Basic Function:

Teagasc, Bord Bia and ICBF are collaborating to create AgNav, a farmer-centric sustainability platform which utilises the three agencies’ collective knowledge, data, support tools and other resources, to enable delivery against Climate Action Plan targets for the agri sector. Teagasc is seeking to recruit a post doctoral researcher to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team responsible for the partnership and development of the AgNav farmer-centric sustainability platform. This position offers a significant opportunity to support and accelerate the development of the AgNav platform working across the research and Knowledge Transfer directorate of Teagasc. The position will be based at Teagasc, Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork. 

Background:

Teagasc is one of the key actors in facilitating the sustainable development of the Irish agricultural sector as set out in Food Vision 2030. The vision aims to position Ireland as a world leader in sustainable food systems over the next decade, delivering benefits for the Irish agri-food sector, society and environment. The Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act commits agriculture to reduce greenhouse gas emission by 25% by 2030 based on 2018 levels. In response to targets set in the Water Framework Directive the Irish government has also published a Water Action Plan to improve water quality and resort aquatic ecosystems. In that context there is a need to increase adoption of measures at farm level to reduce greenhouse gases emissions and nutrient loss, and increase carbon sequestration. Developing bespoke farm action plans will provide a pathway for the sustainable development of farming systems in Ireland which can be individually scaled to achieve national targets. The AgNav platform utilises the collective knowledge of Teagasc, Bord Bia and ICBF to provide data, decision-making support tools, and guidance to farmers, on one consolidated online platform. Data integration allows the streamlining of data collection to conduct baseline assessments of individual farm. This structure will help reduce administrative burden on farmers, improve quality of assessments, while generating farm specific plans to improve their environmental sustainability.

The successful candidate will deliver on Teagasc commitments to the programme of work funded by DAFM for a three year period. They will contribute to the day-to-day research in particular the further development of the AgNav platform, data analysis, dissemination to a range of audiences, and take responsibility for milestones and deliverables. This role may appeal to candidates who wish to apply their knowledge and skills to accelerating farmer centric approaches to environmental sustainability.

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.  Appointees to a Teagasc Post-Doctoral Fellowship will be required to undertake a Level 9 Professioinal Diploma in Researcher Development delivered by University College Dublin (UCD).

This professional diploma is a flexible, modular programme which embraces a blended learning approach to align with the Post-Doctoral Fellow's role in Teagasc.  It is designed to develop competencies and transferable skills in research, professionalism, communication and career development.  The majority of the programme is delivered online with the remaining elements delivered in-person at Teagasc locations.  This blended approach affords the Post-Doctoral Fellow the opportunity to meet and network with other Teagasc colleagues.  During the course of the diploma Post-Doctoral Fellows will have access to a full range of supports including the UCD library, writing centre and careers centre.

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 Post-Doctoral 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  or other designated manager in conjunction with the Head of Department.

Duties & Responsibilities specific to this project:

• Design, management and analysis of relevant research and technical support of AgNav to enhance usability for farmers and advisors
• Develop and support the development of LCA models and functions (Pigs, sheep, tillage, poultry) for deployment within AgNav with considerable liaison with developers in ICBF.
• Implement translational research from AgNav project, working in partnership with Teagasc researchers and the other AgNav lead partners (Bord Bia and ICBF)
• Support the development of AgNav to underpin the verified calculations for “carbon farming deep demonstration” (one of the seven Climate-KIC deep demonstrations).
• Assist in the modelling of scenarios for farm walks, discussion groups and industry partners (i.e. co-ops, processors)
• To identify opportunities for cutting-edge research to address relevant knowledge gaps.
• To develop and maintain active collaborative contacts with the relevant national and international research communities.
• Publication and interpretation of research results.

 
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.
• To 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 Agricultural Science, Environmental Science, or a related discipline.
• Relevant research experience not to exceed 3 years’ post-PhD
• Demonstrated research and technical expertise in research, data management, and statistical analysis
• Evidence of research activity (publications, conference presentations, awards) and future scholarly output (working papers, research proposals etc)
• Excellent 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
• Excellent communication skills (oral, written, presentation) with an ability to enable effective knowledge and technology transfer
• Ability to work as part of a team, including consulting, collaborating and building relationships with key stakeholders.
• Knowledge of  Life Cycle Assessment methodology
• Knowledge of EU and Irish farming systems in relation to sustainability and related policy
• Strives for high quality of work and demonstrate strong organisational skills.

Desirable

• Additional desirable criteria can be included by the PI as required
• 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.