Basic Function

This competition seeks to recruit one Research Officer focused on modelling ecosystem CO2 fluxes and changes in soil organic carbon (SOC) and aiding in the development of Measurement, Reporting and Verification systems using a range of models such as RothC, DAYCENT, etc

Background

Under the Paris Agreement, the EU seeks to achieve climate neutrality by 2050. As part of this goal, the EU has set a target of enhancing terrestrial carbon sinks to 310 million tonnes CO2e per annum by 2030. In order to verify both an increase in carbon sinks and reduced land-based carbon emissions, robust Measurement, Reporting and Verification (MRV) to the UNFCCC is required. 

This competition seeks to recruit one Research Officer focused on modelling ecosystem CO₂ fluxes and changes in soil organic carbon (SOC) and aiding in the development of Measurement, Reporting and Verification systems. CO₂ fluxes will be measured at several sites using a network of eddy covariance towers modelled using a variety of biogeochemical models. The successful candidates will join a well-resourced team of permanent and contract staff carrying out C sequestration research. They will oversee the project, which will improve our understanding of the effect of soil type and land-use management practice on CO₂ fluxes, soil carbon pools and carbon sequestration. This position will help lead the scientific workplan of MARVIC, an EU-wide project seeking to develop a continent-wide MRV system for land-based GHG emissions. MARVIC is funded by EU Horizon Programme. This position will be based in Teagasc Environment, Soils and Land-use Department in Johnstown Castle, Wexford. Teagasc - Johnstown Castle is Ireland’s leading research institute on soils and environment related research, and conducts both fundamental and applied research on a wide range of subjects, e.g. soil quality, nutrient efficiency, water quality, gaseous emissions, agro-ecology, and land use

• To assist with managing measurement data from a number of sites
• To use measurement data to validate ecosystem GHG models and aid in model development
• To assist with gathering farm activity data required to interpret EC data and is also required for models
• Contribute to the management of samples, equipment and consumables.
• To undertake quality control and ensure good data management.
• To carry out electronic data entry of research samples for example using the Teagasc LIMS system and recording of results.
• To contribute to the teamwork and team-spirit in the agri-environmental research department at Johnstown Castle, 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.
• 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

* This job specification is intended as a guide to the general range of duties and is intended to be neither definitive nor restrictive.  It will be reviewed from time to time with the post holder.

 Note:  The ‘essential’ qualifications, knowledge, skills and behavioural competencies outlined above are ‘must-have’ which will be used in the selection process.