Research Officer Microbial Risk Assessment (Contract)

Duration:

Temporary externally funded non Grant-in-Aid contract post, the indicative duration of which is 7 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 seeks to recruit a highly self-motivated and enthusiastic Research Officer to a Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) funded project under the Policy and Strategic Studies Research Call (PSSRC). The successful candidate will conduct desk-based research with a particular focus on the following:

• Develop a comprehensive database on bovine tuberculosis in unpasteurised milk and cheese through a literature search and survey to support microbial risk assessment
• Conduct a qualitative and quantitative risk assessment for unpasteurised cheese produced from milk supplied by herds, which subsequently lose their tuberculosis (TB) free status

The successful candidate is required to have experience in conducting risk assessments. Two researchers from the Food Chemistry and Technology Department and two researchers from the Food Safety Department at Teagasc Food Research Centre will support the candidate

Background

Since 1999, the Irish unpasteurised milk cheese production sector has received crucial support from The Slow Food Presidia. This Presidium comprises eleven artisanal dairies, each characterised by distinctive microbiological processes and methodologies. In unison, they are committed to producing secure, high-quality cheese products by harnessing the microbiological diversity in unpasteurised milk. This milk is sourced from their native bovine or caprine herds or neighbouring livestock populations. In 1983, recognising the potential of farmhouse cheese production, the National Dairy Council, responsible for promoting dairy products in Ireland, played an instrumental role in establishing the Irish Farmhouse Cheesemakers Association (CAIS). However, the Irish unpasteurised milk cheese production sector is susceptible to microbial contamination risks in light of removing milk quotas and the escalating global demand for artisanal products. These factors could potentially compromise existing safety standards. Consequently, there exists a compelling need for microbiological research employing a risk-based approach to facilitate the expansion of this sector while addressing microbial risks specific to unpasteurised milk cheese production in the Irish context. Such an endeavour holds the potential to stimulate employment opportunities, particularly in rural regions. Enhancing the safety of unpasteurised milk cheese hinges upon the application of increased knowledge and risk-based methodologies to monitor M. bovis risks during and after the production process. This, in turn, will lead to the development of safer products, thereby bolstering consumer value and protection. The insights gleaned from this research will also contribute to formulating regulatory guidelines about unpasteurised milk cheese concerning Bovine Tuberculosis (bTB).

Bovine Tuberculosis (bTB) is a highly contagious cattle disease caused by Mycobacterium bovis (M. bovis). This pathogen can infect various domestic or wild animals and risk human health. The most significant route of consumer exposure to M. bovis is considered to be unpasteurised milk and cheese. The current understanding of the risks associated with consuming unpasteurised milk cheese from milk collected from Irish herds infected or suspected of being infected with M. bovis remains limited. Particularly concerning is the lack of understanding regarding the handling of unpasteurised cheese made from milk sourced from herds that subsequently lose their TB-free status. The primary objectives of this project are to establish a robust knowledge base and provide recommendations for the farmhouse cheese industry, providing essential support for its growth while concurrently enhancing the quality and safety standards of cheeses. These objectives will be achieved by the science-based research proposed through this project, which includes the development of a database from a literature search and survey and qualitative and quantitative risk assessment. Overall, the knowledge base generated from this project will play a vital role in shaping potential future regulatory measures and market-driven strategies, thereby strengthening the sector's competitiveness within the EU and international markets, all while safeguarding consumer health.

• Conducting a desk-based survey and constructing possible scenarios that may shape the regulatory future of the farmhouse cheese sector regarding M. bovis.
• Conducting a literature search to develop a database concerning M. bovis in unpasteurised milk and cheese
• Conducting qualitative and quantitative risk assessment for unpasteurised cheese produced from milk supplied by herds which subsequently lose their tuberculosis (TB) free status
• Maintain high standards of data management and organisation for the duration of the project
• 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 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.

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