Interviews for this competition are to be held the week of 12th October 2026.

Basic Function:

This research post will support the ongoing Multi4More project in investigating the effect of plant diversity (grasses, legumes and herbs) on the agronomic and environmental performance of multi-species grassland mixtures. The research will include data analysis and reporting of measurements of forage quality and 15N, already available from previous sampling of experimental plots. The research activity will include a strong emphasis on synthesis of information and preparation of resources to support knowledge transfer related to multi-species mixtures. 

Background:

Johnstown Castle Research Centre (Crops, Environment and Land Use Programme, CELUP) nearby Wexford town is Ireland’s leading research institute on agri-environmental research, and conducts both basic and applied research on a wide range of subjects, including soil health, soil-plant interactions, biodiversity, nutrient efficiency, water quality, gaseous emissions, agri-ecology, and land use.

Multi4More is a 5-year project (2022-2027) on multi-species mixtures that is co-funded by DAFM and DAERA and is a collaboration among Teagasc, the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute, University College Dublin and Trinity College Dublin. Multi4More investigates and synthesises understanding of plant diversity (grasses, legumes, herbs) and fertiliser effects on multi-species mixtures to enhance agronomic performance, reduce nitrous oxide emissions, and increase environmental sustainability of forage-based livestock systems under lower-nitrogen conditions. Multi4More will transfer knowledge through stakeholder engagement; farm-based and online demonstration events and the development of targeted resources on multi-species mixtures for policymakers, individual farmers, advisory services, and agricultural educationalists.

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 the Project Leader John Finn or other designated manager in conjunction with the Head of Department. 

Gain first-hand insights into the Teagasc Post-Doctoral Fellowship Programme from those who've lived it.  Click here to explore their stories.

Duties & Responsibilities specific to this project:

•  Oversee and assist with implementing the data analysis and reporting of agronomic and environmental measurements from field experiments related to forage quality and symbiotically-fixed atmospheric nitrogen
• Co-ordinate and contribute to multiple knowledge transfer activities in the Multi4More project
• Assist with the organisation of an end-of-project conference
• Support project management activities of the Multi4More project

 
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 complete all time records on SmartSimple in a timely manner.
• 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 statistics or data science with experience of environmental data analysis.
• Relevant research experience not to exceed 3 years’ post-PhD
• Demonstrated research and technical expertise in the analysis and interpretation of data from field experiments.
• 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 with grassland ecology
• Experience in methodologies for measuring and statistically analysing forage quality and/or symbiotically-fixed atmospheric nitrogen
• Evidence of use of digital media for knowledge transfer activities
• Evidence of teamwork and collaboration with relevant partners

Gender, Diversity and Inclusion

At all levels in Teagasc, we believe in growing and keeping alive an open, diverse and inclusive workplace which is respectful to all and nurtures different perspectives, for the benefit of all in the organisation.

We are committed to the principles of 'Equal Opportunities, No Barriers, Active Inclusion'.

We actively welcome applications from people from diverse backgrounds.