Basic Function:

To develop, integrate and apply models that are capable of determining the impact of technological, institutional and policy change. This will include:

• Development and application of models to determine the impact of technological change at farm level.
• Development and application of models to determine the impact of policy change at farm level.
• Integrate mechanistic and systems simulation models which can be used to answer key industry questions.
• Develop, improve and use models to answer key industry questions as and when they arise.

The successful candidate will work in collaboration with a number of colleagues in the Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Programme and the Crops, Environmental and Land Use Programme across Teagasc. They will also be responsible for developing, integrating and applying models to answer pertinent questions for the Irish dairy Industry. The models will be used to answer key industry questions to underpin the sustainability of the dairy industry in the future. 

Background:

The position will be based at Teagasc, Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork. Teagasc Moorepark is Ireland’s leading dairy research institute with national responsibility for all aspects of dairy production research which include grassland and grazing management, dairy cow breeding and reproduction, dairy cow health and welfare, milk composition and dairy cow nutrition, milking technology and milk production systems plus economic analysis. 

The research programme is conducted by over 30 scientific and technical professionals, supported by administrative and operative staff.  Moorepark operates a total of 7 individual dairy research farms totalling 500 hectares and over 1,000 dairy cows.  Facilitates include modern individual cow feed and metabolism units, laboratories, computer facilities and milking research laboratories. 

The Irish dairy industry has undergone a transformational change since the removal of the EU milk quota regime which had been in place for 31 years. Since the Irish dairy industry began to prepare for EU milk quota removal (07-09 period), milk solids output has increased by over 90% nationally. This increase in output has been achieved through increases in cow numbers, increased milk yield per cow, increased fat and protein percentages, increased grass growth and stocking rate and additional land entering the dairy industry.  While there has been substantial investment at farm level, overall debt levels have remained relatively static, while debt levels per kg of milk solids have reduced significantly.

• Provide leadership on the technology underpinning profitable farm systems to the Irish dairy industry
• Build a research programme on bio-economic modelling of dairy farm systems
• Increase the interaction between existing models operated in Teagasc (e.g. MDSM, MPSM, MoSt GG, etc.). 
• Develop industry integrated (farm and processing) sector models
• Increase the usability of current model infrastructures and build further expertise in the area of decision support systems
• Secure external funds to build and lead a team of Post-Doctorate and post graduate researchers in bio-economic farm systems modelling
• To assist Teagasc in meeting the commitments of the Quality Customer Service Charter and Action Plan.
• To actively participate in the annual business planning and Performance Management Development System (PMDS) processes.
• 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.
• Any other duties as may be assigned from time to time

* 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.

 Note:  The ‘essential’ qualifications, knowledge, skills and behavioural competencies outlined above are ‘must-have’ which will be used in the selection process.

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