Basic Function:

Teagasc is looking to recruit an enthusiastic, ambitious post-doctoral scientist to a Research Ireland funded position with extensive expertise in plant science, plant nutrition and plant physiology as part of the project ‘Designing future cereals for improved agronomic and sustainability capabilities with new breeding techniques’. This post-doctoral scientist will work as part of a team focusing on nitrogen mutants to set up precision assays on measuring N uptake and relocation in nitrogen mutant plants. Experience in culturing plants in glasshouses and growth cabinets, plant husbandry and plant genetics are essential for this role

Background:

Barley is ranked fourth among the most cultivated cereals in the world. It is grown on approximately 47.7 million hectares in 106 countries worldwide (FAOSTAT, 2023). In Ireland, agri-food is an integral part of the economy and society, and one of Ireland's most important indigenous manufacturing sectors. Protecting our ability to produce high yields of cereals is essential for resource use efficiency, and in particular to contribute to food and feed security at a national and EU level, thus maintaining our national agriculture and food production. Identifying ways to improve nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) in cereal production is a major international research priority.  It has been estimated that globally only around 40% of N from fertiliser is recovered in the grain of cereal crops. Rates of post-anthesis N uptake by crops are often low and high quantities of N can be found in the soil at harvest, apparently left unused by the crop

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 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 Susanne Barth 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:

• Design protocols for exact measurement of nitrogen supplied.
• To undertake plant physiological experiments in hydroponics and precise experiments in pots for the determination of nitrogen uptake and utilisation in a range of barley genotypes.
• To provide assistance in conducting research activities, including planning, organizing, conducting, and communicating research studies within the overall scope of a research project.
•  To 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.

Essential

• PhD in plant sciences, plant genetics, plant nutrition.
• Relevant research experience not to exceed 3 years’ post-PhD
• Demonstrated research and technical expertise inplant genetics and plant physiology with demonstrated expertise in plant husbandry in controlled environments. Demonstrated expertise in analytical methods of plant compounds, e.g. protein
• 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 using the R bio-statistical tool or equivalent..
• Experience in setting own research agenda.
• Experience in hydroponics cultures. 
• Evidence of teamwork and collaboration with relevant partners