Please note interviews for this position will be held on Monday 12th January 2025

Basic Function:

The Climate Action Plan sets a target of 450,000ha for organic farming by 2030. Organic farming contributes to our climate targets and delivers significant benefits for biodiversity and water quality. It also aligns with policy under the EU Farm to Fork Strategy and the Climate Action Plan of significantly reducing the use of chemical fertilisers. The Organic Farming Scheme (OFS) supports the expansion of the area being farmed organically. However, the lack of organic milling capacity in Ireland is curtailing the expansion of the organic livestock sector while also limiting the opportunities for growing the area under organic tillage crops. Consequently, there is a need to investigate the potential for organic feed milling in Ireland. To address this knowledge gap, the research project ‘Feasibility Assessment for Organic Feed Milling (FARM)’ will use a mix of quantitative and qualitative research.

Background:

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to contribute to research which will will address the following objectives: (i) Assess the current and potential farm level production and wider sustainability of organic feed crops in Ireland; (ii) Assess the technical, economic and wider feasibility of a range of organic feed processing options post farm gate in Ireland; (iii) Examine pre and post farm gate: economic, environmental and social sustainability metrics associated with the development of a domestic organic milling sector; and (iv)• assess support options for developing an organic feed milling capacity in Ireland.

The research results have the potential to provide a range of economic, environmental and social benefits to a wide range of stakeholders. This output will have farmers, and other stakeholders in the primary sector as target group, and will also relevant for society and policy makers. The position will be based in either Teagasc Agricultural Economics and Farm Surveys Department in the Ashtown Dublin 15 campus or the Mellows Campus, Athenry, County Galway. 

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  Project Leader, Fiona Thorne 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:

• Assess the current and potential farm level production and wider sustainability of organic feed crops in Ireland.
•  Assess the technical, economic and wider feasibility of a range of organic feed processing options post farm gate in Ireland.
• Examine pre and post farm gate: economic, environmental and social sustainability metrics associated with the development of a domestic organic milling sector;
• Assess support options for developing an organic feed milling capacity in Ireland
• Plan and carry out outreach and stakeholder information activities.
• Produce reports and peer-reviewed papers.

•  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.
• 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 may arise or as assigned by management.

Essential

• PhD in in agriculture, environmental science, agricultural or environmental economics or another appropriate science or economics related discipline.
• Relevant research experience not to exceed 3 years’ post-PhD
• Demonstrated research and technical expertise in quantitative and qualitative research methods 
• Evidence of research activity (publications, conference presentations, awards) and future scholarly output (working papers, research proposals etc).
• Track record of researcher dissemination including peer-reviewed publications
• 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 a demonstrated ability to enable effective knowledge and technology transfer

Desirable

• Additional desirable criteria can be included by the PI as required
• Experience in Irish agricultural systems
• Evidence of teamwork and collaboration with relevant partners
• Experience in sustainability metrics development
• Analytical, report writing and data analysis skills
• Experience in setting own research agenda
• Demonstrated ability to generate new ideas, unique concepts, models and solutions
• Evidence of teamwork and collaboration with relevant partners

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