ORGANISATION DESCRIPTION:

The Marine Institute is the national agency responsible for marine research, technology, development and innovation (RTDI). The Marine Institute seeks to assess and realise the economic potential of Ireland’s 220-million-acre marine resource; promote the sustainable development of marine industry through strategic funding programmes and scientific services; and safeguard the marine environment through research and environmental monitoring. The Institute works in conjunction with the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine (DAFM) and a network of other Government Departments, semi-state agencies, national and international marine partners.

The Fish Health Unit is Ireland’s NRL for Finfish, Mollusc, and Crustacean Diseases. The laboratory monitors listed and emerging diseases, ensuring compliance with Council Directive 2006/88/EC and Regulation (EU) 2016/429. There is an ongoing requirement to maintain and develop capacity and expertise in shellfish diseases, particularly in response to national surveillance and EU reporting obligations.
The NRL is responsible for developing, validating and implementing appropriate methods for the testing of fish and shellfish diseases; monitoring for the diseases specified in Council Directive 2006/88/EC as well as for diseases of national importance. The laboratory is accredited to ISO 17025 standard. The FHU is also engaged in a number of research programmes related to diseases of significance for the fish and shellfish aquaculture industry in Ireland.
The successful candidate will lead the National Reference Laboratory (NRL) for shellfish diseases, including molluscan and crayfish pathogens. The Shellfish Health Team Leader will oversee statutory testing, research, method development, quality compliance, and communication with stakeholders. The role also includes managing the crayfish health programme and contributing to EU regulatory compliance.