Basic Function:

The appointee will join a team of Irish researchers who aim to quantify the size and value of the bioeconomy sector, and to use this knowledge to undertake a technological foresight exercise to provide a future strategy for this sector to 2050. This will provide an advanced toolkit to facilitate policy and investment prioritisation in traditional bioeconomy sectors, e.g. agriculture, food, fisheries and forestry and more emerging areas, e.g. biomaterials and bioenergy. Funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, the BioValue team comprises researchers from range of disciplinary backgrounds. It is coordinated by University of Galway, and involves additional collaboration with Trinity College Dublin, University College Dublin and University of Limerick.

Background:

This position provides an exciting opportunity to contribute to policy and investment decisions in the growing bioeconomy in Ireland. The successful applicant will contribute to a dynamic task focused on Technology Foresight. The role will involve conducting a comprehensive foresight exercise, including horizon scanning, identifying drivers of change, developing future scenarios and analysing opportunities, challenges and policy implications.  The researcher will also help design and facilitate foresight workshops covering economic contexts, scenario development and policy pathways. Additionally, the post will support the development of a long-term governance framework to ensure the sustainability of the prioritised infrastructure and its capacity to respond to emerging trends.

The successful candidate will join the Department of Agrifood Business and Spatial Analysis within Teagasc’s Rural Economy and Development Programme. Basic functions for this post-doctoral researcher will include: literature review, qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis, dissemination, communication, stakeholder engagement and project management.

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, the development of active collaboration with relevant national and international research communities, the development of communication and presentation skills and possible experience in the mentorship of students.

The Post-Doctoral Fellow will conduct a specified programme of research, supported by a modular training programme, which will include modules of relevance for the development of specific knowledge and research skills, professionalism and communication 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:

• Undertake a literature review to understand the context of the bioeconomy in Ireland, including horizon scanning, identification of drivers of change, the policy context, and opportunities and challenges
• Undertake a literature review (academic and grey) to contribute to the overall methodological approach of the project
• Engage with project partners to draw on research results to facilitate the development of future scenarios
• Engage with industry, researchers, policy makers and other stakeholders to leverage their knowledge through interviews and/or workshops.
• Design and implement Technology Foresight Workshops in Ireland.
• Liaise with other BioValue project partners to ensure coordinated and timely delivery of project deliverables
• Undertake other tasks as required within BioValue to fulfil Teagasc commitments to work packages including actively supporting dissemination & communication activities and coordination & management.
• Liaise and build a strong dynamic relationship with key stakeholders in the Irish bioeconomy to ensure effective dissemination of research findings to stakeholders, including those from industry and policy.

Additional Duties & Responsibilities:

• 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 Science and Technology Studies, Innovation Studies, Management, Policy, Management, Business, agricultural science, or related discipline.
• Relevant research experience not to exceed 3 years’ post-PhD.
• Experience of implementing qualitative research approaches applied to social/behavioural science.
• Understanding of Foresight/Futures Studies.
• Excellent analytical, report writing and data analysis skills.
• Excellent communication skills (oral, written, presentation) with a demonstrated ability to enable effective knowledge transfer.
• Strong understanding of foresight methodologies and their application to policy and innovation.
• Ability to work as part of a team, including consulting, collaborating and building relationships with key stakeholders
• Ability to work independently and meet self-imposed milestones and deliverables.
• Strives for high quality of work and demonstrates commitment to the project.
• Ability to communicate effectively to enable knowledge and technology transfer.

Desirable

• Experience designing or facilitating workshops, particularly those involving foresight or participatory methods.
• Familiarity with futures thinking tools, e.g. Delphi, STEEP/PESTEL analysis, scenario planning.
• Ability to manage concurrent tasks, work independently, take initiative, prioritise and deliver agreed objectives.
• Experience in inter- and trans-disciplinary research projects.

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