Scientific Communications Research Officer

Job title:

Scientific Communications Research Officer

Company

Teagasc

Job description

Job DescriptionDuration: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 Teagasc Food Research Programme requires a scientific communication officer whose basic function will be to promote programme activities through multiple social media, print media and direct communication with national / international stakeholders. This will be done in close collaboration with the Teagasc Public Relations Department, and with other staff in the Teagasc Research Directorate involved in research and science communication. The successful candidate will work with Teagasc Food Programme and other Teagasc staff to disseminate and communicate the impacts of scientific research. The role will include responsibility for communication with different target audiences, including scientists, industry, other public agencies, research providing organisations, journalists, suppliers and the community. It will involve advising and providing direction on communications at both national and international level, overseeing press relations and preparation of food related publications. The appointed individual will be required to manage food programme related conferences and industry focused events (including training programmes and related initiatives). The role is diverse and requires an individual with a passion and flair for communication.Background:The Teagasc Food Research Programme has approximately 280 staff and students, performing industry focused, world class research at two Food Research Centres, Ashtown (Dublin) and Moorepark (Fermoy, Co. Cork). This communications post is based at the Food Research Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork. Currently within the Food Programme, there are a number of ongoing large investments, including expansion / new pilot plant and research infrastructure at both Ashtown and Moorepark centers. The food programme has an output of over 250 peer reviewed publications directly in food research per year and is involved in the organisation of a variety of international conferences. The programme has a national and international scientific footprint, engaging with many research providers and industry, including participation in large virtual scientific / technology research centers, for example: Alimentary Pharmabiotic Centre (APC), Food for Health Ireland (FHI), Meat Technology Ireland (MTI), Dairy Processing Technology Centre (DPTC) and the Agri-Tech Vistamilk Centre.Job Objectives

• To disseminate and communicate scientific findings emanating from the Teagasc Food Research Programme.
• Responsible for the Food Programme’s communication with different target audiences, including staff and students, research organisations, industry, journalists, other public agencies, funding agencies and the general public.
• Coordinate and liaise with the Public Relations team at Teagasc Head Office, with other staff in the Teagasc Research Directorate involved in research and science communication, and with staff responsible for education and public awareness in research centres and large projects where Teagasc are involved.
• Prepare case studies from food programme research/industry outputs, guidelines for other staff members re communcation. Prepare content for website pages and scripts for presentations and videos.
• Co-ordinate provision of material from the Food Programme for Teagasc corporate publications such as Annual Report, Business Plans, Research Impact Examples, etc.
• To manage internal and external events including conferences, Teagasc Gateways events, Teagasc Open Days etc. relating to the Food Research Programme.
• To prepare customer friendly reports on major funded projects when required.
• To increase the visibility of the Food Research Programme via social media platforms including the food pages on the Teagasc website.
• To manage training events for industry including online training platforms.
• To manage ‘screen’ content and input to electronic notice boards within the Food Programme buildings.
• Take the lead in organising meetings/visits for visiting scientists, industry, students and other external visitors to the Moorepark Food Research Centre. Communications contact for companies based in the national food innovation hub.
• To organise regular staff communication updates.
• Coordinate logistics and communications for external visitors including scientists and students.
• Coordinate placement and liaise with staff members on student placement (including transition year).
• 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.

Skills RequirementEssentialDesirableQualifications

• Candidates must have an honours Level 8 degree, as recognised on the National Framework of Qualifications or equivalent, in Communications/Media/Journalism/Science/Food Science or a related discipline
• A PhD degree in a relevant discipline

Note: While a PhD is an essential requirement for this post equivalent research experience may be deemed acceptable solely at the discretion of the Director of Teagasc

• Background in communications/media within academia or industry

• A postgraduate degree and/or research experience in digital media would be a distinct advantage
• Presentation skills

Skills

• Strong interpersonal, communication and organisational skills
• Excellent verbal communication
• Excellent writing skills with ability to target general audiences on subject matters related to food
• Digital media
• Computer skills (including online) associated with all forms of communications
• Ability to write content for website pages and scripts for presentations/videos
• Strong negotiation, decision-making and problem-solving skills

• Proven record of scientific communications
• Background in scientific research
• Aptitude for multidisciplinary approaches.
• Knowledge of project management software

Knowledge

• Communication platforms (all media)
• The candidate should have a wide vocabulary to support the required communication role (see Objectives of Job above)
• Knowledge of social media platforms
• Computer skills including presentation platforms (e.g. Microsoft PowerPoint)

• Knowledge of food industry, science performing and funding structures in Ireland and the EU
• Online platforms for communications and training
• Background in information technology (IT)
• Web based programming
• Video production and scripting

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 Food Programme
• Self-driven, strong organisational skills and highly motivated
• Ability to communicate effectively to enable knowledge and technology transfer

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

Expected salary

€40080 – 76519 per year

Location

Fermoy, Co Cork

Job date

Sat, 31 Aug 2024 04:18:49 GMT

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