Basic Function:

This position will be part of the AgriAdapt DAFM founded project. The successful candidate will be tasked with predicting the impact of climate change on Ireland’s grassland sector using the MoSt GG grass growth model (among others), and developing adaptation strategies. This role involves identifying tipping points in the grassland sector through analysis of both historical data and future climate change scenarios. The candidate will collaborate with researchers from Teagasc and partner institutions to, among other things, enhance decision support systems for on-farm climate adaptation, including early warning systems for drought, rainfall and nitrogen leaching prediction.

Background:

Irish agricultural systems must evolve to adapt and develop resilience against changing climate patterns. While climate mitigation research has been a focus in recent years, climate adaptation research needs to be refocussed. This role is part of the AgriAdapt DAFM project, a cross-sectoral initiative addressing climate change impacts across Ireland’s ruminant, crop, and forestry sectors using advanced modeling. This initiative will map future grass and crop growth, and explore forestry adaptations at a detailed 12 km² scale. It also includes developing models for pest and disease predictions and identifying resilient plant species. A Climate Adaptation Cost Curve, derived from the outputs of these models, will offer insights into the costs and benefits of adaptation strategies for Irish Agriculture. In collaboration with Met Éireann, the project will also develop decision support systems and early warning alerts for drought and disease, aligning with sustainable agricultural practices. The project involves collaboration between Teagasc, Dundalk Institute of Technology, and University College Dublin, and is based at Teagasc’s leading dairy research institute in Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork.

The successful candidate will be based at Teagasc, Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork.  Other Teagasc research centres may be considered solely at the discretion of Teagasc management

• Utilize existing grassland databases and existing models (MoSt Grass growth model) to assess the future climate impacts on the Irish grassland sector.
• To simulate varying grassland management impacts to varying climate events
• To critically analyze model outputs and identify adaptation responses
• Assist in the development of an abatement cost curve in relation to climate adaptation strategies for the grassland sector.
• Participate in the development of decision support tools enhancing farm resilience.
• To improve the resilience of the different Irish agricultural sectors to future climate challenges.
• Support project management activities within the AgriAdapt project.
• To assist in the supervision of MSc and PhD students focused on climate adaptation.
• To interpret research findings and prepare scientific and popular press publications.
• To disseminate research findings to a variety of stakeholder audiences.
• 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 take up additional duties as they may arise and be assigned by management.

* This job specification is intended as a guide to the general range of duties and is intended to be neither definitive nor restrictive.  It will be reviewed from time to time with the post holder.