Basic Function:

Working as a member of the DAFM-funded EMIT-CHANGE project team, the successful candidate will support the implementation of research focused on understanding the factors underlying farmers’ behaviour towards the adoption of climate mitigation measures and practices. This research will inform the development of tailored policy and knowledge exchange programmes to promote farm-level adoption of these measures.

The successful candidate will take the lead in the development of surveys, data collation and analysis, as well as in the preparation of progress reports, presentations, and the publication of scientific and technical papers. They will also be responsible for organising knowledge exchange workshops and liaising with the multidisciplinary EMIT-CHANGE project and advisory teams.

The candidate will work closely with key stakeholders, particularly farmers, farm advisors and consultants, and researchers:

• To develop and apply the most appropriate behavioural change theory to explain the dynamics of decision-making around climate mitigation adoption, particularly through the use of quantitative research design and surveys.

This is an exciting and challenging role that seeks to address three key questions:

1. How is decision-making initiated, consolidated, and sustained?
2. Who are the farmers that have adopted, are adopting, are considering or willing to adopt, or are unwilling to adopt mitigation measures?
3. How attitudes, perceptions, values, norms, and barriers influence farmers’ decisions?

Background:

Ireland’s Climate Action Plan (CAP) 2024 and Food Vision 2030 set out ambitious targets for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from agriculture—aiming for a 25% reduction by 2030 (compared to 2018) and carbon neutrality by 2050. To help achieve this, Ag Climatise – A Roadmap towards Climate Neutrality and the Teagasc Climate Action Strategy 2022–2030 highlight the need to adopt practical climate solutions at farm level. Farmers are at the heart of this change, and understanding how they make decisions is critical to supporting climate action in agriculture.

While many mitigation technologies have been developed, most adoption models have focused on technical solutions. There is a growing need to explore the human and social dimensions of change—such as farmers’ values, attitudes, and beliefs—and how these influence the uptake of climate-friendly practices. This research will help shape more effective policies, advisory services, and knowledge exchange initiatives that support farmers in adopting sustainable practices.

We are seeking a Post-Doctoral Researcher to join the EMIT-CHANGE project, a collaborative research initiative between Teagasc and University College Cork (UCC). This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to climate action while developing your research career. You will work closely with social science and climate researchers at Teagasc, particularly in the Teagasc Climate Centre, and with farm advisors from the Signpost Programme, which supports sustainable farming practices across Ireland.

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 designed to support early-career scientists in building their skills and advancing their careers. You will be supported by senior researchers and will gain valuable experience in:

• Publishing in international peer-reviewed journals.
• Building collaborations with Irish and international research teams.
• Developing professional, leadership, and communication skills.
• Managing research projects and budgets.
• Supporting writing of grant proposals and applying for funding.

As part of your appointment, you will complete a Level 9 Professional Diploma in Researcher Development, delivered by University College Dublin (UCD). This diploma is a flexible, modular course that blends online and in-person learning. It is tailored to develop essential competencies in research, communication, and career planning. You will also benefit from access to UCD’s academic and career support services.

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.

You will be supervised by Dr. Mohammad Mohammadrezaei, with guidance from the Head of Department, Dr. David Meredith, and will be embedded in a vibrant, interdisciplinary research environment.

Duties & Responsibilities specific to this project:

• Designing, piloting, and conducting a cross-sectional survey with farmers.
• Analysing data using quantitative methods.
• Organising interactive knowledge exchange workshops with stakeholders.
• Presenting findings through reports, academic publications, and events.
• To interpret research findings and prepare scientific and popular press publications.
• To support the implementation of the research and the project through design and validation of surveys,  data collation, analysis and writing progress reports, presentations and publication of scientific/technical papers, while also liaising with other EMIT-CHANGE interdisciplinary research team.
• To assist in the dissemination and exploitation of the results of the research through publication, knowledge transfer channels as well as public engagement and other appropriate routes.
• To support the project leader in managing the project and organising workshops.

 
Additional Duties & Responsibilities:

• 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 agriculture, business, social science, behavioural science, or similar
• Relevant research experience not to exceed 3 years’ post-PhD
• Excellent knowledge of survey-based research methods and/or behavioural models/theories applied in social/behavioural science
• 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 in sustainable food systems research and/or behaviour change research
• Experience in survey-based research
• Knowledge of behavioural models and their application in the development of behavioural change interventions
• Experience of the application of behavioural models with farm populations
• Experience in data analysis using quantitative causal-correlational techniques (e.g., linear regression, path analysis, cluster analysis, etc.)
• Experience in multi-actor approach, participatory research, inter-disciplinary research
• Project management skills/qualification
• Experience in setting own research agenda
• Evidence of teamwork and collaboration with relevant partners

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