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 enthusiastic, motivated candidate with an interest in dairy cow mastitis, responsible antibiotic use and farmer engagement. The successful applicant will join the DAFM-funded project "Sustainable reduction of antimicrobial use at dry-off in dairy farms", working closely with stakeholders to advance non-antibiotic dry cow therapy. This role offers the opportunity to contribute directly to improved herd health and national antimicrobial-use targets.Key responsibilities: Work with researchers, stakeholders, farmers and industry partners to deliver the project work plan.Coordinate project activities and ensure timely delivery of milestones.Design, coordinate and implement project studies; collect, manage and summarise research data.Communicate findings to both scientific and farming audiences.Background:Mastitis is a major driver of antibiotic use on dairy farms, particularly at dry-off. EU veterinary medicine regulations now restrict preventive antibiotic use, meaning cows without infection should not receive intramammary antibiotics. Teagasc research shows that farm-level data, mastitis history, selection criteria and management practices greatly influence the success of selective, non-antibiotic dry cow therapy.This project will investigate management factors supporting successful implementation, predict the impact of dry cow therapy on mastitis and antibiotic use, and engage stakeholders throughout. The project is delivered in collaboration with Teagasc, University College Dublin, the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation, Animal Health Ireland and dairy processors.Job ObjectivesSupport project coordination and management to achieve objectives.Organise planning, development and knowledge-transfer activities, and engage project partners and stakeholders.Contribute to designing and implementing studies on selective dry cow therapy across research and commercial herds.Disseminate findings to diverse audiences.Report progress 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.Adhere to all health, safety and welfare requirements.Perform additional duties as assigned.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), in animal/agricultural science, veterinary medicine, biological sciences, or related.Alternatively, a Level 8 degree in project management, stakeholder engagement, data/statistical analysis.Full Clean Irish Drivers LicenseA postgraduate degree and/or research experience in Animal/Agriculture would be a distinct advantageSkillsProject management abilityExcellent communication skillsStrong teamwork skillsEffective problem-solvingProven record of scientific communications.Aptitude for multidisciplinary approaches.KnowledgeDairy farming practicesMastitis in dairy cowsProject management and disseminationBehavioural CompetenciesAbility to work independently and collaboratively, building strong industry and stakeholder relationships.Commitment to high-quality work and programme goals.Flexible, organised and able to prioritise.Strong communication for knowledge and technology transfer.Results-driven, accountable and proactive.Adaptable and solutions-focused.Commitment 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.