Basic Function

A research technologist is required to contribute to the DAFM-funded ResilientForests project, which aims to develop diverse, productive and climate-resilient forests in Ireland through enhanced forest genetic resources, improved forest reproductive material, species diversification, wood quality assessment and microbiome-based solutions. The successful candidate will support research activities within the Forestry Development Department and contribute to generating practical knowledge and tools to support the long-term sustainability, resilience and productivity of Irish forests.

The primary focus of this role will be to support research on species mixtures involving Sitka spruce and other ecologically compatible tree species, with the objective of identifying stand compositions that improve forest resilience while maintaining productivity and timber quality.  The research will assess the performance of mixed-species plantations containing Sitka spruce, using field measurements, forest inventory data and site information to evaluate their resilience potential under current and future environmental conditions.

Using data from the National Forest Inventory (NFI), existing forestry trials and newly collected field data, the successful candidate will help characterise and evaluate Sitka spruce mixtures established across Ireland. Species combinations of interest include Sitka spruce with Douglas fir, grand fir, western hemlock, noble fir, western red cedar, birch, and Norway spruce, based on established compatibility and silvicultural value (Kerr et al., 2020). The work will investigate productivity, biodiversity, resilience and timber quality outcomes associated with different mixture types, supporting evidence-based recommendations for future afforestation and forest management strategies.

The role will involve substantial field work across Ireland, including the assessment and monitoring of forestry sites on a range of soil types and environmental conditions. Responsibilities will include field data collection, database management, data analysis, preparation of technical reports, and contribution to scientific publications and project deliverables.

The successful candidate will work closely with senior research staff, postgraduate students and project partners, including researchers from Teagasc, UCD, TU Dublin, SETU, Coillte and industry stakeholders. Strong organisational skills, attention to detail, teamwork and the ability to deliver project objectives are essential. The ability to communicate the research findings effectively to scientific, industry and stakeholder audiences will also be an important part of the role.

Background 

Teagasc, the Agriculture and Food Development Authority, undertakes research, advisory and education activities in support of Ireland’s agri-food sector and wider bioeconomy. The Forestry Development Department provides integrated research, advisory and training programmes to support the sustainable development of forestry in Ireland.

The successful candidate will contribute to the ResilientForests project, a major national research initiative funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM).

This is an exciting opportunity to build a wide range of experiences and help in the development of diverse, productive and climate-resilient forests in Ireland> It will focus on strengthening breeding strategies, enhancing forest genetic resources, improving forest reproductive material, and integrating wood quality and microbiome research to support future forest resilience, productivity and sustainability.

This is a research-focused role, providing excellent opportunities for the successful candidate to further develop their research, technical and analytical skills within a large multidisciplinary forestry research programme. Working closely with senior research staff, postgraduate students and project partners, the successful candidate will experience and contribute to field, laboratory and data-driven research activities across several project work packages.

The role will provide valuable experience in forestry research, project delivery, data management and analysis, preparation of scientific and technical reports, and contribution to or leading peer-reviewed publications. The successful candidate will also collaborate with researchers from Teagasc, UCD, TU Dublin, SETU Waterford, Coillte and other valued national and international partners, while developing communication, presentation and professional skills through participation in project meetings, workshops, stakeholder engagement activities and scientific conferences. Teagasc fully supports continuous professional development through appropriate induction, mentoring, training and learning opportunities relevant to the role and project objectives.

The post holder will also have opportunities to work alongside PhD, M.Res. and M.Sc. students associated with the project and contribute to a collaborative research environment focused on developing diverse, productive and climate-resilient forests for Ireland.

The position will be based at Teagasc, Mellows Campus, Athenry, Co. Galway, or another nominated location on agreement with the Head of Department.

• Implement and deliver field-based research activities associated with the ResilientForests project across multiple forestry trial sites in Ireland.
• Compile, curate and manage historical forestry datasets, including National Forest Inventory (NIF) data, forest inventory records and related environmental datasets.
• Develop and maintain GIS databases and spatial datasets relating to Sitka spruce mixtures, forest trial sites, species distributions, and associated soil, site and climate variables.
• Conduct field assessments of forestry plots to ensure the timely and accurate collection of field data, including growth, survival, health, phenology, biodiversity and environmental data, across multiple sites and seasons.
• Undertake phenotypic assessments of tree growth performance and timber quality traits and, ecological monitoring, assistance with soil and/or biodiversity sampling, and coordination of data entry protocols with post graduate student.
• Maintain high standards of data quality, documentation, quality assurance, and data management in accordance with national and international research standards.
• Perform GIS, statistical and spatial analyses to characterise mixtures and associated soil-site and climate data.
• Perform data analysis interpretation of results, preparation of technical reports, project deliverables, presentations and scientific outputs.
• Contribute to or lead the preparation of manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals.
• Support project dissemination and stakeholder engagement and knowledge transfer activities, including workshops, field demonstrations, training events and scientific conferences.
• Liaise and collaborate with project partners, forestry stakeholders and other researchers to support successful delivery of project objectives.
• 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.