Basic Function:

This competition seeks to recruit a post-doctoral researcher to join the team of researchers working on a Research Ireland funded project (ELEVATE).

The successful candidate will collaborate within a trans-disciplinary team comprising postdoctoral researchers, research officers, and technicians. Their primary responsibilities will include designing and executing experiments on aphid behaviour and virus transmission in controlled environments, as well as conducting field trials to investigate the barley yellow dwarf virus, a major virus vectored by aphids

Background:

Barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV) is one of the most detrimental infecting agents impacting cereal production worldwide. The time of infection is believed to have a huge impact on the magnitude of any yield losses. There is still much we do not understand about the interplay between virus strain, insect vector, timing of infection, weather, and barley genetics and their impact on yield loss. Furthermore, much of the work that has been done, was carried out using virus strains and insect vectors that are not dominant in Irish barley crops. Given the emergence of resistance to pyrethroids, the loss of chemical control options, and EU ambitions to reduce pesticide usage, there is increasing pressure on Integrated Pest Management (IPM) to deliver. Among the crucial elements of any IPM strategy are (i) monitoring, (ii) forecasting, (iii) warning systems, and (iv) resistant cultivars.

The ELEVATE project aims to understand the effects of predominant Barley Yellow Dwarf Virus (BYDV) strains in Ireland on spring and winter barley under current and future climatic conditions and determine how viral load, vector behaviour and infection stage impact disease severity

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 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:

• To design and carry out controlled growth chamber experiments looking at transmission efficacy of BYDV by cereal aphids under different climate scenarios. 
• To design and carry out controlled growth chamber experiments looking at cereal aphid behaviour and fecundity under different climate scenarios.
• To carry out controlled infection field trials looking at impact on barley grain yield of BYDV and how timing of infection impacts yield.

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.

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 entomology, virology or agriculture related discipline
• Relevant research experience not to exceed 3 years’ post-PhD
• Demonstrated research and technical expertise in designing and conducting experiments with insects
• 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 rearing insects, in particular aphids
• Experience with plant virus diagnostics
• Demonstrated research and technical expertise in Integrated Pest Management
• Excellent project management, analytical, report writing and data analysis skills
• An understanding on cereal production and associated crop pests (insects, weeds and diseases) in Western Europe