Duration:
Temporary externally funded non Grant-in-Aid contract post, the indicative duration of which is 24 months, subject to contract. A panel may be formed from which future similar vacancies may be filled; such a panel will remain active for a maximum period of 12 months.
Background:
The VistaMilk Research Ireland research centre (www.vistamilk.ie), which has been operating out of Teagasc Moorepark since 2018, has entered its second 6-year phase (2024-2030). The VistaMilk Research Ireland Centre aims to be an agent of growth for the Irish dairy industry by being a world leader in fundamental and translational research for precision pasture-based dairying. VistaMilk represents a unique collaboration between 13 Agri-Food and ICT research institutes and leading Irish/multinational food and ICT companies. The Centre is hosted by Teagasc, the national agency with responsibility for agriculture and food research. The Centre consists of one Director and 11 co-applicants (applicant group; 42% female) with skillsets in agriculture (soil, pasture breeding and management, animal breeding and management), food (processing and food for health), sensing, communications, social and behavioural sciences and analytics. The applicant group are supported by 64 funded investigators (FIs; 42% female) from 13 institutes and industry collaborators; opportunities will be created to expand this academic and industry team through the 6-year term.
Teagasc Moorepark is seeking to appoint a highly qualified and enthusiastic Animal NUE Technologist. The successful candidate will conduct pasture-based nutrition experiments involving dairy cows, with responsibilities including experimental design, pasture and animal management, sample collection and analysis, data analysis, and manuscript preparation. The role will involve close collaboration with project partners and other stakeholders to ensure the successful delivery of project objectives.
Basic Function:
The Animal NUE Technologist will be based at Teagasc Moorepark and will work within the Animal Theme of the VistaMilk Research Ireland Research Centre (www.vistamilk.ie). The primary objective of this role is to conduct pasture-based nutrition experiments involving dairy cows. The successful candidate will be required to conduct experimental design, pasture and animal management, sample collection and analysis, data analysis, and manuscript preparation. The role will also involve organising and supporting the wet chemistry analysis of experimental samples generated from the research. The appointee will collaborate closely with a multidisciplinary team of researchers across VistaMilk and industry partners. The appointee will ensure compliance with health and safety regulations through provision of laboratory inductions and training, completion of risk assessments and audits and oversight of safe working practices. The role also includes supervision and training of undergraduate and postgraduate students.
- Candidates must have a Level 8 degree, as recognised on the National Framework of Qualifications or equivalent, in agricultural science, bioscience, or a related discipline
- Some experience in the execution of animal related experimentation would be a distinct advantage
- Experience of working with dairy cows
- Experience of working in a laboratory environment
- Database development skills
- Excellent time management skills with the ability to work to tight deadlines in an efficient manner
- Experience of working in a methodical manner
- Ability to work both autonomously and in a constructive environment
- Ability to problem solve
- Good flexibility with a willingness to adapt to new methods/techniques
- Good oral & written communication skills
- People and resource management skills
- Experience in the collection of animal/herbage samples.
- Statistical analysis, method validation and experimental design
- Good knowledge of agriculture, particularly grassland.
- Animal handling.
- Farm health and safety.
- Good knowledge of data compilation (Excel, etc.).
- Record keeping.
- Animal management experience.
- A structured approach to work, with an ability to plan and prioritise by importance and urgency
- Ability to work on own initiative and collaboratively with others
- Ability to critically analyse, problem-solve and demonstrate a high level of attention to detail
- A positive, proactive solutions-focused approach to work
- Ability to communicate effectively to diverse audiences
- Flexible with an ability to adapt to changing requirements/priorities
- Strives for high quality work and demonstrates commitment to the programme
- Ability to work as part of a team, including consulting, collaborating and building relationships with key stakeholders.
- Demonstrates a positive approach to new challenges and dissemination of new tasks
- Candidates must satisfy and continue to satisfy during employment with Teagasc, legal requirements to drive a car unaccompanied on Irish public roads.
Eligibility
- This is an open public competition. Should a current serving Teagasc staff member be successful in their application through open public competition for this post, their current contract of employment with Teagasc will come to an end on taking up this post.
Note: The ‘essential’ qualifications, knowledge, skills and behavioural competencies outlined above are ‘must-have’ which will be used in the selection process.
