Basic Function:

Teagasc, in collaboration with South East Technology University (SETU), is seeking to recruit an enthusiastic, ambitious post-doctoral researcher to an EU funded position (HEAL), the aim of which is to assess the ecological, environmental and economic impacts of utilising novel and conventional forage species for animal agriculture in Ireland and across Europe. The successful candidate will be responsible for conducting high-quality research investigating the impact of using legume crops either in rotation with, or as an alternative to long-term grass only swards in grazing and conservation forage scenarios. The candidate will also assist in the development of a model, using data generated in Ireland and across Europe, to assess the economic impacts at farm level. The position will be based at Teagasc, Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, which is Ireland’s leading dairy research institute.

Background:

HEAL, which is a multi-stakeholder transdisciplinary research project working in six European countries, aims to form a collaborative partnership between farmers, researchers and other stakeholders in order to promote targeted agro-ecological measures. Field trials will be carried out on a network of commercial farms to assess the contribution of short rotation crops, specifically red clover and maize, to Irish dairy farms, and to evaluate the use of red clover in grassland silage production under reduced nitrogen fertiliser compared to conventional grass only silage production. A model will be developed to quantify long term effect of rotation length, yield and forage quality on farm profit. The model which will utilize data generated as part of the project, both in Ireland and by other the European research partners, will subsequently be validated to assess the ecological, environmental and economic impacts of incorporating crops such as red clover on farm. In line with the objectives of the Climate Action Plan, Teagasc is seeking to recruit a Post-Doctoral Fellow to evaluate the use of mixed grass and clover swards as a means of reducing chemical nitrogen inputs on farms, with a further focus on providing an assessment of the economic contribution of red clover to Irish dairy farms.

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. The Post-Doctoral Fellow will also be required to undertake a Level 9 Professional Diploma in Researcher Development delivered by University College Dublin (UCD). The professional diploma will assist in the development of competencies and transferable skills in research, professionalism, communication and career development. The programme is predominantly delivered online, with the remaining elements delivered in-person at Teagasc locations to embrace a blended approach to learning so that the Post-Doctoral Fellow will have the opportunity to meet and network with other Teagasc colleagues.

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 Hazel Costigan or other designated manager in conjunction with the Head of Department. 

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Duties & Responsibilities specific to this project:

• To assist with all aspects of the HEAL project including the collection and analysis of on-farm samples, collation of datasets, data analysis, and the publication of research papers.
• To assist with detailed farm systems economic analyses.
• To assist with budgets, administration, and management/coordination and report writing.
• 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.

 
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.

Essential

• PhD in Ruminant or Forage based production systems
• Relevant research experience not to exceed 3 years’ post-PhD
• Demonstrated research and technical expertise in Ruminant and Forage production systems.
• 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
• bility to generate new ideas, unique concepts, models and solutions.
• Ability to work independently and meet self-imposed milestones and deliverables.
• A proactive, solutions-focused approach to work with an ability to adapt to changing requirements and shifting work priorities.
• As this role will involve travel to research sites candidates must satisfy and continue to satisfy during employment with Teagasc, legal requirements to drive unaccompanied on Irish public roads.

Desirable

• Additional desirable criteria can be included by the PI as required
• Experience in economic modelling
• Experience in setting own research agenda
• Evidence of teamwork and collaboration with relevant partners

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