malting and distilling Centre of Excellence at Teagasc, Oak Park, Carlow. This new Centre of Excellence is focussed on optimising the malting and distilling of native grains in order to deliver added-value to the Irish tillage sector. The successful candidate will coordinate and manage operations at the Centre of Excellence and contribute to the technical aspects required to guide associated research. They will also have responsibility for stakeholder engagement and for liaising with industry partners to assist in the technical aspects of product development. The successful appointee will have a proven capacity for problem solving and multi-tasking which are essential competencies to carry out this role.

Background:

Teagasc and its stakeholders have recognized the need to develop alternative higher value markets to ensure the profitability of crop production in Ireland (https://www.teagasc.ie/publications/2020/crops-2030.php). In this regard, the Malting and Distilling Centre of Excellence has been established to test and pilot the use of Irish products for their suitability in the drinks industry.

The newly appointed Malting and Distilling Technologist will sit within the Crops Research Programme at Teagasc, Oak Park, Carlow. The main objective of this Programme is to support the tillage sector with through-to-practise research that promotes both the economic and environmental sustainability of the sector. This sector occupies about 350,000 ha and makes an important contribution to the agri-food industry and Ireland’s economy, supplying grain for Ireland’s important brewing and distilling sector. However, there is a strategic need to add further value to existing crop production systems through the development of novel value opportunities that tillage farmers can benefit from. This role will make a significant contribution to achieving that goal.

The appointment of a suitably qualified and experienced Technologist is integral to this new industry focussed programme which will concentrate on the development of bespoke malting & distilling processes for Irish grains in support of the craft beer and spirits industries in Ireland. Specifically, the new appointee will:

• Lead, manage and co-ordinate daily operations at the newly established malting and distilling Centre of Excellence.

• Provide subject matter expertise to external stakeholders who require access to the facility to design and develop specific malting/distilling protocols.

• Collaborate and develop linkages with industry and other stakeholders, thereby contributing to the strategic goals of the department, one of which is to develop added value opportunities for the sector in partnership with industry stakeholders.

• Support the delivery of research outputs and collated data for stakeholder dissemination.

• Collaborate with Teagasc researchers within the Crops, Environment and Land Use programme (CELUP) and Food programmes (e.g. alternative uses to valorise waste streams).

• Work closely with Teagasc Knowledge Transfer Specialists/Advisors to ensure effective two-way discussions with advisers and stakeholders.

• Manage and assist team members (e.g interns, PhD students, post-doctorates) seeking technical expertise to complete their project specific tasks.

• Maintain an understanding of industry bulletins/research outputs relevant to the strategic goal of the Centre of Excellence. As the goal of the Centre of Excellence is to attract industry stakeholders to complete targeted malting/distilling operations, it is important that the expertise of the appointee is fully aligned with the development of industry-related malting/distilling protocols.

• Contribute to the strategic operation of the Crops, Environment and Land Use programme and Teagasc as required.

• Maintain responsibility for own performance and development through active participation in PMDS and ensure continuous self-development in matters relating to this post.

• Assist Teagasc in meeting the commitments of the Quality Customer Service Charter and Action Plan.

• 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. This includes full compliance with the responsibilities outlined in the Safety Statement

• Carry out such other duties as may be assigned by the Head of Department, Head of Programme or Director of Research from time to time.

• As this role may require travel to various Teagasc locations, candidates must satisfy and continue to satisfy during employment with Teagasc, legal requirements to drive a car unaccompanied on Irish public roads.

  
  

• 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.

Note: The ‘essential’ qualifications, knowledge, skills and behavioural competencies outlined above are ‘must-have’ which will be used in the selection process.