Instrumentation Technologist (Permanent)

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

The successful candidate will work in the analytical chemistry laboratories based in the Food Safety Department at Teagasc, Ashtown, Dublin 15.  Applicants should have a degree or a postgraduate qualification in a chemistry related discipline.  Experience in the LC-MS/MS (liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry), Quantitative/Qualitative LC-MS/MS data workflows, method development and method validation are essential. The scientist will carry out work chemical residues, contaminants, vitamins and minerals on the analysis of food and environmental samples.  This will include method development, validation, and sample analysis. Candidates should have a good working knowledge of the areas of analytical chemistry and statistical analysis of data. The candidates should have a good knowledge of ISO17025. The successful with also contribute to the operation of the laboratory including health & safety, training, maintaining traceability within the laboratory, quality management, data analysis and reporting.  Applicants should have good knowledge of LC-MS/MS software.  

Background

The analytical chemistry laboratories are based in the Food Safety Department at Ashtown. The group consists of approximately 15 scientists made up of PhD students, research scientists and technologists. The laboratory is internationally recognized as a centre of excellence for the analysis of chemical contaminants in food. The laboratory participated on several EU and nationally funded research projects. The laboratory also fulfills a role of providing state of the art residue testing to the Irish food industry. In this role they are an Irish National Reference Laboratory for a range of substances including veterinary drugs and pesticides. All of these tests are accredited to ISO17025 and are validated to a high standard. The residues group has six laboratories equipped with state of the art instrumentation including seven LC-MS/MS systems and one ICP-MS. The laboratory also has a range of other equipment such as HPLC and GC systems.  However, in recent years the majority of analysis is carried out by mass spectrometry following chromatographic separation.

• Analytical method development.

• Method validation and writing of validation report.

• Laboratory and data analysis to a high standard. 

• Equipment maintenance, troubleshooting and calibration.

• Record keeping and analytical report preparation.

• Adherence to sample turnaround times.

• Maintain traceability of samples within the laboratory including sample reception.

• Contribute to good governance in the laboratory including, active participation in training, laboratory upkeep and improvement.

• Ensure quality control within the laboratory including charting and critical assessment of results, documenting SOPs and auditing.

• 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.

Essential

Desirable

Qualifications

• Candidates must have a QQI Level 8 degree in chemistry or a related discipline.

• Minium of 3 years experience of working in a ISO17025 food analysis laboratory.

• A postgraduate degree and/or research experience in analytical chemistry would be a distinct advantage

Skills

• Analytical method development using LC-MS/MS.

• Statistical analysis, method validation and experimental design.

• Organization skills, report writing and data analysis.

• EU method validation legislation.

• Proven record of scientific communications.

• Aptitude for multidisciplinary approaches.

Knowledge

• Expert knowledge of residue analysis and/or nutritional analysis.

• Chemical instrumentation software: Masslynx, Masshunter or Analyst.

• ISO17025 and laboratory accreditation.

• Irish agri-food industry.

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.

Other

As 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.[TE1]  

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.