Basic Function: 

Teagasc is seeking an enthusiastic, motivated candidate with an interest in dairy cow mastitis, responsible antibiotic use and farmer engagement. The successful applicant will join the DAFM-funded project “Sustainable reduction of antimicrobial use at dry-off in dairy farms”, working closely with stakeholders to advance non-antibiotic dry cow therapy. This role offers the opportunity to contribute directly to improved herd health and national antimicrobial-use targets.

Key responsibilities:
• Work with researchers, stakeholders, farmers and industry partners to deliver the project work plan.
• Coordinate project activities and ensure timely delivery of milestones.
• Design, coordinate and implement project studies; collect, manage and summarise research data.
• Communicate findings to both scientific and farming audiences.

Background: 

Mastitis is a major driver of antibiotic use on dairy farms, particularly at dry-off. EU veterinary medicine regulations now restrict preventive antibiotic use, meaning cows without infection should not receive intramammary antibiotics. Teagasc research shows that farm-level data, mastitis history, selection criteria and management practices greatly influence the success of selective, non-antibiotic dry cow therapy.

This project will investigate management factors supporting successful implementation, predict the impact of dry cow therapy on mastitis and antibiotic use, and engage stakeholders throughout. The project is delivered in collaboration with Teagasc, University College Dublin, the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation, Animal Health Ireland and dairy processors.

•  Support project coordination and management to achieve objectives.
• Organise planning, development and knowledge-transfer activities, and engage project partners and stakeholders.
• Contribute to designing and implementing studies on selective dry cow therapy across research and commercial herds.
•  Disseminate findings to diverse audiences.
•  Report progress to the Research Project Management Group.
• Contribute to Teagasc’s Quality Customer Service Charter and Action Plan.
•  Participate in annual business planning and PMDS processes.
•  Adhere to all health, safety and welfare requirements.
•  Perform additional duties as assigned.
• 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.