Basic Function:

To develop, lead and implement a research programme in the area of dairy farm labour management and efficiency with particular focus on strategies to optimise time-use, work organisation and human resource management.

Background:

Teagasc Moorepark leads national dairy research in areas including productivity, environmental sustainability, and farm system efficiencies. Optimal labour management and efficiency is vital in achieving sustainable dairy operations. Building on Teagasc’s Farm Labour existing research and related expertise, this role supports strategic research assessing labour use, human resource management, mechanisation, and system design in dairy farming systems.

• Design and conduct research to assess and optimise labour management and efficiency on dairy farms—focusing on task time-use, workforce organisation, technology, and system performance.
• Collect, analyse, and interpret quantitative and qualitative data (e.g. time-motion, survey-based, semi-structured interviews).
• Collaborate with dairy staff at Moorepark and experimental farms to implement and monitor efficiency interventions.
• Integrate labour management/ efficiency metrics with farm productivity, welfare, and environmental impact systems.
• Contribute to research proposals and publications in peer-reviewed journals.
• Present findings to stakeholders—farmers, Teagasc staff, academic and policy audiences.
• Support knowledge transfer activities: workshops, extension materials, online resources.
• Manage staff and resources assigned to the research programme.
• Identify opportunities for cutting-edge research to address key knowledge gaps.
• Lead successful submissions for external funding, that is consistent with the Teagasc research programme, with the objective of developing critical mass in the area by building and supervising a dynamic team of post-doctoral researchers(s) and post-graduate student(s). 
• Develop and maintain active collaboration with relevant national and international research communities.
• Work closely with Teagasc Knowledge Transfer Specialists to ensure effective dissemination of research findings to advisors and stakeholders.
• Supervise, in conjunction with academic collaborator post-graduate students to Masters and PhD level.
• Interpret and publish research results in the scientific and popular press, at conferences (nationally and internationally) and to stakeholders
• 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.
• To fully co-operate with the provisions made for ensuring the health, safety and welfare of oneself, fellow staff and non-Teagasc staff and co-operate with management in enabling Teagasc to comply with legal obligations, including full compliance with the responsibilities outlined in the Safety Statement.
• To carry out 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.