Location: Dublin, Ireland (Hybrid: Minimum 3 days per week onsite)Contract: Fixed-Term, 12 Months (with potential for extension)About the RoleMicron Agritech is seeking an accomplished Research Manager to lead our scientific research and product development efforts during a 12-month maternity leave cover. This is a pivotal role within a fast-growing animal health diagnostics company, ideal for a highly driven scientist who combines deep scientific expertise with strong leadership and hands-on execution capabilities.The successful candidate will guide our research team, oversee experimental design and lab operations, validate scientific outputs, and contribute directly to the advancement of our diagnostic platform. This role sits at the intersection of science, product innovation, and commercial execution, helping shape the next generation of rapid diagnostics in animal health.Key Responsibilities:Scientific Leadership• Act as Lead Research Scientist, providing day-to-day scientific leadership, mentoring, training and supervision of the research team• Review, verify, and sign off on research outputs, ensuring scientific excellence and compliance with regulatory and internal standards• Collaborate cross-functionally with product, engineering, and commercial teams to align research outcomes with product prioritiesResearch & Experimental Execution• Design and execute experimental studies, including hypothesis development, methodological planning, and statistical validation• Conduct hands-on laboratory work, including sample testing, assay optimisation, and operational troubleshooting• Own and maintain all laboratory protocols, SOPs, and risk assessments, ensuring a culture of safety and continuous improvementPublication & Scientific Communication• Prepare high-quality research manuscripts, whitepapers, and technical reports• Lead the submission of scientific papers for peer-review publication and conference presentation• Represent Micron Agritech in scientific forums where required• Disseminate findings at conferences, stakeholder meetingsProgramme & Deadline Management• Develop project plans, manage timelines and dependencies, and ensure milestones are delivered on schedule• Maintain momentum across multiple workstreams in a high-performance, fast-paced environmentExperience & QualificationsEssential• Degree and Master's in Animal Science, Veterinary Science, Biology, or related discipline• Minimum 5 years of relevant industry experience in a research-driven environment• Proven experience managing or mentoring researchers within high-performance, multidisciplinary teams• Strong track record in diagnostics, assay development, or related scientific innovation• Demonstrated output in scientific publishing, authorship, or peer-reviewed contributions• Direct experience in animal health research or diagnostics• Ability to work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills• Excellent communication and presentation skills• Ability to work independently and as part of a team• Must have a valid drivers licensePreferred• PhD in a relevant discipline• Parasitology expertise (particularly helminths / FEC / anthelmintics)• Experience working in a startup or scale-up environmentWhat We Offer• Opportunity to shape and influence the scientific direction of a rapidly scaling animal health company• Hybrid working model with a collaborative, mission-driven team• Competitive salary aligned to experience• Share options in the company• Potential to extend the role beyond the initial 12-month term based on business needs and performance