The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) is seeking a Laboratory Analyst- Biology to join their team.
Overview of the Department
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) is a multi-functional organisation which provides a wide range of services both directly and through specialist state agencies operating under its aegis. The Department has a wide and diverse customer base which includes farmers, consumers, food processers and other commercial operators, those involved in sea fishing, forestry, bio-energy, research as well as diverse EU institutions, other State Bodies and special interest groups. The Mission of the Department is ‘to lead, enable and regulate the sector in a way that optimises its contribution to social, economic, and environmental sustainability, ensuring food safety, public health and animal health and welfare’.
DAFM has an embedded laboratory service comprising a central laboratory complex at Backweston, together with a network of regional laboratories in 5 locations (Cork, Limerick, Athlone, Kilkenny and Sligo) and a research farm facility. DAFM laboratories have an overall staff compliment of approximately 300 persons engaged in work relating to animal health, food safety and plant and environmental sciences. The laboratories are currently undergoing a significant transformation underpinned by the vision statement, “Scientific Excellence – Safeguarding and Enhancing Public, Animal and Plant Health and our Environment”
Vacancies
DAFM currently have a number of vacancies for Laboratory Analyst. It is envisaged that most biology posts filled will be located at the Backweston Laboratory campus, but some may be filled in the regional locations mentioned above.
It is planned to interview potential candidates to fill these vacancies. Following an assessment process, candidates who achieve the qualifying standard will be placed on an Order of Merit and assigned to fill vacancies as they arise. The Order of Merit remains in force for a period of up to two years from the date of the first appointment or until exhausted.
Candidates who refuse an offer of appointment to a specific location will retain their placing on the panel but forfeit their right to be offered any further appointment to that location.
Job Specification
The Laboratories support DAFM in implementing official controls in respect of animal health, plant health, food safety and the safety of animal feed. The Laboratories also provide for diagnosis and investigation of diseases of farmed animals. This enables surveillance and monitoring of patterns and frequencies of endemic diseases (including zoonotic diseases) and early recognition of new/emerging and exotic diseases. The Laboratories undertake applied research and development work in support of DAFM’s animal health, plant health and public health policies.
Principal Tasks:
(i) Performance of laboratory analysis, usually under the supervision of a Senior Laboratory Analyst.
(ii) Performance of laboratory techniques to the ISO17025 standard.
(iii) Responsibility for samples received in the laboratory. Recording sample information in a LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System).
(iv) Support maintenance of laboratory accreditation to the ISO17025 standard and assist in method validation and project work.
Person Specification
Essential Requirements - Educational Qualifications:
On or before the 31st October 2025, candidates must hold a qualification of at least an ordinary level degree (level 7 consisting of 180 credits on the National Framework of Qualifications) in one of the following:
· Molecular Biology.
· Microbiology.
· Biomedical Sciences.
· Biosciences.
Or
· Hold a qualification that would be acceptable to the Department as being at least equivalent.
Essential Requirements - Other
· The specialised skills required for handling a broad range of biological techniques and instrumentation.
· Capacity for analytical thinking and interpretation
· An ability to work on one’s own initiative
· The necessary computer skills to meet modern laboratory requirements
· Ability to work as part of a team
· Good interpersonal and communication skills.
Important to Note: Candidates must have their qualification (as detailed above) on or before the 31st October, 2025. For the purposes of this competition, a candidate is deemed as holding a qualification when in receipt of their Official Award from the associated Awarding Body. Academic results transcripts do not constitute an Official Award. DAFM does reserve the right to seek submission of full academic transcripts should any queries arise relating to educational requirements.
Competencies
Applicants should have all the attributes required of a Laboratory Analyst - Biology and they must demonstrate, by reference to specific examples from their career to-date, that they possess or have the capacity to acquire the qualities, skills and knowledge required for the role of Laboratory Analyst Biology as identified in the following competency framework.
1. Specialist Laboratory Knowledge and Expertise
2. Teamwork
3. Analysis and Decision Making
4. Interpersonal and Communication Skills
5. Commitment and Delivery of Results
How to Apply
Only Online Applications can be made and should be submitted via the Apply Now button below.
Note: As outlined above, if you do not meet the Essential Requirements listed, your application will receive no further consideration.
Closing Date: Your application must be submitted no later than 12.00 noon on 31st October 2025.
All queries relating to this recruitment campaign should be directed to [email protected] with the subject heading “Laboratory Analyst Biology”
Application acknowledgements:
All applications received will be acknowledged within 5 working days of the competition closing date. If you do not receive an acknowledgement within the 5 working days or for any queries relating to this competition, please contact by email: [email protected]
Applications will not be accepted after the closing date.