The FSAI (Food Safety Authority of Ireland) is currently recruiting to fill four positions – replacement positions (not newly created positions) for staff who have either resigned or moved to other positions within the FSAI.

One of those positions is that of technical executive (food technology). This person will support the work of the chief specialist in food technology. Two years of graduate experience is sought for this role and this two years of experience should be in academia (you don’t often see this in job specs), the food industry or a regulatory setting.

From an academic perspective, the FSAI wants candidates who have an honours science degree or equivalent, with experience in at least one of the following areas: food science, food technology, biotechnology, biochemistry or other relevant scientific disciplines, while a post-graduate qualification would be an asset.

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As part of this role, candidates will provide assistance in the area of food labelling and food law among other areas and will collate and interpret analytical data and information from national and international sources for distribution to FSAI officers or the general public.

The candidate will also represent the FSAI and Ireland at EU regulatory meetings in Brussels and other locations.

The salary scale for this position is €33,151 to €55,932.

Service contracts executive

The work in this position includes assisting the service contracts manager in the monitoring and evaluation of the effectiveness and efficiency of service contracts. The candidate will assist with the appropriate use of the FSAI’s powers (such as the issue of improvement notices, closure orders and withdrawal of products) up to and including prosecution.

So what should candidates bring to the table? A proven track record of relevant experience at a senior level that includes at least three years in a commercial, public health or food industry environment as well as experience of dealing with crisis situations. In terms of academic qualifications, the FSAI are looking for those with an honours degree in agriculture, dairy, food, veterinary science, environmental health or other relevant scientific qualifications, while a postgraduate qualification would be an advantage. It would also be an advantage to have a full driving licence.

The salary scale for this position is €46,111 to €55,932.

Technical executive food science

A minimum of two years’ experience in research, collation, evaluation and dissemination of information relating to food safety as well as an honours degree in food microbiology or a related discipline is what you should have if you want to apply for the role of technical executive (food science) with the FSAI.

The candidate will be involved in contributing to the development and enforcement of microbiological food law and to the development of scientific opinions, guidance and advice on microbiological food safety. They will also conduct microbiological risk assessments.

The candidate will also provide support during outbreak investigations, attend outbreak control team meetings and represent the FSAI at national and international level, including, for example, at meetings with consumer groups, industry and the European Food Safety Authority.

The salary scale for this position is €33,151 to €55,932.

Audit/investigation manager

Some of the duties that will be carried out by the person who secures this role include participating in investigation teams where food/fraud crime is suspected, preparing the necessary documentation regarding court proceedings taken by the FSAI, and appearing in court to present evidence. They will also carry out audits of food business operators to determine compliance with specific aspects of food legislation.

Not surprisingly, a proven track record and relevant experience of at least five years at a senior level in a regulatory, audit or law enforcement environment is required, as is knowledge of the structures and operations of quality management systems. Candidates with a degree in food science, veterinary medicine, environmental health or other relevant discipline are sought, and/or experience in carrying out detailed investigations.

The salary scale for this position is €64,729 to €75,888.

An application can be made for all of these jobs by submitting your CV with a comprehensive covering letter, outlining your suitability against the requirements of the positions, by email to recruitment@fsai.ie. The application deadline for the above positions is close of business on Monday 6 April 2015.

ASA Novus Award

Are you an existing, eligible, or associate member of the Agricultural Science Association (ASA)? Have you demonstrated excellence in agricultural or food science? Have you shown leadership qualities in your career and have you the ability to inspire colleagues? If so, the ASA and Kerry Group want you.

The ASA, in partnership with Kerry Group, has established a new award – the ASA Novus Award – which seeks to recognise and develop outstanding leadership among graduates in the agri-food sector. The aim of the programme is to recognise and develop graduates who are acknowledged by their peers as future leaders within the agri-food and bioscience professions. The winner will be given the opportunity to represent the ASA at the Harvard Business School Agribusiness Seminar, run over four days, in Boston, USA, in January 2016. The annual Harvard seminar is attended by world leaders in the agricultural and food sector.

Registration and associated costs in attending the seminar will be covered by the award fund, which is valued at €10,000. The person who will be deemed winner of this award will be a member or an associate member of the ASA, who has demonstrated excellence in the field of agricultural or food science.

“The Irish food industry is now a successful global player, due, in large part, to the innovative, scientific and leadership skills of the current group of graduates,” says ASA president Eoin Lowry.

Stan McCarthy, chief executive of Kerry Group, added that: “Success in today’s international food industry demands a relentless focus on science-led innovation. The Novus Award is an important initiative in fostering and recognising high achievement among graduates at all levels of our industry.”

Register your interest at www.asaireland.ie. All details must be type written. The closing date for receipt of applications is 5pm Friday 1 May 2015. The award is open to all graduates who are full or associate members of the ASA at the time of application. To become a full or associate member, contact Rhoda Berminghma on 01-460-3682 or email secretary@asaireland.ie.