Basic Function:

The Teagasc Forestry Development Department is recruiting a post-doctoral researcher to be based at the Ashtown Research Centre in Dublin, or other appropriate location. The post-doctoral researcher will carry out relevant research on the EELAP (Enriching European Landscapes with Agroecological Practices) project, which is a new project funded by the Irish Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) under the Agroecology Partnership. EELAP is a multi-disciplinary project led by the European Agroforestry Federation (EURAF). The project aims to create and extend multi stakeholder living labs in five EU countries, promote the transition to agroecology, focusing on long-term practices like agroforestry, and close knowledge gaps on how agroecology can be integrated in the landscape. The post-doctoral researcher at Teagasc will collaborate with EU project partners and Irish stakeholders to investigate how agroecology can be integrated in the agricultural landscape. The focus of this very relevant and exciting research will be to create / enhance two Irish living labs and work with the labs and project partners towards the project aims.

Applicants should have experience in engaging and working with stakeholder groups and working in forestry/agricultural/agroforestry research. The ideal candidate should have experience working in agroforestry and/or agroecology. The role will involve working closely with the wider project team and industry,

Background:

The evolving Irish forest sector is set to play an increasingly important role in delivering multiple benefits for climate, nature, wood production, people, communities, the economy and rural development. Ireland's Forest Strategy (2023-2030) has a primary objective to expand our forest resource in a manner that will deliver lasting benefits. Agroforestry is one of a range of forest types available to landowners, with attractive funding under the current Forestry Programme 2023-2027. It can play an important role in the application of ecological and social approaches to the design and management of sustainable agricultural and food systems.

This position will be within the Teagasc Forestry Development Department (FDD), based at Teagasc, Ashtown Research Centre, Dublin, D15 DY05. The FDD uniquely integrates forestry research and advisory staff into one coherent department, benefitting from the resultant synergies. The researcher will benefit from these synergies and with the links with Teagasc staff from other fields of research. The position offers the opportunity for high-level impact and for continued self-development in this exciting area.

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.

Duties & Responsibilities specific to this project:

• Establishment/enhancement of two agroecology/agroforestry living labs
• Data collection from two living labs, data analysis, and report writing
• Assist in the completion of project tasks including project meetings, project activities
• Helping with day to day project management tasks, including meeting timelines for tasks, deliverables and reporting
• Dissemination of project results via various means

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 agroforestry, agroecology or land-based discipline
• Relevant research experience not to exceed 3 years’ post-PhD
• Demonstrated research and technical expertise in agroforestry/agroecology and working with stakeholder groups
• 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 working with agricultural/agroforestry stakeholder groups
• Experience in setting own research agenda
• Evidence of research activity (publications, conference presentations, awards)
• Proven record of scientific communications
• Evidence of extension experience

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