Job for Researchers: Research Officer in Organic Sheep Production — Teagasc, Ireland

About the Role

Teagasc – the Agriculture and Food Development Authority – is seeking an enthusiastic and ambitious Research Officer to join a DAFM-funded project (GROFarmS) focused on ruminant and forage-based production systems. The successful candidate will work as part of a team analysing finishing options and management systems for organic hill and lowland lambs, taking into account effects on animal performance, environmental impact, and economic returns.

Research Background

The GRO-FarmS project (Growing Resilient Organic Farming Systems) supports the sustainable development of Irish organic production systems. With an expected increase in farms converting to organic systems, clear guidelines for efficient and profitable organic farming are essential. The role is based at the Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Mellows Campus, Athenry, Co. Galway, which offers extensive facilities for field and animal research. Strong alignment exists between the Animal and Bioscience Department, Livestock Systems Department, and Grassland Departments across Moorepark, Grange, and Athenry research centres.

Responsibilities

• Lead research activities, including planning, organising, conducting, and communicating research studies within the project scope.
• Coordinate and perform independent and team-based activities involved in the collection, analysis, documentation, and interpretation of results.
• Assist with preparing project reports and contribute to outreach activities.
• Write results for publication in high-impact scientific journals.
• Interpret research findings and prepare scientific and popular press publications.
• Disseminate research findings to a variety of audiences as appropriate.
• Assist Teagasc in meeting the commitments of the Quality Customer Service Charter and Action Plan.
• Comply with all relevant Teagasc policies and procedures, including health, safety, and welfare responsibilities.
• Undertake additional duties as assigned by management.

Requirements

Essential Qualifications

• An honours Level 8 degree (as recognised on the National Framework of Qualifications or equivalent) in agricultural science or a related discipline.

Desirable Qualifications

• A postgraduate degree and/or research experience in a related discipline.
• Research experience with sheep.

Knowledge and Skills

• Excellent research and technical skills, organisation skills, report writing, and data analysis.
• Critical analysis of published literature, experimental design and execution, data management, statistical analysis, and data interpretation.
• Verbal presentation and communication skills, including scientific (peer-reviewed journal) and technical writing.
• Ability to initiate and lead a research programme.
• Capacity to develop collaborative research links with national and international research organisations.
• Strategic awareness, innovation, and change management skills.
• Engaging and consultative leadership skills demonstrating best practice in people and programme management.
• Computer skills and a proven record of scientific communications.
• Aptitude for multidisciplinary approaches.

Behavioural Competencies

• Ability to work as part of a team, including consulting, collaborating, and building relationships with key stakeholders.
• Strives for high-quality work and demonstrates commitment to the programme.
• Effective communication to enable knowledge and technology transfer.
• Ability to build and sustain positive working relationships.
• Flexible with an ability to adapt to changing priorities.
• Ability to work independently and meet self-imposed milestones and deliverables.
• Commitment to teamwork and collaborating with colleagues, aligned with the Teagasc Together ethos.

Additional Information

As this role involves driving vehicles, candidates must satisfy and continue to satisfy during employment with Teagasc the legal requirements to drive a car unaccompanied on Irish public roads.

This is an open public competition. Should a current serving Teagasc staff member be successful through open public competition, their current contract of employment will come to an end upon taking up this post. The essential qualifications, knowledge, skills, and behavioural competencies outlined above are ‘must-haves’ and will be used in the selection process.

Original vacancy