Basic Function:

The Post-Doctoral Fellow will undertake applied and experimental research focused on the mitigation of greenhouse gas (GHG), ammonia (NH₃), and nitrate losses from livestock manure systems through the use of biochar. The role will integrate laboratory-scale emissions testing, controlled lysimeter trials, and large-scale on-farm demonstrations across cattle and poultry systems within the Just Transition region.

Working closely with senior research staff and industry partners, the Post-Doctoral Fellow will generate high-quality empirical datasets to support emissions factor development, farmer adoption assessments, and policy-relevant reporting. The position combines experimental design, advanced analytical measurements, data synthesis, and stakeholder engagement, with a strong emphasis on knowledge transfer and real-world feasibility.

The role provides structured training and professional development while contributing directly to nationally significant outputs in climate mitigation, nutrient management, and agricultural sustainability.

Background:

The post will be based at Teagasc Johnstown Castle, Co. Wexford, Ireland’s national centre for environmental research and a core facility supporting agricultural sustainability, climate mitigation, and water quality research. Johnstown Castle hosts state-of-the-art laboratory, lysimeter, and analytical facilities, providing a unique infrastructure for integrated soil, water, air, and nutrient cycling studies.

The Post-Doctoral Fellow will be assigned to a multi-partner Just Transition–funded research programme evaluating the role of biochar in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG), ammonia (NH₃), and nitrate losses from livestock manure management systems. The research combines climate-controlled laboratory slurry storage experiments, lysimeter-based nitrate leaching trials, and large-scale on-farm demonstrations across dairy and poultry systems within the Just Transition region.

The project aims to generate robust, field-validated emissions datasets, assess the operational feasibility of biochar use under commercial farming conditions, and contribute to improved Tier 2/3 emission factors and monitoring, reporting and verification (MRV) approaches for national greenhouse gas inventories and carbon removal assessments.

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 Shaun Connolly 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:

• Design and implement climate-controlled laboratory slurry storage experiments to quantify GHG (CO₂, CH₄, N₂O) and NH₃ emissions using photoacoustic gas analysis systems.
• Conduct lysimeter-based trials to assess nitrate leaching and nutrient dynamics associated with biochar-amended manures under controlled conditions.
• Coordinate and support large-scale on-farm demonstrations involving the incorporation of biochar into cattle slurry and poultry litter, including monitoring operational feasibility and physical stability within manure management systems.
• Lead the collection, analysis, and interpretation of chemical and emissions data from laboratory, lysimeter, and field-scale trials, ensuring high standards of data quality and reproducibility.
• Contribute to the delivery of project outputs, including emissions datasets, technical white papers, and farmer adoption feasibility reports in line with project milestones and deliverables.
• Engage with farmers, industry partners, and project stakeholders through workshops, interviews, and knowledge transfer activities to support uptake and inform best practice.

 
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 in environmental science, agricultural science, soil science, atmospheric science, or a closely related discipline
• Relevant research experience not to exceed 3 years’ post-PhD
• Demonstrated research and technical expertise in experimental research related to nutrient management, manure systems, emissions measurement, or soil–plant–atmosphere interactions
• 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 with laboratory or field-based measurement systems (e.g. gas analysers, lysimeters, or related instrumentation)
• Experience in setting own research agenda
• Evidence of teamwork and collaboration with relevant partners
• Proven ability to manage complex datasets and integrate results across laboratory and field scales