Basic Function:

The appointee will support the beef research programme at Grange. A key aspect of this role will be supporting experimental studies which aim to develop technologies to reduce the environmental footprint of beef cattle production. Duties will include; supporting experimental studies on greenhouse gas mitigation from beef cattle production systems, the management of animal and field experiments and related facilities, supervision of staff and students, collection of experimental measurements pertaining to grassland management and forage production (including measures of yield and composition), indoor feeding, calf rearing, animal performance and health and welfare.

Background:

The beef industry is of vital national importance to Ireland. Teagasc plays a key role in developing competitive, profitable and sustainable systems of beef production. In this respect, beef production systems must maximize the use of grass so as to capitalize on Ireland’s natural competitive advantage in grass production, and to contribute to the high quality, grass-fed reputation of Irish beef worldwide. Grange is part of the Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre (AGRIC) in Teagasc and has extensive facilities for field and laboratory research. Teagasc has an international reputation for researching and developing grass-based systems of livestock production and this candidate will work with a dynamic team of researchers, technologists, technicians, farm staff, students and specialists at Grange.

Teagasc Grange are seeking to appoint a highly motivated contract research technician to support the sustainable beef systems and wider research programme at Grange. The research programme seeks to optimize animal performance in the context of pasture-based production systems with the objective of maximizing profitability and meeting the ever-increasing standards for environmentally sustainable models of production. Thus, the role of the successful candidate will have particular emphasis on the measurements relating to animal & grassland performance and indoor feeding for grass-based beef systems. Furthermore, measures of environmental performance at the animal and pasture-level will be a key aspect of this role.

• Support the AGRIC research programme with a key focus on experimental studies to reduce the environmental footprint of beef production systems.
• Support the wider AGRIC beef research programme at Grange.
• Design the layout of farm systems experiments using both GPS and conventional technology and to establish experimental treatments as outlined in the experimental protocol.
• Preparation of housing systems and/or paddock systems as required by experimental protocols.
• Management and implementation of research experiments as outlined in agreed experimental protocols.
• Experimental recording and database management; including the use of relevant software (e.g. Microsoft Office) and databases such as AgriNet, HerdPlus, PastureBase Ireland and Oracle.
• Collect, process and (if required) analyse samples of feedstuffs, animal tissue and any other relevant materials; liaise with laboratory staff in respect of the analyses of samples, receipt and data entry of results in relevant software/databases and liaise with project leaders in relation to experimental data.
• Commission new equipment/techniques and actively participate in developing/adopting new research techniques.
• Supervise personnel associated with experiments, and collaborate with and facilitate post-graduate students (and others).
• 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.
• Undertake Health & Safety duties as may be assigned from time to time.
• To assist management and administrative staff in achieving good governance and risk management through co-operation and adherence to administrative procedures and practices.
• 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 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.

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.