Basic Function:

The successful applicant will carry out innovative experimental research investigating how the manipulation of soil microbial communities influences soil nutrient cycling, ecosystem functioning and plant performance in agricultural grasslands. This research will contribute to our understanding of the role of soil microbial communities in promoting efficient, resilient and sustainable grassland systems. The work will be carried out as part of the EuroGrass project, funded by the SFI-IRC Pathway Programme.

Background:

The position will be based in the Teagasc Environment, Soils and Land-use Department in Johnstown Castle, Wexford. Teagasc. Johnstown Castle is Ireland’s leading research institute on soils and environment related research, and conducts both fundamental and applied research on a wide range of subjects, including soil health, soil-plant interactions, biodiversity, nutrient efficiency, water quality, gaseous emissions, agroecology, and land use. Johnstown Castle is well equipped with laboratory, greenhouse and field facilities to support a wide and innovative research programme, as well as 190 hectares of farmland.

The Postdoctoral research 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 or other designated manager in conjunction with the Head of Department.

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 Aaron Fox 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

• Investigate how the manipulation of soil microbial communities from contrasting agricultural grassland management systems influences soil ecosystem functioning, particularly microbial-mediated carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus cycling, and plant performance.
• Design, establish and manage innovative experimental soil–plant mesocosm trials, involving microbial community manipulation through soil sterilisation, microbial inoculation and reciprocal transplantation of microbial communities between contrasting grassland soils.
• Investigate the interactions between contrasting soil microbial communities, including the effects of combining different microbial inocula, to determine how microbial community composition influences soil nutrient cycling and plant–microbe interactions.
• Apply molecular, biochemical and soil biological approaches to quantify microbial functioning, soil nutrient cycling and plant responses, including mycorrhizal associations.
• Engage with partners from collaborating organisations to carry out soil biology and soil function analyses and interpretation.

 
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 complete all time records on SmartSimple in a timely manner.
• 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 soil microbiology, microbial ecology, environmental microbiology, soil biology, soil science, molecular biology, plant–microbe interactions or a closely related discipline.
• Relevant research experience not to exceed 3 years’ post-PhD
• Demonstrated research and technical expertise in experimental microbiology, microbial ecology, soil biology, plant–microbe interactions and/or soil ecosystem functioning.
• Evidence of research activity (publications, conference presentations, awards) and future scholarly output (working papers, research proposals etc)
• Experience in designing, conducting and interpreting laboratory-based experiments, with an ability to apply experimental approaches to investigate microbial processes and ecosystem functioning.
• 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

• Demonstrated research and technical expertise in microbiome analysis.
• Research experience in microbial community manipulation, microbial inoculation, microbial transplantation and/or plant–microbe interactions.
• Knowledge of Irish agriculture.
• Experience in setting own research agenda.
• Evidence of teamwork and collaboration with relevant partners.
• Full driving licence.

Gender, Diversity and Inclusion

At all levels in Teagasc, we believe in growing and keeping alive an open, diverse and inclusive workplace which is respectful to all and nurtures different perspectives, for the benefit of all in the organisation.

We are committed to the principles of 'Equal Opportunities, No Barriers, Active Inclusion'.

We actively welcome applications from people from diverse backgrounds.