The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) is looking to take on a bacteriologist to work at its Backweston Campus in Celbridge, Co. Kildare.

The bacteriologist will be part of the plant science team which includes the disciplines of mycology, nematology, entomology, virology, pest risk assessment, seed testing, feeding stuff testing, and honey bee health.

The role involves responsibility for developing and implementing the laboratory functions for bacteriology, including statutory testing, research, and provision of expert advice, in collaboration with the wider plant science division.

The role will also involve working closely with other department divisions in achieving the objectives of DAFM in the plant science area, as well as outreach to external stakeholders.

The main tasks may include, among others: developing methods and implementing testing and analysis on a range of plant material for the presence of plant pathogens; providing expertise for strategic and policy decisions in the area of plant science; and maintaining and developing expertise in plant bacteriology through research collaboration.

The role is at the grade of 'assistant agricultural inspector - bacteriologist', and candidates should be able to demonstrate by examples in the careers so far that they have the skills and knowledge required for the role.

Those skills include: specialist knowledge and expertise; analysis and decision making; teamwork, interpersonal and communication skills; management and delivery of results; and commitment to "public service values".

Following an assessment process, candidates who achieve the qualifying standard will be placed on an order of merit, from which one appointment will be made.

The post will be offered to the candidate ranked first and, if refused, to the remaining candidates in sequence until the post is filled.

While it is anticipated that only one appointment will be made as a result of this competition, the order of merit will remain in place for a period of up to two years from the date of the first appointment, or until it is exhausted, and will be used to fill further vacancies, if any arise during that period.

Candidates who refuse an offer of appointment will retain their placing on the panel but forfeit their right to be offered any further appointment for this role.