Location: Moorepark Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co CorkTechnologistSalary: Technologist Grade 1 with a Salary Scale of €41,996 to €79,618Closing Date: 05/12/2025 12:00 PMFunded Full TimeJob DescriptionDuration:Temporary externally funded non Grant-in-Aid contract post, the indicative duration of which is 29 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:Teagasc is seeking an analytical, detail-oriented and motivated candidate to develop a simulation model assessing how widespread non-antibiotic dry cow therapy affects herd SCC, infection levels and antimicrobial use, and the development of decision support tools. Working in collaboration with the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF), the successful candidate will contribute to national efforts to improve udder health, reduce antimicrobial use and support evidence-based policy and farm decision-making.The role offers the opportunity to work with rich datasets, advanced modelling approaches, and leading experts in dairy epidemiology and herd health.Key responsibilities:Build a simulation model using cow-level probabilities and herd-level factors to assess multiple selective dry cow therapy scenarios.Analyse impacts on SCC, infection risk and antimicrobial use across herds.Contribute to the development of decision support toolsCollate, manage and integrate datasets from Teagasc research projects and ICBF.Validate the model using unseen data and refine based on performance.Contribute to scientific publications and the dissemination of findings to research and industry audiences.Background:Selective dry cow therapy is a key strategy for reducing antimicrobial use while maintaining udder health. Its success depends on factors such as parity, cow-level SCC, herd infection pressure and management practices. By modelling a range of adoption scenarios (e.g., 20–30% teat-sealant-only use), this project aims to evaluate potential outcomes at herd and national level. The model will draw on previous Teagasc studies and international work, adapted to the Irish production context.Job ObjectivesConduct a comprehensive literature review on mastitis risk, SCC dynamics and infection probabilities over the dry period.Identify key variables and determine the most suitable modelling approach.Compile and manage datasets from Teagasc research projects and ICBF.Evaluate multiple non-antibiotic dry cow therapy scenarios and quantify their impact on antibiotic use, SCC and infection levels.Produce outputs for publication in peer-reviewed journals and for communication to industry stakeholders.Provide updates to the Research Project Management Group.Contribute to Teagasc's Quality Customer Service Charter and Action Plan.Participate in annual business planning and 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 timeThis 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 RequirementEssentialDesirableQualificationsA Level 8 degree (as recognised on the National Framework of Qualifications or equivalent),animal/agricultural science, biological sciences, data science, statistics, veterinary medicine or a related discipline.A postgraduate degree and/or research experience in animal/agricultural science would be a distinct advantageSkillsStrong data handling and analytical skillsProven ability to manage projects and meet deadlinesExcellent communication skillsAbility to work effectively within a teamStrong problem-solving skillsProven record of scientific communications.Aptitude for multidisciplinary approaches.KnowledgeUnderstanding of dairy production systemsKnowledge of mastitis, SCC or herd healthKnowledge of quantitative research or modelling approachesBehavioural CompetenciesAbility to work independently and collaboratively with partners and stakeholdersCommitment to producing high-quality research outputsFlexible and able to prioritise tasksStrong communication skills for research disseminationResults-driven, organised and accountableProactive and adaptable to evolving project needsCommitment to teamwork and collaborating with colleagues as per our Teagasc Together ethosOtherAs this role will involve driving vehicles, candidates must satisfy and continue to satisfy during employment with Teagasc, legal requirements to drive a car unaccompanied on Irish public roads.EligibilityThis 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.