Basic Function

• Support the planning, coordination, and delivery of in vivo research studies (i.e., murine and porcine), investigating the impact of maternal dietary components on early-life growth.
• Undertake  laboratory procedures to support the collection and analysis of physiological, biochemical, and cellular data. This will include sample collection, processing, storage, assay preparation and execution, accurate data recording, and maintenance of appropriate research documentation.
• Work collaboratively with postdoctoral researchers, PhD students, and other members of the research team to deliver study objectives and milestones, contributing to experimental planning, implementation, optimisation, and troubleshooting.
• Contribute to the development and delivery of collaborative research projects involving national and international academic and research partners.

Background

Early life is a critical window during which nutrition can program growth trajectory and long-term metabolic health. Although maternal diet substantially influences early growth, the impact of individual dietary components and their mechanisms remain poorly defined. Addressing these knowledge gaps will inform human health and help optimise early-life nutrition in livestock to achieve growth efficiency and farm profitability.  This Research Ireland funded project will use murine and porcine models, together with state‑of‑the‑art tools, to measure physiological, biochemical and cellular parameters to elucidate how maternal diet shapes early‑life growth. Teagasc seeks to recruit a research technician to support this work.

• Contribute to the planning and delivery of in vivo experiments (i.e., murine and porcine) to evaluate the impact of maternal diet on early life growth
• Collect and process samples for determining changes in gut microbiota composition, gut physiology, circulating factors and tissue gene expression
• Generate, collate and maintain experimental datasets
• Contribute to the effective management and maintenance of research resources, including biological samples, laboratory equipment, materials, and consumables, ensuring their appropriate use, storage, and availability.
• 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.

Gender, Diversity and Inclusion

At all levels in Teagasc, we believe in growing and keeping alive an open, diverse and inclusive workplace which is respectful to all and nurtures different perspectives, for the benefit of all in the organisation.

We are commited to the principles of 'Equal Opportunities, No Barriers, Active Inclusion'.

We actively welcome applications from people from diverse backgrounds.