Basic Function:

This competition seeks to recruit a temporary (maternity leave) research officer focused on the delivery of the current soil carbon research programme carrying out and publishing research on soil carbon monitoring at national level to support the sustainability of Irish agricultural systems.

The successful candidate will join a well-resourced team of permanent and contract staff carrying out research with relevance for integrated land use. The position will be based in the Environment, Soils and Land Use Department Research Centre in Johnstown Castle, Co. 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 health, nutrient efficiency.

Background:

Teagasc is one of the key actors in facilitating the realisation of the ‘vision for growth for the Irish Agricultural sector’ as set out in Food Wise 2030 and supporting sustainability is now at the core of its research, advisory and education activities.  The Environment Soils and Land-Use Department focuses on providing solutions for farmers and policy makers both in terms of economic and environmentally sustainable farming.  Within the department there is a small, highly motivated, multidisciplinary team of researchers focusing on soil science, nutrient management, water quality, gaseous emissions and agro-ecology. 

The expansion of the agricultural sector in Ireland to meet the growing demand for agricultural produce must be carried out in a sustainable manner.  The Climate Action Plan 2021 has set ambitious targets to reduce national emissions by 51% and agricultural emissions by 25%.  Currently agricultural accounts for over 34% of national greenhouse gas emissions and thus there is a need to (a) dramatically reduce emissions and (b) enhance carbon sinks associated with agriculture.  Methane and nitrous oxide account for approx. 2/3 and 1/3 of national agricultural emissions, respectively.  In addition, there are also substantial carbon sinks in Ireland that can be used to offset greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, we are seeking to recruit a highly qualified enthusiastic researcher to support the soil carbon sequestration research at Johnstown Castle. This person will join the existing soil carbon and greenhouse gas research team.  The ideal candidate should have experience in quantifying carbon from soil and investigate biochemical cycling in soil, experience in handling soil carbon databases and data analyses. He/she should have experience with the quantification and mitigation of carbon emissions from agriculture and familiarity with temperate grassland agricultural systems.

• To lead and manage research projects within the soil carbon sequestration research programme.
• Based on high quality research relevant to soil carbon sequestration and carbon monitoring at national level, to produce publications in peer reviewed scientific journals using existing and newly generated data, reports and stakeholder communications.
• To analyse data from soil carbon databases and other internal or external projects in the wider carbon space, contributing to evidence-based insights.
• To oversee soil carbon project reporting and participate to project meetings and ensure timely delivery of agreed project outputs and deliverables.
• To maintain and foster strong collaborative links within Teagasc and national/international researchers.
• To work closely with Teagasc Knowledge Transfer Specialists/Advisors to ensure effective dissemination of research findings to advisers and stakeholders.
• Supervise, in conjunction with University partners, postgraduate students to Masters and PhD level.
• 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.

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