Basic Function:

The Beef Quest project aims to quantify, the effect of nutrition, health and environment factors presently constraining animal growth performance and finishing age of cattle on beef farms and to assess their impacts on GHG emissions. The Research Officer appointed to this role  will conduct qualitative interviews and ethnographic field research to investigate beef farmers’ experiences, knowledge and decisions regarding managing production practices impacting technical efficiency on farm. Influences on farmers’ views on relevant management will be identified. Using research evidence, areas of intervention to support practice change (e.g. KT approaches, policy measures) will be proposed.

Background:

Beef Quest addresses the challenge of reducing the mean finishing age of prime beef cattle from 26 to 22-23 months by 2030, a target that has been identified as fundamental to achieving Ireland’s commitment to reduce the agricultural sector’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 25%. The project aims to quantify, within animal genotype, the effect of nutrition, health and on-farm environment factors impacting animal growth performance and finishing of cattle on beef farms; assess associated impacts on GHG emissions; conduct whole-farm beef systems modelling to quantify the environmental and financial impacts of implementing strategic interventions; and to focus on farmers’ experiences, knowledge and to inform impactful, viable of interventions at farm-level.

• To undertake a literature review of behavioural factors influencing farm management and production decisions.
• To undertake qualitative, ethnographic research on beef farms, in collaboration with project scientists
• To work closely with colleagues in social science and the beef research team to blend the latest research in animal nutrition, health and welfare with behaviour change theory and participatory research approaches.
• To analyse qualitative data and formulate findings suitable for presentation in scientific journals.
• To lead and support the write up of qualitative studies from the Beef-Quest project.
• To prepare and disseminate materials for communicating activities of the project to a diverse range of stakeholders
• To work collaboratively with other disciplinary scientists/professionals in the Beef Quest project, undertaking multi-disciplinary research
• To support the implementation of the multi-actor approach across the project.
• To liaise with other project partners to ensure coordinated and timely delivery of project deliverables and progress reports.
• 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.

uties 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.