Join Our Team – Ruminant Research Technician

We are currently hiring a technician to join the ICBF team based in the ICBF Dairy and Beef Research Centre in Kildare town on a 20 month contract. 

Methane Abatement in Grazing Systems (MAGS) is a cross-jurisdiction, multi-organisational project which will develop, apply and validate a range of the most promising novel technologies (including breeding strategies, feed and manure additives) to mitigate enteric and manure methane in beef and dairy pasture-based production systems.

Agriculture contributes ~37% of Irish GHG emissions. Methane accounts for ~70% of Agri-emissions, predominantly from enteric methane derived from fermentation of feed in the rumen, with manure and slurry methane emissions also making an important, albeit lower, contribution. Ireland has committed to reducing agricultural GHGs by 25% by 2030, including a recommended 10% reduction in Agri-methane emissions. Therefore, strategies to mitigate enteric and manure methane need to be rapidly developed and implemented on farm to comply with these targets. 

As part of the project, you will have specific responsibilities around the following areas:

  • Collection of Greenhouse gas data, feed intake data, and microbiome data on cattle.
  • Manage the day to day maintenance of Greenfeed Machines.
  • Management of a Zero-grazing feed intake trial, including feeding of animals on trial.
  • Carry out grass measurements and implement grassland management decisions to ensure that optimum grass growth and animal performance are met during the trial periods.
  • Logistics of sample handling and transport of samples.
  • To interpret findings and present, where necessary, to stakeholders.
  • To assist ICBF in meeting the commitments of our Quality Customer Service and action plan.

Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Science or related discipline.
  • Knowledge of grass-based beef production systems.
  • Knowledge of factors that can reduce the climate impact of ruminant production systems.
  • Excellent organisation and logistical skills, to ensure smooth collection of data on all animals relevant for the project.
  • Ability to work on own initiative and collaboratively with others.
  • Aptitude, and where available, demonstrated examples of excellent communication (oral, written, presentation) with an ability to enable effective knowledge and technology transfer.
  • Good project management, analytical skills, and report writing.
  • Weekend work will be required during the Zero-grazing trial period.

If you are interested in the above position, please submit your cover letter and CV via our online application process by clicking on Apply Now below.

Salary
Competitive

Apply Now

Closing date for applications is 15th May 2025

ICBF is an equal opportunities employer