Careers in DAFM Laboratories

DAFM laboratories performs a wide range of regulatory, diagnostic and research testing across the range of disciplines; Veterinary, Agricultural, Food and Plant Science.

We perform specialist testing in a wide range of areas including:

• virology
• pathology
• bacteriology
• parasitology
• food microbiology
• food chemistry
• pesticides
• plant and science and seed testing
• environmental and analytical chemistry

We also perform:

• nationwide surveys of plants and livestock
• testing of diagnostic samples.
• National Reference Laboratory (NRL) function across a wide range of disciplines
• development and validation of new methods
• research and development relevant to work of DAFM laboratories
• collaboration with academic and state bodies across Europe
• support staff to undertake part-time post graduate studies.

Our mission statement is: Scientific Excellence - Safeguarding and Enhancing Public, Animal and Plant Health and our Environment.

We aim to:

• support farmers, exports and the consumer
• protect the food chain and the environment
• monitor and maintain our disease-free status (which is vital for trade)

DAFM employs a range of scientific grades. All scientific grades have a promotional pathway.

In addition, DAFM employ a range of support grades in the laboratories including:

• quality managers
• biosecurity officer
• health and safety officer
• laboratory attendants
• serological assistants
• administrative grades
• I.T. grades

DAFM laboratories are based on a large state of the art complex in Backweston, Celbridge, Co. Kildare. In addition, there are smaller regional laboratories in Cork, Limerick, Kilkenny, Athlone and Sligo.