Social Science Research Officer

Job Summary

Duration:

Temporary externally funded non Grant-in-Aid contract post, the indicative duration of which is 10 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:

This role involves utilisation of social and behavioural science techniques to elucidate underlying motivations when it comes to transitioning towards not tail docking pigs, and what influences these motivations. The researcher will carry out, analyse, and interpret the data generated by qualitative semi-structured one-on-one interviews and workshops, with both pig producers and veterinarians in the pig industry. The data generated will feed into a roadmap to guide policy development and help inform the ongoing Animal Health Ireland TASAH programme on tail biting, by identifying effective interventions to drive behavioural change.

Background:

The routine docking of pig tails to prevent tail biting is illegal under Irish and EU law. However, uptake and application of knowledge generated by research to reduce the need to tail dock has been poor, and thus the practice is still the norm on commercial pig farms in Ireland. Information about the social and behavioural drivers that influence the decisions made by pig farmers in relation to tail docking could help address the gap between knowledge generation and application at commercial level.

Job Objectives

• To increase our understanding of barriers to, and facilitators of, tail docking on Irish pig farms, including intrinsic (attitudes, beliefs) and extrinsic (social norms, work environment) factors. This will form the basis of a framework to identify effective methods of encouraging behavioural change. 

• Interrogate pre-existing databases that include details of pig unit characteristics, farm management practices etc. to develop criteria that will categorise farms into distinctive cohorts.

• Individually interview owners of pig farms within these cohorts to identify factors influencing their behaviour when it comes to compliance with pig welfare legislation.

• Carry out a focus group with private veterinary practitioners (PVPs) specialising in pigs, to learn about their own motivations, their capabilities and their opportunity to deliver advice and support in relation to tail biting.

• Analyse the data generated from the interviews and focus group, to inform behaviour change intervention recommendations relating to tail biting and tail docking.

• 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 sociology, psychology/social science or a related discipline.

• A postgraduate degree and/or research experience in social science or health psychology would be a distinct advantage.

• Postgraduate degree and/or research experience in agricultural or animal welfare science.

Skills

• Excellent organization skills, report writing and data analysis in the area of social/behavioural science

• Experience with qualitative and quantitative research methods and data analysis software (e.g. NVivo)

• Proven record of scientific communications.

• Aptitude for multidisciplinary approaches.

• Experience of working in compliance with GDPR.

• Experience of working with large datasets.

Knowledge

• Knowledge of behavioural change frameworks (e.g. COM-B & Behaviour Change Wheel).

• Awareness of farm animal welfare issues.

• Knowledge of the Irish pig industry and typical pig husbandry practices.

• Knowledge of pig welfare legislation.

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 may involve travel around the country, the candidates must have a willingness to travel, and must also satisfy and continue to satisfy during employment with Teagasc, legal requirements to drive 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