Basic Function:

The successful candidate will be working alongside a wide range of scientists from UCD, AHI, DTU, QUB and AFBI to collect and analyse health and welfare information from the Irish pig and poultry sectors. The candidate will help develop new methods to capture unused information and knowledge and produce useful data for private veterinary practitioners and farmers. The post-doctoral fellow is expected to have the skills and knowledge to be able to design the activities, analyse the data and publish the results. 

Background:

The Teagasc Pig and Poultry Research and Knowledge Transfer Department carries out research, KT and education for the Irish pig and poultry sectors. One of the main challenges that these sectors are facing in recent years is the need to increase the use of data available and increase coordination among the different stakeholders. The post-doctoral fellow will join a cutting-edge interdisciplinary project using the latest AI techniques to monitor health and welfare issues in pig and poultry combined with social science to engage the stakeholders.

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, Edgar Garcia Manzanilla or other designated manager in conjunction with the Head of Department. 

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Duties and Responsibilities specific to this project

• To participate in all the meetings of the project that concern pig and poultry and manage the daily tasks
• To develop and implement the data capture activities required for the pig and poultry sectors
• Interacting with the different stakeholders as required and be open to use some social science techniques
• Data processing and advanced statistical analysis for publication of the results

Additional Duties and 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 actively participate in the Teagasc Post-Doctoral Fellowship programme and review process and to undertake all Post-Doctoral Fellowship training and associated duties as agreed in the Training and Development Plan.
• To fully co-operate with the provisions made for ensuring the health, safety and welfare of oneself, fellow staff and non-Teagasc staff and co-operate with management in enabling Teagasc to comply with legal obligations, including full compliance with the responsibilities outlined in the Safety Statement.
• To carry out other duties as may be assigned from time to time.

Essential

• PhD in Veterinary Science or Animal Science
• Relevant research experience not to exceed 3 years’ post PhD
• Demonstrated research and technical expertise in epidemiology and health and welfare management
• 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
• 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 focus groups, workshops or similar social science methodologies
• Experience in setting own research agenda
• 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.