Basic Function:

This competition seeks to recruit a highly motivated Research Officer that will manage, oversee and implement the delivery of a large research project focused on the development of novel methane reducing technologies for pasture-based beef systems. This role will include, but not be limited to, a mixture of field work (conducting and overseeing animal trials), lab analysis (molecular and nutritional), desk based (drafting scientific manuscripts, project reports, budgeting) and research dissemination activities.

Background:

Methane emissions from enteric fermentation accounts for the majority of Irish agricultures greenhouse gas emissions. Given that the agricultural sector must reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 25% by the year 2030 relative to 2018 levels, developing strategies to reduce methane output will be crucial to meeting Irish agricultures climate targets. The use of methane reducing feed additives has been highlighted as a promising mitigation strategy for the ruminant livestock sector. However, within pasture-based production systems, the delivery of methane reducing feed additives is a challenge. As a result, the development of novel delivery mechanisms for methane reducing compounds, as well as plant-based solutions, are urgently required.

Teagasc are seeking to recruit a highly qualified and enthusiastic Research Officer to oversee the delivery of large research project focused on the development of novel methane reducing technologies for pasture-based beef production. This position is funded by the CliBeef project which is a European Funded project under PEACEPLUS that focuses on promoting peace and reconciliation across/between NI/ROI communities.  PEACEPLUS is an EU funded programme managed by the Special EU programmes Body (SEUPB). The project will strive to identify novel crops and solutions that can be adopted on beef farms within Northern Ireland and the 6 Border Counties of the Republic of Ireland that will help to reduce the Greenhouse Gas emissions from beef production. This project, which is a collaboration between AFBI, Teagasc, Queen’s University and AgriSearch will trial and demonstrate carbon reduction technologies and innovations at research centres (AFBI and Teagasc) and demonstrate proven mitigations on commercial farms.

• Implement, and oversee the delivery of research project plans, focused on the development of methane mitigation solutions for ruminant livestock-based production systems. 
• Design, manage and conduct experiments; statistically analyse and publish the resulting data.
• Biological sample (rumen, blood, faeces etc) collection and analysis.
• Co-ordinate staff and resources assigned to the research programme.
• Develop and maintain active collaboration with relevant national and international research organisations, particularly CliBeef project partners.
• Completion of project reporting and licencing applications to relevant authorities.
• Liaise with commercial project partners to develop innovative methane supressing technologies.
• Work closely with Teagasc Knowledge Transfer Specialists to ensure effective dissemination of research findings to advisors and stakeholders.
• Co-supervise postgraduate students.
• Interpret and publish research results in the scientific and popular press, at conferences (nationally and internationally) and to stakeholders
• Assist Teagasc in meeting the commitments of the Quality Customer Service Charter and Action Plan.
• 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 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.
• 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.