Advert for Research Position- Safefood 2024-ROI

Published: 16 Oct, 2024

Date of Advertising: 16/10/2024

Research Assistant Position

School of Food Science and Environmental Health, Technological University Dublin (City Campus)

Job Description

The School is seeking to appoint a Research Assistant for a fixed full term (3 months) specified purpose basis. The post holder will carry out Safefood project “Allergen survey across ROI -Phase 1”. The role will include assisting in the planning and delivery of research activity within a specified area so that the overall research objectives.

 

Main Activities/Responsibilities:

• Undertake basic research activities that include extensive fieldwork as well as some critical evaluation and interpretation, computer-based data analysis and evaluation in consultation with the supervisor.
• Conduct fieldwork across ROI to assess compliance to legislation for allergen labelling and information provision of the food catering and hospitality businesses using the mystery shopper methodology.
• Present progress reports on research to members of the research group or to external audiences to disseminate and publicize research findings.
• Write up results of own work and contribute to the production of research reports and publications
• Carry out routine administrative duties as requested, e.g. arranging research group meetings
• Carry out any other duties designated by a grant holder and which fall within the general ambit of the post.
• Ability to work part-time, driving license holder.

Person Specification

The ideal candidate will demonstrate the appropriate mix of knowledge, experience, skills, talent and abilities as outlined below:

Knowledge

• An undergraduate BSc (Hons) (NFQ level 8) in Environmental Health or Food Science or equivalent award by an approved degree-awarding authority (essential).
• Any post-graduate or recently submitted PhD students with Food and Environmental Health background (desirable).

Experience

• The successful candidate should have appropriate report writing skills, basic statistics and possess computer literacy (Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint) (essential).
• 3 months’ experience in social science or consumer research (e.g., as part of a project), survey to assess legislation compliance - in any discipline (essential).
• 1 year experience in food business audits or social science (desirable).

 

Research and Associated activities:

• Some practical experience of applying specialist skills and techniques required in relation to the fieldwork (essential).
• A basic understanding of specialist knowledge in the discipline (food allergens labelling) and of research methods and techniques to work within own area (surveys) (essential).
• Excellent communication skills (essential).
• Experience with consumer behaviour methods and interpretation of the results (desirable).
• Experience in the mystery shopper methodology (desirable).

 

Other Skills/Knowledge:

• Ability to contribute to method improvement where required. Pilot the methodology to refine it when necessary (essential).

Presentation:

• Ability to interact with research colleagues and support staff (essential).
• Ability to analyse and communicate effectively (essential).

Special Factors and Other Requirements:

• Driving license and residency in ROI (essential).

Salary

The successful candidate will be appointed at Point (01) of the Research Assistant salary scale i.e. € 31,962 gross per annum. (Position is for 3 months Full Time)

 

Interested candidates should send a current CV to uma.tiwari@tudublin.ie by 5pm 30th Oct 2024 and interviews will take place 1st week of Nov 2024.