Basic Function:

Teagasc are seeking to appoint a highly motivated research technician to support the research programme on beef cattle sustainability. This position is funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine funded ‘Beef-Quest’ project which aims to develop solutions and strategies, to reduce the finishing age of Irish beef cattle. The position will be based at Teagasc Grange and primarily involve the collection of animal production (e.g. live weights, nutrition, health records) data across commercial beef farms as well as  the implementation and management of beef cattle experiments with a focus on animal performance, enteric fermentation methane emissions and feed intake.

Background:

Reducing the mean finishing age of prime beef cattle from 26 to 22-23 months by 2030 has been identified as fundamental to achieving Ireland’s 25% reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the agricultural sector. The successful candidate will be play a central role in the Beef-Quest project by managing animal experiments and supporting  post-graduate students in the collection of animal production data from commercial beef farms. The person will be responsible for daily management of the research projects, regular monitoring of experimental equipment and assembly of data.

• Management and implementation of research experiments as outlined in agreed experimental protocols.
• Assist layout of farm systems experiments to establish experimental treatments as outlined in the experimental protocol.
• Prepare housing systems and/or paddock systems as required by experimental protocols.
• Oversee experimental recording and database management; including the use of relevant software (e.g. Microsoft Office).
• Collect, process and (if required) analyse samples of feedstuffs, animal tissue and any other relevant materials; liaise with laboratory staff in respect of the analyses of samples, receipt and data entry of results in relevant software/databases and liaise with project leaders in relation to experimental data.
• Supervise personnel associated with experiments, and collaborate with and facilitate post-graduate students (and others).
• Assist post-graduate students in the collection of animal production (live weight, health) and management (nutrition, environment) data from commercial beef farms.
• Health & Safety Co-ordinator Duties or such other Health & Safety Duties as may be assigned from time to time.
• 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.