Basic Function:

We wish to recruit a dynamic and suitably qualified research scientist to support the Grass-BÓ project with particular focus on modelling GHG emissions from grass silage biomethane production and assessing sustainability criteria for forage feedstocks. The Research Officer will have expertise in bioenergy, more specifically AD, and ideally will have undertaken a PhD on a similar topic. Furthermore, they should preferably have experience in environmental modelling and sustainability analysis. There will be opportunities to acquire new skills, continued professional development and for travel to conferences within the duration of the role.

Background:

Ireland has ambitious targets to reduce agricultural emissions by 25% and to expand anaerobic digestion (AD) to meet 10% of current national gas demand by 2030. This includes the development of both farm-level and grid-scale AD plants. However, several knowledge gaps exist relating to the optimal supply of farm sourced forage and slurry/manure to provide secure and sustainable AD feedstocks in line with Renewable Energy Directive (RED) sustainability criteria.

Grass-BÓ will address knowledge gaps in relation to the seasonal, regional and farm-specific dynamics feedstocks for the AD sector including livestock slurry and grass-silage. The project will also explore whether adding legumes and diverse plant mixes to grasslands can boost the amount and quality of material available for renewable gas production. This project will provide a more detailed understanding of how much farm-based feedstock is truly available across different regions in the country throughout the year; along with how digestate (a by-product of AD) can be reused on farms in an environmentally friendly way. By filling these knowledge gaps, this project will create decision-making tools to help farmers and policymakers plan for the rollout of AD more effectively. Ultimately, it will support the growth of renewable energy in Ireland, reduce agricultural emissions, and strengthen Ireland’s leadership in sustainable energy research.

• Day-to-day management of the Grass-BÓ project. This successful candidate will be a key member of the project team and will support the partners in adhering to the work-programme, its constituent tasks, deliverables, and milestones.
• To evaluate the GHG emissions associated with biomethane production from grass silage under typical Irish farming conditions.
• To analyse how grass sward composition and fertiliser management practices influence the emissions factor of grass silage biomethane.
• To develop, as part of the project team, a GHG calculation tool for the grass silage biomethane value chain.
• Working closely with the AD biomethane research team at Teagasc Grange including the assembly of data from ongoing and recently completed experimental studies.
• Attend project technical and steering group meetings and support the organization of Grass-BÓ events.
• Assistance with budgets, administration, and management/coordination, report writing, engaging with partners and relevant stakeholders and project dissemination activities.
• To disseminate project findings and engage in project reporting duties.
• To contribute to the teamwork and team-spirit within Teagasc and partner institutes and to foster and add to further collaboration and integration.
• 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.

 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.