Background:

Methane emissions from enteric fermentation account for the majority of Irish agricultures total greenhouse gas emissions. Given that the agricultural sector must reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 25% by the year 2030 relative to 2018 levels, developing strategies to reduce methane output will be crucial to meeting Irish agricultures climate targets. The use of methane reducing feed additives has been highlighted as a promising mitigation strategy for the ruminant livestock sector. However, within pasture-based production systems, the delivery of methane reducing feed additives is a challenge, with novel means of delivering anti-methanogenic compounds to grazing livestock warranted.

Teagasc are seeking to recruit a highly enthusiastic Research Technician to oversee the delivery of large research project focused on the development of novel methane reducing technologies for pasture-based beef production. This position is funded by the CliBeef project which is a European Funded project under PEACEPLUS that focuses on promoting peace and reconciliation across/between NI/ROI communities.  PEACEPLUS is an EU funded programme managed by the Special EU programmes Body (SEUPB). The project will strive to identify novel crops and solutions that can be adopted on beef farms within Northern Ireland and the 6 Border Counties of the Republic of Ireland that will help to reduce the Greenhouse Gas emissions from beef production. This project, which is a collaboration between AFBI, Teagasc, Queen’s University and AgriSearch will trial and demonstrate carbon reduction technologies and innovations at research centres (AFBI and Teagasc) and demonstrate proven mitigations on commercial farms.

 

Basic Function:

Teagasc are seeking to appoint a highly motivated research technician to support the research programme on beef cattle sustainability. The position will be based at Teagasc Grange, but travel to project partners and commercial farms will be required from time to time. The role will primarily involve the implementation and management of beef cattle experiments with a focus on animal performance, enteric fermentation methane emissions, feed intake and collection of biological samples (rumen digesta, blood, faeces), as well as collection of animal production data from commercial farms.

• Manage and conduct animal experiments in both indoor facilities and grazing systems in accordance with approved experimental protocols.
• Assist layout of farm systems experiments to establish experimental treatments as outlined in the experimental protocol.
• Prepare housing systems and/or paddock systems as required by experimental protocols.
• Collect, measure, and accurately record animal production and performance data, including live weight, feed intake, and enteric methane emissions, along with associated grassland and forage measurements.
• Assist with all aspects of animal husbandry including administration of medication as required.
• Maintain accurate, well-organised experimental records and contribute to data quality control and validation
• Oversee experimental recording and database management; including the use of relevant software (e.g. Microsoft Office).
• Assist with the setup, operation, calibration, and maintenance of research equipment (weighing systems, GreenFeed Systems (enteric methane emissions measurement) and feed intake monitoring systems).
• Collect, process and (if required) analyse samples of feedstuffs, animal tissue and any other relevant materials; liaise with laboratory staff in respect of the analyses of samples, receipt and data entry of results in relevant software/databases and liaise with project leaders in relation to experimental data.
• Supervise personnel associated with experiments and collaborate with and facilitate post-graduate students (and others).
• Assist research team with the collection of animal production data and biological samples.
• Actively engage in Health & safety co-ordinator duties.
• Complete Health & Safety Co-ordinator Duties or such other Health & Safety Duties as may be assigned from time to time.
• 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.
• To fully co-operate with the provisions made for ensuring the health, safety and welfare of oneself, fellow staff and non-Teagasc staff and co-operate with management in enabling Teagasc to comply with legal obligations, including full compliance with the responsibilities outlined in the Safety Statement.
• To carry out 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.