Basic Function:
The position involves measuring and modelling carbon emissions and carbon sequestration from agriculturally used peat soils to disentangle the effect of peat intrinsic characteristics, management intensities and environmental variables on carbon dynamics. The Postdoc will assist in co-ordinating tasks involving the characterization of gaseous emissions from Irish peatlands and the impact of management on these emissions to identify new mitigation measures.
The successful candidate will organise the daily operations of the project work at Johnstown Castle, and will assist the project co-ordinator and PI in collating reports and arranging project meetings. They will take the lead in data analysis and in writing progress reports, presentations and publication of scientific/technical papers.
Background:
MAPSERS-C is a newly funded project, starting in April 2024 under the Ireland-New Zealand Joint Research Initiative and co-ordinated by Teagasc. Changes in agricultural practices associated with the reform of the Common Agricultural Policy, World Trade Organisation negotiations, Kyoto and Gothenburg protocols have highlighted the importance of reducing agricultural greenhouse gas emissions. Indeed, the national Climate Action Plan has set a 51% reduction target for national greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Ireland and New Zealand aim to at least halve greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2030 and reach net zero carbon by 2050. A significant contribution common to both countries national GHG estimates comes from grassland over drained organic (peat) soils with upper estimates of approximately 9Mt CO2eq and 5.4Mt CO2eq for Ireland and NZ, respectively. These large and uncertain estimates are derived from the application of default IPCC tier 1 emission factors (EFs) to 335,000ha and 167,800ha of peat soils assumed as 100% deep drained grassland for agricultural use. The Teagasc Marginal Abatement Cost Curve (MACC) highlighted the key role in both enhancing carbon sequestration in agricultural soils as well as reducing CO2 emissions from organic soils. This competition seeks to recruit a Postdoc researcher focused on investigating the effect of land-use, farm management practices, and mitigation measures on agricultural peat soils to balance agronomy, greenhouse gas emissions, water quality and biodiversity. The successful candidate will collaborate with colleagues in CELUP and AGRIP working on peat soils and managing the carbon towers on the 8 peat soil sites in the National Agricultural Soil Carbon Observatory.
The position will be based in Teagasc Environment, Soils and Land-use Department in Johnstown Castle, 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 quality, nutrient efficiency, water quality, gaseous emissions, agro-ecology, and land use. Johnstown Castle has many different laboratory, greenhouse and field facilities to support research as well as 190 hectares of farmland.
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 PD 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 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).
Modules will be conducted under the supervision and direction of the Project Leader or other designated manager in conjunction with the Head of Department.
Background to Teagasc Post-Doctoral Programme:
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 Giulia Bondi or other designated manager in conjunction with the Head of Department.
A detailed job specification can be accessed on our website at
www.teagasc.ie/opportunitiesTo apply interested applicants are required to set up their profile on TOPJobs (
https://topjobs-teagasc.thehirelab.com/Account/WizzkiLogin), the Teagasc recruitment portal.
Find out more about our recruitment process on
https://www.teagasc.ie/about/opportunities/the-recruitment-process/ Closing Time/Date: Friday 29th March 2024 @ 12:00 pm
Duration: Indicative duration of 42 months, subject to contract
Location: Crops, Environment and Land Use Research Centre, Teagasc, Johnstown Castle, Co Wexford, Y35 Y521
