Technologist - Liver fluke vaccine development

Location: Animal Bioscience Department, Teagasc, Animal and Grassland Research \& Innovation Centre, Mellows Campus, Athenry, Co. Galway

Technologist

Salary: Technologist Grade 1 with a Salary Scale of €42,921 to €81,218

Closing Date: 31/07/2026 12:00 PM

Funded Full Time

Job Summary

Duration:

Temporary externally funded non Grant-in-Aid contract post, the indicative duration of which is 24 months, subject to contract. There is potential for this duration to be extended beyond the initial indicative 24 month duration. 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 to recruit an enthusiastic and highly motivated Technologist to coordinate and manage field trials evaluating the efficacy of novel vaccines against Fasciola hepatica (liver fluke) in ruminants. The successful candidate will oversee animal selection and management within field studies, conduct laboratory analyses of parasitological parameters to assess vaccine efficacy, and evaluate both clinical and immunological responses to vaccination. Additional responsibilities will include data collation, management, and analysis, as well as ensuring compliance with all relevant ethical, regulatory, and animal welfare requirements. The successful candidate will become a member of the Teagasc Parasitology Research Team, working closely with colleagues across the wider project consortium to support the successful delivery of the research programme.

Background:

The Teagasc Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Programme supports the profitability, sustainability, and genetic advancement of Irish livestock production through its research centres in Grange (Co. Meath), Moorepark (Co. Cork), and Athenry (Co. Galway). A key component of this programme is Teagasc’s multidisciplinary research in animal health and welfare, which aims to minimise infectious diseases, reduce reliance on antimicrobials, and enhance livestock welfare and production sustainability. This position will be based at the Athenry Sheep Research Centre and will involve close collaboration with project partners at the University of Galway.

Job Objectives

• Manage field trials including selection and monitoring of animals on trials on Teagasc farms and on commercial farms.
• Record measurements (weight, condition score) and collect samples (blood, tissue, faeces) from animals.
• Ensure compliance with ethical and regulatory requirements.
• Perform laboratory analysis on collected samples for immune and parasitological indicators.
• Collate and analyse data and contribute to the writing of scientific papers.
• Disseminate results to other members of the project team and to stakeholders.
• Liaise and collaborate with the wider project team.
• Provide expert technical support to the parasitology research programme.
• Assist in the training of Walsh Scholars, technicians and others as required in experimental techniques.
• Assist with the development and maintenance of protocols/Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and risk assessments for relevant techniques.
• To assist Teagasc in meeting the commitments of the Quality Customer Service Charter and Action Plan.
• To actively participate in the annual business planning and Performance Management Development System (PMDS) processes.
• To 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.

• To carry out other duties as may be 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.

Skills Requirement

Essential

Desirable

Qualifications

• A Level 8 degree (as recognised on the National Framework of Qualifications or equivalent), in Parasitology, Zoology, Animal Science, Natural Science or a related discipline.

• A postgraduate degree and/or research experience in Parasitology, Animal or Natural Science would be a distinct advantage

Skills

• Excellent laboratory skills, organization skills, report writing and data analysis.
• Animal husbandry and handling skills.

• Data handling and computer skills.

• Proven record of scientific communications.

• Aptitude for multidisciplinary approaches.

Knowledge

• The biology of parasites of ruminants.
• Laboratory analytical procedures.

• Sheep/cattle production systems.

• Statistics.

• Regulations on experimental animal use.

Behavioural Competencies

• Ability to work as part of a team, including consulting, collaborating and building relationships with key stakeholders.
• Strives for high quality of work and demonstrates commitment to the programme.
• Ability to communicate effectively to enable knowledge and technology transfer
• Commitment to teamwork and collaborating with colleagues as per our Teagasc Together ethos.

Other

As this role may involve driving to trial sites, candidates must satisfy and continue to satisfy during employment with Teagasc, legal requirements to drive a car unaccompanied on Irish public roads.

Eligibility This 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.

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