Basic Function 

This role, which combines crop agronomy and weed science, will deliver on the key research tasks in the EVOLVE research project, dealing with integrated weed control systems and herbicide resistance evolution.  The role will also contribute to the assessment of cultivation intensity impact on soil carbon.

  Non-chemical weed control strategies will be evaluated in a series of field trials where techniques such as stale seedbeds, seeding rate, sowing date, cultivar type etc. would all be assessed for their impact on grass weed development and crop performance.  The development of weed populations in herbicide-free areas will also be monitored.

Field weed surveys and herbicde resistance studies will also be part of the programme.   For each of these components, the experimental design will be developed, protocols implemented, appropriate analysis carried out and all data published in peer reviewed publications. 

Background to the EVOLVE Project

The tillage sector in Ireland utilises approximately 300,000ha to produce a range of arable crops and underpins the agri-industry through the provision of energy and protein feedstuffs, and raw material for drink and food products.  The aim of the Teagasc Crop Science work programme is to support profitable and sustainable crop production and this programme is implemented by a team of researchers, technicians and other support staff.  The programme consists of collaborative time-bound projects, frequently working with university partners, which deliver on specific research topics.  A key current challenge is the evolution of herbicide resistance in grass weeds and its impact on crop production and the adoption of carbon-smart crop establishment systems. 

The EVOLVE project is a DAFM funded project, with Teagasc, UCD and TCD as collaborators, which will generate new knowledge on , integrated grass weed control, herbicide resistance evolution and carbon-smart tillage practices.  

Background to Teagasc Post Doctoral Programme

The Teagasc post-doctoral programme provides training and development opportunities for early career scientists that enhances their experience of learning and equips them with the necessary skills for the next stage of their chosen career in research. 

This is a research focused training role, the primary purpose of which is to provide early career scientists with the opportunity to develop their research skills and competencies.

The PD Fellow will, while working in conjunction with senior research staff, gain insight and experience into a variety of areas including the processes of project and budgetary management, publishing in peer-reviewed academic journals, writing grant applications, and attracting external funding; the development of active collaboration with relevant national and international research communities; the development of communication and presentation skills, leadership and management skills, and overall career development.

Modules will be conducted under the supervision and direction of the Project Leader, Dermot Forristal, or other designated manager in conjunction with the Head of Department.

Duties & Responsibilities specific to this project:

• Investigate and develop cultural weed control approaches such as crop sowing date, seeding rate, crop row spacing, stale seedbeds etc. as components of integrated weed control strategies in cereals and broad-acre crops.
• Using a model weed such as Lolium multiflorum, to develop an understanding of how cultural approaches impact on weed morphology.

• To develop a comprehensive knowledge of the relevant literature to support the development of appropriate high quality research techniques and protocols, and publication of the work.

• To design, develop, and implement a survey of growers’ fields that will include weed grass seed collection along with associated field management data.

• To monitor and map weed development in herbicide-free areas of arable fields.

• To contribute to herbicide resistance studies including field surveys, glasshouse assays and molecular studies.

• To  generate field data from cultivation studies to be used in the modelling of impact on gaseous emissions.

Additional Duties & Responsibilities:

• To interpret research findings and prepare scientific and popular press publications.

• To disseminate research findings to a variety of audiences as appropriate.

• To assist Teagasc in meeting the commitments of the Quality Customer Service Charter and Action Plan.

• To comply with all relevant Teagasc policies and procedures.

• Fully co-operate with the provisions made for ensuring the health, safety and welfare of themselves, fellow staff and non-Teagasc staff and co-operate with management in enabling Teagasc to comply with legal obligations. This includes full compliance with the responsibilities outlined in the Safety Statement.

• To actively participate in the Teagasc Post Doctoral Fellowship programme and review processes, and to undertake all Post Doctoral fellowship training and associated duties as agreed in the Training & Development Plan.

• To take up additional duties as they may arise and be assigned by management.

Essential

• PhD in crops, weeds or other related discipline.

• Relevant research experience not to exceed 3 years’ post-PhD

• Demonstrated research and technical expertise in:  design and conduct of field experiments; data and statistical analysis; basic glasshouse research skills; basic molecular analysis.

• Knowledge of: grass weeds and management practice  in Irish production systems; basic crop production; crop industry in Ireland.

• Evidence of research activity (publications, conference presentations, awards) and future scholarly output (working papers, research proposals etc)

• Good project management, analytical, report writing and data analysis skills

• An ability to collaborate with team members and PhD students to help build research knowledge and skill and to guide professional development

• Commitment to teamwork and collaborating with colleagues as per our Teagasc Together ethos

• Excellent communication skills (oral, written, presentation) with an ability to enable effective knowledge and technology transfer

• Ability to generate new ideas, unique concepts, models and solutions

Desirable

• Experience in: weed research; crop agronomy research; crop establishment methods.

• Experience in setting own research agenda

• Evidence of teamwork and collaboration with relevant partners

Note:  Alternative location(s) may be considered solely at the discretion of Teagasc management.