Research Officer Veterinary Herd Health Scientist

Duration:

Permanent . 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:

To develop, lead and implement an integrated animal herd health programme on non-regulated diseases of beef cattle with particular emphasis on:

• Reducing anthelmintic and antibiotic use.
• Improving calf health.
• Role of biosecurity, vaccination and diagnostics.
• Development of on-farm herd health protocols.

Background:

Poor animal health leads to significant economic losses for all key stakeholders in the livestock production sector and not least the primary producer. The principal of ‘prevention is better than cure’ promotes animal health as a driver of optimised production, improved margins and the production of high quality food. Furthermore, healthy animals results in reduced requirement for antibiotics which is a major strategy in reducing the development of antimicrobial resistance. Teagasc are seeking to appoint a highly qualified, enthusiastic and dynamic researcher to develop and lead a research programme in animal health. This will be a key appointment for Teagasc with national significance in developing our agri-food industry over the coming years.

The Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre in Teagasc have extensive facilities for field and animal research. Additionally, it also incorporates the Teagasc Animal Bioscience Research facility at Grange which includes state of the art laboratories supporting nutritional and reproductive physiology, molecular biology, parasitology, haematology, histology and immunohistochemistry, and it is desirable that the appointee’s research would avail of this capability. The research programme is conducted by over 80 scientific and technical professionals supported by an administrative and farm operative staff.

This position, based at Teagasc Grange, will be a key appointment for Teagasc with national significance in developing superior animal health to enhance the profitability and sustainability of individual livestock farms; the profitability of the food processing industry and the quality image and competitiveness of Irish livestock and food in the marketplace. The appointee’s research will focus mainly on beef cattle, but there may be opportunities to become involved in complementary research dealing with other ruminant livestock. The successful candidates research programme will build on existing strong collaborative links with Animal Health Ireland, University College Dublin, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Irish Cattle Breeding Federation and other relevant institutions internationally.

• Develop and implement a research programme in cattle herd health.
• Design and manage experiments and perform statistical analysis of experimental data.
• Publish research findings in high ranking international peer reviewed scientific journals.
• Manage staff and resources assigned to the research programme.
• Identify opportunities for cutting-edge research to address key knowledge gaps.
• Lead successful submissions for external funding, that is consistent with the Teagasc research programme, with the objective of developing critical mass in the area by building and supervising a dynamic team of post-doctoral researchers(s) and post-graduate student(s).
• Develop and maintain active collaboration with the relevant national and international research groups.
• Work closely with Teagasc Knowledge Transfer Specialists/Advisors to ensure effective dissemination of research findings to advisers and stakeholders.
• Supervise, in conjunction with University partners, postgraduate students to Masters and PhD level.
• Interpret and publish research results in the scientific and popular press, at conferences (nationally and internationally) and to stakeholders
• 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.
• Contribute to the teamwork and team-spirit in the Animal & Bioscience Research Department, and foster and add to further collaboration and integration.
• Assist Teagasc in meeting the commitments of the Quality Customer Service charter and action plan.
• Actively participate in the annual business planning and Performance Management Development System (PMDS) processes.
• Carry out such other duties as may be assigned by the Head of Department, Head of Programme or Director of Research 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.

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