Basic Function:

Teagasc in collaboration with UCD is looking to recruit an enthusiastic, ambitious post-doctoral scientist to a DAFM funded position (GROFarmS) with expertise in ruminant and forage based production systems. This post-doctoral scientist will work as part of a team focusing on the analysis of finishing options and management systems for finishing organic hill and lowland lambs taking into account effects on animal performance, environmental impact and economic returns.

Background:

The GRO-FarmS project (Growing Resilient Organic Farming Systems) aims to support the sustainable development of Irish organic production systems. Given the expected increase in farms converting into organic systems, it is paramount to develop clear guidelines for efficient and profitable organic farming systems. The overall objective of this task is to investigate finishing options and management systems for finishing organic hill and lowland lambs taking into account effects on animal performance, environmental impact and economic returns.

The Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre in Teagasc, located at Mellows Campus, Athenry, Co. Galway has extensive facilities for field and animal research. Additionally, there is strong alignment between the Animal and Bioscience Department, Livestock Systems Department and the Grassland Departments across Moorepark, Grange and Athenry research centres. The sheep industry is of vital national importance to Ireland and Teagasc plays a key role in developing competitive, profitable and sustainable systems of sheep production.

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 Professional 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 PD Fellow will, while working in conjunction with senior research staff, gain insight and experience into a variety of areas including the process 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.

Gain first-hand insights into the Teagasc Post-Doctoral Fellowship Programme from those who've lived it.  Click here to explore their stories.

Duties & Responsibilities specific to this project:

• To provide assistance in conducting research activities, including planning, organizing, conducting, and communicating research studies within the overall scope of the research project.
•  To coordinate and perform a variety of independent and team activities involved in the collection, analysis, documentation and interpretation of information/results.
• To aid with the preparation of reports for the project and contribute to outreach activities.
• To write the results up for publication in high impact scientific journals.
   
  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.

This section outlines the qualifications, skills, knowledge and/or experience that the successful candidate would be required to demonstrate for successful discharge of the responsibilities of the post.  Applications will be assessed on how well candidates satisfy these criteria.

Essential

• PhD in Ruminant or Forage based production systems.
• Relevant research experience not to exceed 3 years’ post-PhD.
• Demonstrated research and technical expertise in Ruminant and Forage production systems.
• 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.

Desirable

• Experience in organic production systems.
• Experience in ruminant nutrition.
• 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.