Research Officer In Livestock Genetics

Job Summary

Duration:

Temporary contract post, the indicative duration of which is approx. 6 - 9 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.

Basic Function:

Teagasc is seeking to recruit a Research Officer to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team within the Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Programme with responsibility for developing and implementing a translational research based programme aimed at optimising beef cattle and sheep genetic improvement.

The candidate will be expected to identify researchable knowledge constraints to improving cattle and sheep genetics, define breeding goals and best practice in breeding programme design and implementation. This programme will build on strong collaborative links with The Irish Cattle Breeding Federation, Sheep Ireland, Bord Bia, Animal Health Ireland (AHI), Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and other relevant institutions both nationally and internationally.

Background:

The Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre in Teagasc, located at Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork has extensive facilities for field and animal research. Additionally, there is strong alignment between the Animal and Bioscience Department, Livestock Systems Department and the Grassland Department across Moorepark, Grange and Athenry research centres. Over 150 scientific and technical professionals, supported by an administrative and operative staff, conduct the research programme. Additionally, there are approximately 100 Walsh Scholars completing mainly PhD degree programmes.

The drystock sector encompassing both the beef cattle and sheep industries is of vital national importance to Ireland and Teagasc plays a key role in developing competitive, profitable and sustainable systems of meat production. Teagasc are seeking to appoint a highly qualified, enthusiastic and dynamic researcher to develop and lead a research programme in beef cattle and sheep genetics. This position will be a key appointment for Teagasc with national significance in developing scientifically based approaches to support enhanced beef cattle and sheep breeding programs and genetic evaluation in order to improve the profitability and sustainability of the Irish drystock sector and the wider agri-food industry. Genetic improvement is widely acknowledged as a key driver of optimised production, improved margins and the production of high quality food. The highly interdisciplinary Teagasc animal genetics research program focuses on the underlying genetic and genomic control of key production, health and welfare and environmental sustainability related traits including the identification of and selection for more disease resistant and robust animals with a lower environmental impact.

Job Objectives

• To enhance the national genetic evaluations for sheep and beef cattle in Ireland through state of the art research, thereby supporting the economic and environmental sustainabilty of the sheep and beef cattle sectors.

• Assist with the continual development of the national sheep and beef cattle breeding objectives.

• Conduct research into existing and novel genetic parameters for beef cattle and sheep.

• Conduct research to validate and improve the national breeding objectives for beef cattle and sheep.

• Engage and collaborate with colleagues in national bodies including The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Irish Cattle Breeding Federation, Sheep Ireland, Animal Health Ireland and relevant third level academic institutions.

• Supervise the studies of postgraduate students.

• Complete agreed objectives and deliverables on internally and externally funded research projects.

• Dissemination of research findings at (inter)national fora.

• 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.

Skills Required

Essential

Desirable

Qualifications

• Candidates must have a QQI honours Level 8 degree in animal science, veterinary, genetics or a related discipline.

• A postgraduate degree and/or research experience in livestock genetics would be a distinct advantage

Skills

• Excellent data analytical skills, experience with genetic evaluations, organization skills and report writing

• Proven record of scientific communications.
• Aptitude for multidisciplinary approaches.

Knowledge

• A thorough knowledge of livestock breeding programmes and their design; genetic/genomic evaluation approaches, including validation of key traits is required

• Knowledge of the genetic regulation of key traits relating to cattle and sheep health and environmental sustainability. 

Behavioural Competencies

• Ability to work as part of a team, including consulting, collaborating and building relationships with key stakeholders.
• Strives for high quality of work and demonstrates commitment to the programme.
• Ability to communicate effectively to enable knowledge and technology transfer.

Other

As this role will involved driving vehicles, 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.

Note: Alternative location(s) may be considered solely at the discretion of Teagasc management.

Attachment:

Resea_797eee09-ccdc-4749-93d4-ad66c4a21404.pdf