Basic Function:

We wish to recruit a dynamic and suitably qualified Postdoctoral Researcher to conduct socio-economic and socio-cultural research and to assist with the overall management of the STEP UP research project (https://horizon-stepup.eu/) . The successful candidate will assist the co-ordinator with all aspects of financial planning, administration, and management/coordination of STEP UP. The successful candidate will be a key member of the management team and support the partners in adhering to the work-programme, its constituent tasks, deliverables, and milestones.

The post holder will be responsible for the timely financial and technical reporting to the European Commission (EC), event organisation, act as a contact point for the other project partners, assist with managing the project budget, and liaise with the EC. In addition, the successful candidate will be engaged in research work focussed on in-depth understanding of case studies of innovative livestock production systems and the outcomes of their research will form the basis of a variety of lifecycle assessment and econometric modelling analyses. This work will involve conducting a thorough literature review and engagement with a wide variety of relevant stakeholders as well as collection, collation and analysis of primary data including testing of new indicators of social and environmental sustainability. Ultimately, the successful candidate will report to the project co-ordinator and will work as part of a multidisciplinary, European based team to support sustainable agricultural development and evidence-based policy making. There will be significant opportunities for travel, acquisition of new skills and continued professional development.

Background:

The livestock sector contributes substantially to the European economy representing 40% of the total agricultural activity. The global demand for livestock derived food products is projected to increase by up to 70% by 2050. Sustainable livestock-based food systems contribute to food security, economic and environmental stewardship, and sociocultural needs and are vital for achieving most of the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals. Increasing sustainability, viability and resilience of climate friendly agricultural production are key objectives of the EU Farm to Fork strategy and is wholly consistent with the Four Betters viz. as better production; better nutrition; a better environment; and a better life and leaving no one behind conceptualised by FAO. This scenario presents opportunities but also challenges to the European livestock production sector, particularly in the development of sustainable pan-European livestock production systems (ELPS). Indeed, the global trend for greater demand for livestock derived food products, is currently being challenged because of (i) its impact on the environment, (ii) ethical issues, with increased societal concern for animal welfare and (iii) human health considerations associated with consumption of high quantities of livestock derived foods. Notwithstanding this, the current debate on positive or negative impacts, externalities and value of animal production is based on abundant contradictory data and reflects the difficulties in quantifying natural processes linked to livestock production and land use. A central problem is that many of these costs and benefits are externalised, i.e., not reflected in the market prices and therefore not in decision making of actors in food value chain. Monetisation of the externalities is urgently required in order to estimate the “true” costs of animal-based products in Europe.

A core objective of STEP UP is to generate clear, unambiguous, qualitative and quantitative information to support greater sustainability, viability and resilience of environmentally compatible and socially acceptable European Livestock Production Systems (ELPS). Through state-of-the-art research methodologies and thorough and effective stakeholder engagement, STEP UP will deliver a platform of measures to support European policy makers with science-based evidence on the impacts and externalities of ELPS, as part of the food and wider ecosystem. More information about the STEP UP project can be found at https://horizon-stepup.eu/.

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 David Kenny 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.

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 assist with all aspects of the management of the Horizon Europe funded STEP UP project including financial planning, administration, and management/coordination, report writing, engaging with partners and relevant stakeholders and project dissemination activities.
• To consolidate sustainability indicators from diverse disciplinary work across STEP UP into a coherent indexed report.
• To support transdisciplinary work across STEP UP and analyse transdisciplinary processes for the development of a ‘storyline;’ contributing to state of the art.
• To evaluate the potential of novel bio-indicators of animal welfare and environmental sustainability of European Livestock Production Systems.
• To work with project partners in conducting detailed life-cycle assessment and econometric analyses.
• To disseminate project findings and engage in project reporting duties.
• To contribute to the teamwork and team-spirit within Teagasc and the STEP UP consortium, and to foster and add to further collaboration and integration.
• To assist Teagasc in meeting the commitments of the Quality Customer Service Charter and Action Plan.
• To actively participate in the annual business planning and Performance Management Development System (PMDS) processes.
• 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.
• Any other duties as may be assigned from time to time

Additional Duties & Responsibilities:

• To interpret research findings and prepare scientific and popular press publications.
• 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.

Essential

• PhD in Agricultural Science, Agricultural Economics, Social Science or a related discipline or a related discipline.
• Relevant research experience not to exceed 3 years’ post-PhD.
• Excellent organization and project management skills.
• Research skills: Systematic literature review, survey design, data management, statistical analysis, socioeconomic techniques.
• Planning, monitoring and evaluating stakeholder engagement and multi-actor approaches within a research programme.
• Dissemination skills: verbal presentation/communication skills, scientific (peer-reviewed journals) and technical report writing skills.
• Capacity to successfully develop collaborative research links with national and international organisations.
• Knowledge of European livestock production system/s.
• Knowledge of the EU agri-food policy.
• Knowledge of EU and Irish agri-environmental policy
• policy.
• Knowledge of EU and Irish agri-food development strategies.
• Understanding of the socioeconomic drivers of farm economic and environmental and sustainability.
• As this role will involve driving vehicles, candidates must satisfy and continue to satisfy during employment with Teagasc, legal requirements to drive a car unaccompanied on Irish public roads.

Desirable

• A postgraduate degree and/or research experience in social science/socioeconomics applied within an agricultural context would be a distinct advantage.
• Experience in managing a large multi-partner research project.
• Proven record of scientific communications.
• Prior experience with and/or interest to use qualitative research methods and use of the multi-actor approach.
• A demonstrated ability to engage with national and international stakeholders and experience in conducting case study based research
• Knowledge of data and data sources to assess economic sustainability at the farm level.
• Knowledge of economic indicators to assess farm sustainability.

Behavioural Competencies

• Appetite to engage with agri-food stakeholders nationally and internationally.
• Ability to take initiative.
• Ability to work as part of a team, including consulting, collaborating and building relationships with key stakeholders.
• Strives for high quality of work and demonstrates commitment to the agreed research programme.
• Ability to communicate effectively to enable knowledge and technology transfer.

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.

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