Job for Researchers: Research Technician in Enteric Methane Emissions — Teagasc, Ireland

About the Role

Methane emissions from enteric fermentation account for the majority of the Irish dairy sector’s greenhouse gas profile. Developing reduction strategies is essential to meet Ireland’s climate targets. The three most promising avenues are animal breeding, improved forage quality, and feed additives.

This competition seeks to recruit a research technician focused on advancing these technologies within pasture-based dairy systems. The role involves movement and maintenance of GreenFeed units to measure methane output, collection of biological samples from dairy cows, and implementation of grazing experiments evaluating the effect of feed additives, grazing management, and animal genetics on methane output.

The position is based at the Teagasc Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork — Ireland’s leading dairy research institute, with 30+ scientific professionals, seven research farms (500 hectares, over 1,000 dairy cows), modern feed and metabolism units, laboratories, and pasture-based GreenFeed units.

Job Objectives

• Implement experiments evaluating the effect of animal genetics, grazing management, and feed additives on methane output.
• Manage experiments measuring methane output at pasture.
• Conduct detailed methane measurements using the GreenFeed system and collect biological samples (rumen, milk, blood).
• Perform basic laboratory analysis.
• Perform maintenance and calibration of GreenFeed equipment and related IT tasks.
• Contribute to management of samples, equipment, and consumables.
• Collate experimental datasets.
• Participate in annual business planning and PMDS processes.
• Fully cooperate with health, safety, and welfare provisions, including H&S Coordinator duties as assigned.

Requirements

Qualifications

• Essential: Level 6 qualification on the National Framework of Qualifications (or equivalent) in Agriculture and/or Environmental Sustainability or a related area.
• Desirable: Level 7 qualification in agriculture and/or the environment.

Skills

• People and resource management skills.
• Data handling and computer skills.
• Basic laboratory skills.
• Experience managing research experiments.
• Experience collecting blood and rumen samples from dairy cows.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to communicate with a wide range of stakeholders.

Knowledge

• Bovine husbandry management procedures and factors affecting livestock performance.
• Ruminant nutrition and factors influencing methane emissions from enteric fermentation.
• GreenFeed system for measuring enteric methane emissions from ruminants.
• Grassland management skills.

Behavioural Competencies

• Ability to work as part of a team, including consulting, collaborating, and building relationships with key partners.
• Problem-solving and high attention to detail.
• Positive approach to new challenges and tasks.
• Commitment to teamwork and collaboration per the Teagasc Together ethos.

Other

• Must satisfy and continue to satisfy legal requirements to drive a car unaccompanied on Irish public roads.

Eligibility: This is an open public competition. Current Teagasc staff who are successful in this open competition will have their existing contract end upon taking up this post.

What We Offer

Teagasc is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion. We welcome applications from people of diverse backgrounds and uphold the principles of “Equal Opportunities, No Barriers, Active Inclusion.”

Note: The essential qualifications, knowledge, skills, and behavioural competencies listed above will be used in the selection process.

Original vacancy