Basic Function:

The Agricultural Economics and Farm Surveys Department of Teagasc is seeking a highly motivated and talented Post-Doctoral Fellow to contribute to a cutting-edge research project, GENFARMS (Gender and Generational Factors in Agricultural Resource Management for Sustainability), recently funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.  This position offers a unique opportunity to explore the social dynamics influencing agricultural sustainability, with a specific focus on how gender roles, succession planning, and the integration of new generations of farmers can shape the future of agriculture including the uptake of sustainable practices.  This is a multi-faceted role requiring project management, data analysis and communication skills.  The analysis of both existing and newly available data (quantitative and qualitative) will provide insights on the role of women, new entrants and young farmers on Irish farms, with knowledge created through the project informing policy makers and other stakeholders.

Background:

The Agricultural Economics and Farm Surveys Department in Teagasc is responsible for economic research, including policy analysis relating to the Agri-Food sector.  The Department also produces the Teagasc National Farm Survey and is responsible for delivering Ireland’s statutory data on farm output, costs and incomes to the EU Farm Accountancy Data Network (FADN) to the Commission on an annual basis.  A key element of ongoing work within the team relates to the development of farm sustainability metrics to track the effectiveness of policies such as the CAP.  As the agricultural sector faces increasing pressure to balance economic growth with environmental and social sustainability, understanding the role of gender and age in shaping farming practices is vital for policy design.  Teagasc in conjunction with University College Dublin have been awarded funding through the GENFARMS project to explore the dynamic interplay between gender, age, and their influence on farm sustainability and innovation. This research will provide a roadmap for policymakers, regulators, farmers and other relevant stakeholders across the agri-food sector to make evidence-based decisions and to develop and build upon strategies and policy supports that enhance the resilience, inclusivity, and sustainability of farming and rural communities.

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 Emma Dillon or other designated manager in conjunction with the Head of Department.

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Duties & Responsibilities specific to this project:

The successful candidate will be central to the delivery of the objectives of GENFARMS, including:

1. Assessing the current involvement of women and younger people in Irish agriculture.
2. Examining the influence of women and younger people on farm performance e.g. economic viability, investment and environmental sustainability.
3. Analysing the role of gender and generational renewal on the uptake of innovative and sustainable practices and new technologies, and their impact on farm sustainability (economic, environmental and social).
4. Utilising qualitative and quantitative methods to further explore the role of women and younger people in on-farm decision making, and any existing barriers to on-farm involvement.
5. Proposing evidence-based recommendations for promoting more sustainable and equitable farming and ensuring a just transition for Irish agriculture in the face of climate change.

This will specifically involve the candidate engaging in the following:

1. Undertaking a comprehensive review of relevant literature.
2. Scoping out and analysing relevant data (quantitative and qualitative).
3. Engaging with stakeholders, networks and associations for women and young farmers with a view to knowledge exchange.
4. Involvement in the organisation of dedicated focus groups to provide a holistic view of the roles and experiences of women and young farmers in Irish agriculture.
5. Preparation of research outputs (including academic articles, reports, policy briefs, and popular publications) targeting both scholarly and practitioner communities.
6. Dissemination of research findings through workshops, seminars, and webinars (academic and public) to share insights with farmers, policymakers, and industry professionals.  

• Contribute to the teamwork and team spirit in the GENFARMS project team and the Rural Economy Development Programme more broadly, to foster further collaboration and integration.
• Develop and maintain active collaborative contacts with other national and international research organisations and with other Programmes in Teagasc.
• Actively participate in the annual business planning and Performance Management Development System (PMDS) process.

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 Economics, Social Science, Agricultural Science, Business or related discipline.
• Relevant research experience not to exceed 3 years’ post-PhD
• Demonstrated research and technical expertise in research, data management, statistical analysis and an ability to initiate and lead research.
• 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
• Ability to work independently, and meet self-imposed milestones and deliverables.
• Knowledge of the EU and Irish agricultural sector and related policy.
• 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 programme.
• Ability to set clear standards and have a quality customer service focus.

Desirable

• Experience in qualitative data analysis e.g. focus groups, interviews.
• Experience in setting own research agenda
• Evidence of teamwork and collaboration with relevant partners
• Aptitude for multidisciplinary research approaches.
• Familiarity with qualitative data analysis techniques.
• Ambition, willingness to initiate new projects and research areas, to align personal research and person development objectives with departmental, programme, and organisational objectives.

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