Research Assistant

Research Assistant Field Trials on Pasture Systems The Biostimulants for Grass Production (BIOS4Grass) project is jointly funded by the Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine and the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Environment and Rural Affairs in Northern Ireland. The consortium is lead by UCD and includes MTU, Teagasc, UOG and AFBI as well as a number of industrial partners. The goal of BIOS4Grass is to develop methods for improving nitrogen use efficiency in the management of of pasture swards in Ireland. It will do this through the development of new elite grass germplasm with better nitrogen use efficiency, and also by testing a number of bio-based products (biostimulants and biofertilisers) under reduced nitrogen regimes. The successful candidate will be based in Tralee and will assist in the coordination of field trials, mainly based on farms in Kerry, as well as the laboratory processing of samples. Minimum Qualifications Applicants must hold a BSc degree in an agricultural, environmental or lab-based discipline. Candidates must demonstrate the following in their application: Knowledge and interest in agricultural systems Basic laboratory skills and knowledge Logical and concise written and oral communication skills An ability to work independently on own initiative Experience of working with people Full driving licence The following skills would be desirable: An MSc qualification in a relevant area Previous field trial experience Previous analytical laboratory experience Familiarity with data presentation techniques, data statistical packages, e.g., GraphPad Prism or similar. Job Duties and Responsibilities To work under the direction of the project leader To assist in the coordination of field trials, e.g. the collection of samples ? To assist in the processing of samples in the laboratory ? Create project documentation. To maintain lab books and lab reports Work with other team members, including postgraduate students and researchers as directed by the project lead. Salary: This post is available on a pro rata basis of 3 days a week for a period of 18 months. Research assistant salary scale for this position is €31,962 - €34,062 dependent on qualifications and experience. Application Procedure: The University operates an online recruitment system. All applications must be made online. Citizenship Requirement : Candidates should note that eligibility to compete for posts is open to citizens of the European Economic Area (EEA) or to non-EEA nationals with a valid work permit. The EEA consists of the Member States of the European Union, United Kingdom along with Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. Swiss citizens under EU agreements may also apply. It is an offence under the Employment Permits Acts 2003 and 2006 for both an employer and an employee if a non-EEA National is in employment without an appropriate employment permit. Employment permit holders can only work for the employer named on the permit. Location: This post will be located at Munster Technological University, Tralee. The role will also involve travelling to field sites within Kerry. Informal Enquiries: Informal enquiries ONLYby email, quoting job reference title, to Patrick Quille; Closing date for applications is 1.00pm Friday, 7th February 2025 Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted. MTU is an Equal Opportunities Employer Skills: knowledge & interest in agriculture ability to work independently full driving licence