Basic Function:

Teagasc is seeking to recruit a dynamic and suitably qualified researcher to work in the area of herd health. The position will be based in Teagasc, Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co Cork. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing and leading a research programme that addresses important knowledge gaps related to herd health and infectious diseases of dairy cattle in Ireland. Responsibilities include project management; collaboration with other researchers and industry stakeholders; dissemination of research outputs through scientific publications, reports and presentations; and facilitating knowledge transfer of herd health research outputs to farmers and other stakeholders.

Background:

The candidate will be expected to manage and implement a research programme on dairy herd health. This programme has strong collaborative links with University College Dublin, The Irish Cattle Breeding Federation, Animal Health Ireland (AHI), the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and other relevant institutions both nationally and internationally. The projects developed under this programme are epidemiology focused, and the successful candidate should have experience or strong interest in epidemiological research.

The Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre in Teagasc, located at Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork has extensive facilities for field and animal research. Additionally, there is strong alignment between the Animal and Bioscience Department, Livestock Systems Department and the Grassland Department across Moorepark, Grange and Athenry research centres. Over 150 scientific and technical professionals, supported by an administrative and operative staff, conduct the research programme. Additionally, there are approximately 100 Walsh Scholars completing mainly PhD degree programmes.

The dairy sector is of vital national importance to Ireland and Teagasc plays a key role in developing competitive, profitable and sustainable systems of dairy production. Teagasc are seeking to appoint a highly qualified, enthusiastic and dynamic researcher to contribute to national efforts to reduce the disease burden in Irish dairy herds and ensure high quality efficient milk production.

• Develop and implement a research programme in the area of herd health particularly non-regulatory infectious diseases.
• Communicate and work with technical staff, farm staff and other research officers to successfully manage projects.
• Develop collaborative links with other researchers and industry representatives in Ireland and internationally.
• Supervise post-graduate students engaged in PhD and Masters programmes.
• Engage in knowledge transfer activities with farmers and advisers.
• Disseminate research findings through peer-reviewed publications, newsletters, presentations, technical documents, discussion groups and appropriate media.
• Contribute to the team spirit within the Animal & Bioscience department through participation on committees and collaboration on different projects and tasks.
• 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.

Note:  Alternative location(s) may be considered solely at the discretion of Teagasc management.