Basic Function:
Crop production in Ireland is heavily dependent on manufactured fertilisers and pesticides/fungicides The DAFM funded project, Biocrop, is a multi disciplinary research project which will explore the possibility of utilising bio-based products and innovations as viable alternatives, while also addressing sustainability metrics. The bio-based products will be compared to fossil fertiliser applications and their ability to control disease (focussed on aphid -borne disease and Ramularia Leaf Spot, RLS) in barley in field trials. This particular post doctoral vacancy relates to a workpackage on sustainability modelling which will assess the impact of selected bio-based fertilsers and pesticides on economic, environmental and social sustainability, from the farm level perspective.
The successful candidate will organise the daily operations of the project work and will assist the work package leader 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:
The successful candidate will use Teagasc National Farm Survey (NFS) data, in conjunction with data from earlier work packages on product efficacy. Farm level sustainability modelling tools will be used to examine alternative scenarios for the farm scale uptake of bio based fertilisers and pesticides. Economic models will be used to examine the costs and benefits of the use of the products in barley crops at farm level. Environmental models will be used to examine the environmental sustainability of alternative bio based products in barley crops at farm level.
The successful candidate will have the opportunity to contribute to novel research identifying economic and environmental impacts at farm level of bio-based fertilisers and pesticides. The research results have the potential to provide a range of economic, energy, climate, environmental, social and economic benefits to a wide range of stakeholders. Farmers, and other stakeholders in the primary sector, will be the target group for the output, which will also be relevant for society and policy makers.
The position will be based within the Teagasc Agricultural Economics and Farm Surveys Department, either at its research location in Ashtown, Dublin 15 or its research location at Mellows Campus, Athenry, County Galway.
Background to Teagasc Post-Doctoral Programme:
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 Dr. Fiona Thorne 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: Thursday 16th May 2024 @ 12:00
Duration: 14 Months
Location: Food Research Centre, Teagasc, Ashtown, Dublin 15, D15 KN3K; or Mellows Campus, Athenry, County Galway
