Basic Function:

The appointee will be responsible for oversight and the daily operations of the new animal metabolism facility. The primary responsibilities include care and management of the animals in the respiration chambers and metabolism facility, implementation of experimental protocols, and co-ordinating the collection, processing and preparation of samples for storage. The appointee will become actively involved in the development of new techniques associated with the animal experiments.  The role involves working closely with researchers, technicians, and postgraduate students. The care of animals with a rumen cannula and regular collection of rumen fluid is required to support experimentation with the Rusitec device. The appointee will be responsible for ensuring the facilities and equipment are properly serviced, maintained and calibrated, and upholding the highest standards of Health and Safety compliance. In addition to the primary role overseeing the daily operations of the new animal metabolism facility, the appointee will also become involved in laboratory analyses of samples collected.

Background:

Teagasc Moorepark is a world leading institute for grass-based dairy production research.  It has national responsibility for all aspects of dairy production research, which includes grassland and grazing management, dairy cow breeding and reproduction, dairy cow health and welfare, milk composition, dairy cow nutrition, milking technology, milk production systems and economic analysis. The research programme is conducted by over 30 scientific and technical professionals, supported by administrative and operative staff. Teagasc Moorepark operates a total of 7 individual dairy research farms totalling 500 hectares and over 1,200 dairy cows.

This post will be based in the Padraig Walshe Centre for Sustainable Animal and Grassland Research, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork.  This centre will be composed of a state-of-the-art laboratory building and a new dairy cow metabolism facility. The metabolism facility will include 6 respiration chambers, and 16 metabolism crates for collection of total faeces and urine output. There will also be a 16-cubicle cow shed with two GreenFeed systems for periodic measurement of individual cow CH4 emissions. Feed bins mounted on electronic weigh cells will be used to capture individual cow feed intake. A Rusitec device (Rumen Simulation Technique) will be located in the new laboratory building, which allows in vitro study of rumen microbe fermentation processes and methane production in a controlled environment.

• Oversight of the daily operation of the new animal metabolism facility at the Padraig Walshe Centre for Sustainable Animal and Grassland Research
• Primary point of contact for all equipment and technology used in the metabolism facility, including respiration chambers, indoor Greenfeed systems, electronic feed bins and milking equipment. For all items of equipment, the appointee must become trained in both routine operation and troubleshooting problems, and will be responsible for ensuring that preventative maintenance, routine servicing and calibration of equipment occurs on an agreed schedule. The appointee will also provide guidance and assistance to research staff and students on the correct use of technology and equipment.
• Primary point of contact for care and monitoring of rumen cannulated cows at Moorepark and collect rumen fluid samples from rumen cannulated cows as required for animal experiments and to provide rumen fluid for the Rusitec device.
• Co-ordination of animal research activities and implementation of experimental protocols to support a high-quality research program.
• Assist with development of protocols for animal procedures and sample collection.  
• Manage and participate in sample collection, processing, preparation for analysis, and storage.
• Experimental data recording and database management in collaboration with colleagues.
• Assist with animal health and behaviour data recording as required in accordance with experimental protocols.
• Assist with conducting routine and advanced analysis of samples as required using a range of laboratory equipment within the Padraig Walshe Centre for Sustainable Animal and Grassland Research. The appointee will work with lab managers, technologists and technicians within the Padraig Walshe Centre for Sustainable Animal and Grassland Research.
• Contribute to teamwork and team-spirit, and champion the Teagasc values of Respect, Excellence and Integrity.
• Assist Teagasc in meeting the commitments of the Quality Customer Service Charter and Action Plan.
• Actively participate in the annual business planning and Performance Management Development System (PMDS) processes. 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 and with allocated Health & Safety database management/recording.
• Carry out other duties as 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.