Animal Geneticist

Job Summary

Duration:

Temporary Externally Funded Non Grant-in-Aid contract post, the indicative duration of which is 19 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: 

To contribute, as part of a large team of research and industry bodies, to the development of a national breeding program for low environmental footprint through the analyses of phenotypic, genetic and genomic databases in dairy, beef and sheep. Research will include the generation of protocols and standard operating procedures for the collection and editing of data including the derivation of novel and informative phenotypes. An element of student supervision will also be involved as well a project management. Dissemination of results to stakeholders will also be a major component of the role.

Background: 

The position is part of a large Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine Research Stimulus Funded GREENBREED. The objective of GREENBREED is to develop, validate and deploy the necessary tools and optimal strategies to achieve sustainable and quantifiable genetic gain in environmental and economic efficiency in dairy, beef and sheep. The large project complements background data, knowledge, tools and resources (i.e., high-low selection experiments), with novel approaches for direct and indirect selection for environmental efficiency without compromising economic efficiency or societal concerns of genetically elite animals. GREENBREED specifically develops and validates bioeconomic systems models which, when parameterised with the large quantity of phenotypic, genetic and genomic data generated in the programme, can be used to quantify the consequences of the current five national breeding objectives. The impact of modifications to the breeding scheme either through more or lesser phenotypic data, high or lesser quality data (which impacts heritability and thus accuracy of genetic evaluations) as well as relative weights on the environmental traits will be quantified. Tangible benefits from the project include: 1) physical bioeconomic models with integrated farm and environmental modules specific to Irish dairy, beef and sheep sectors and importantly parameterised by high quality data, 2) an animal-specific environmental footprint breeding rank score to complement the currently available economic breeding ranks, 3) novel, implementable tools and strategies to directly measure/predict animal-level environmental load, 4) novel, easy to understand and easy to generate herd/flock- and animal-level measures of lifetime environmental efficiency, 5) accurate genetic and genomic evaluations for traits relating to environmental load based on carefully designed data collection strategies, and 6) scientifically sound knowledge of the complete life-cycle impact of the Irish national breeding programs in dairy, beef and sheep on the environmental footprint of the entire sectors as well as the impact of alternative breeding schemes on environmental and economic efficiency. 

Background to Post Doctoral Programme: 

The Teagasc post-doctoral programme provides training and development opportunities for early career scientists that enhances their experience of learning and equips them with the necessary skills for the next stage of their chosen career in research.

The PD Fellow will, while working in conjunction with senior research staff, gain insight and experience into a variety of areas including the processes of project and budgetary management, publishing in peer-reviewed academic journals, writing grant applications, and attracting external funding; the development of active collaboration with relevant national and international research communities; the development of communication and presentation skills, leadership and management skills, and overall career development.

Modules will be conducted under the supervision and direction of the (Project Leader) or other designated manager in conjunction with the Head of Department.

Job Objectives

Duties & Responsibilities specific to this project:

• Aid in the collection and analyses of feed intake data of a large population of grazing animals.

• Aid in the collection and analyses of methane data in large population of ruminants.

• Derivation and analyses of novel phenotypes for consideration in national breeding programs.

• Engage with international collaborators on the potential of international genetic and genomic evaluations for difficult-to measure traits.

Additional Duties & Responsibilities:

• To interpret research findings and prepare scientific and popular press publications.

• To disseminate research findings to a variety of audiences as appropriate.

• To assist Teagasc in meeting the commitments of the Quality Customer Service Charter and Action Plan.

• To comply with all relevant Teagasc policies and procedures.

• 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.

• To actively participate in the Teagasc Post Doctoral Fellowship programme and review processes, and to undertake all Post Doctoral fellowship training and associated duties as agreed in the Training & Development Plan.

• To take up additional duties as they may arise and be assigned by management.

Skills Required

This section outlines the qualifications, skills, knowledge and/or experience that the successful candidate would be required to demonstrate for successful discharge of the responsibilities of the post. Applications will be assessed on how well candidates satisfy these criteria.

Essential

• PhD in animal breeding or a related discipline.

• Relevant research experience not to exceed 3 years’ post-PhD.

• Demonstrated research and technical expertise in data analytics especially in relation to the mixed model analyses of genetic and genomic data.

• Demonstrated ability to handle and interpret vast datasets of animal level and herd level data.

• Evidence of research activity (publications, conference presentations, awards) and future scholarly output (working papers, research proposals etc).

• Excellent project management, analytical, report writing and data analysis skills.

• An ability to collaborate with team members and PhD students to help build research knowledge and skill and to guide professional development.

• Excellent communication skills (oral, written, presentation) with an ability to enable effective knowledge and technology transfer.

• Ability to generate new ideas, unique concepts, models and solutions.

Desirable

• An understanding of ruminant production systems in Ireland.

• Experience in handling of whole genome sequence data. 

• Experience in setting own research agenda.

• Evidence of teamwork and collaboration with relevant partners.

Attachment:

PD1_I_90c6f30f-ef63-4f15-9c1b-b3efe1a69380.pdf