Basic Function:

The successful candidate will be tasked with identifying technically feasible value chains for anaerobic digestion (AD) that include the valorisation of digestate and biogenic CO₂. The market potential for digestate and biogenic CO₂ will be assessed through stakeholder focus groups and interviews with farmers, industry, and customers to get a perspective on the use of such products and the regulatory standards will be scrutinised to highlight best practice, barriers and opportunities. The position is part of a collaborative project between Teagasc Grange and University College Cork.

Background:

Exploring Economic Viability and Market Development of Products from Anaerobic Digestion (EXPAND)

The AD industry in Ireland is growing. The Climate Action Plan (CAP) has set a target of 5.7 TWh of biomethane to be delivered by 2030. To meet this target, up to 200 AD plants will be built nationally. The industry will be based on the digestion of agricultural biomass, primarily grass and slurry feedstocks. It is now recognised that the value of AD goes far beyond the energy in biomethane; such systems are now considered a multi-product platform that encompasses the wider bioeconomy. For example, AD generates a nutrient-rich biofertiliser in the form of digestate, which can offset the requirement for synthetic chemical fertiliser. Scrutiny on digestate management and nutrient application will become an important feature in future AD system development. AD also generates a source of biogenic CO₂, which can have various applications such as in the food and beverage sector or can be sequestered for climate mitigation. However, significant research is required to advance the economic viability and market development of these by-products to give a clearer picture of future AD deployment in Ireland. The EXPAND project aims to advance the knowledge of such by-product utilisation and their role in the wider bioeconomy by 1) determining technically feasible AD value chains and the market demand of AD products; 2) exploring innovative pathways for digestate valorisation; 3) assessing optimal utilisation or valorisation of biogenic CO₂ from AD; and 4) assessing the economic viability and market development of a business ecosystem for by-products of AD in Ireland. 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

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 whcih 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 PD Fellow will, while working in conjunction with senior research staff, gain insight and experience into a variety of areas including the process 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, Ciara Beausang or other designated manager in conjunction with the Head of Department.

Duties & Responsibilities specific to this project:

• Quantify the feedstock, digestate and usable biogenic CO₂ resource to 2030 and beyond
• Evaluate the product value chains for varying AD plant sizes
• Investigate regulatory standards and best practice regarding use of digestate and biogenic CO₂
• Assess the market potential for digestate and biogenic CO₂ both nationally and internationally for export
• Define the most feasible value chains for AD in Ireland in terms of product valorisation and product/market acceptance
• Collate and analyse data and contribute to the writing of scientific papers.
• Disseminate results to other members of the project team and to stakeholders.
• Actively participate in the Performance Management Development System/Post-doctoral training programme.

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.
• 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.

Essential

• PhD in engineering/science
• Relevant research experience not to exceed 3 years’ post-PhD. Experience and/or knowledge of AD systems
• 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 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.