Basic Function:
This post supports the BNIPASTURES project focused on accelerating the potential of Biological Nitrification Inhibition (BNI) capacity in temperate grassland species, particularly in perennial ryegrass and plantain, to reduce nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions from ruminant systems. The research includes sampling, analysis and reporting of measurements from experimental lysimeters (including nitrous oxide emissions), and modelling. Includes supervision and coordination of project PhD students. The successful candidate will co-ordinate and contribute to multiple knowledge transfer activities in the project, and will support specific project management activities of the BNIPASTURES project.
The Teagasc post-doctoral programme provides training and development opportunities for early career scientists which enhances their experience of learning and equips them with the necessary skills for the next stage of their chosen career in research.
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.
BNIPASTURES is a 4-year project on accelerating the potential of Biological Nitrification Inhibition (BNI) capacity in temperate grassland species that is co-funded by DAFM and the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) and is a collaboration among Teagasc, University College Cork, Trinity College Dublin and AgResearch. BNIPASTURES involves identifying sources of BNI activity in ryegrass through screening the perennial ryegrass genetic resource collection and developing screening tools for introducing BNI capacity into ryegrass cultivars. The influence of different soils, particularly those with contrasting fertility and microbial communities on BNI trait expression in perennial ryegrass will be investigated. The interactive expression of the BNI trait in mixed swards of plantain and ryegrass will be examined to determine the consequences of plant species co-existence on BNI trait expression, potentially paving the way for establishing low-N2O mixed swards in New Zealand and Ireland. Proof of function studies will determine the effect of plantain on nitrogen excretion patterns by investigating direct and indirect N2O emissions from urine under various combinations of urine volumes, nitrogen concentrations, and proportions of plantain in the diet of grazing animals. The N2O emission results will be used alongside existing Irish and NZ data and analysed in a process-based model to refine Irish and New Zealand N2O emission factors and the nitrate leaching and ammonia volatilisation fractions of urine, based on key driving variables. A comprehensive knowledge transfer implementation plan will be developed with all key stakeholders to maximise the impact of the results of the project. The study will help accelerate the potential of BNI in temperate grasslands to reduce N2O emissions, offering opportunities for sustainable, non chemical, plant-based practices to reduce GHG emissions from ruminant systems in Ireland and New Zealand.
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 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.
Modules will be conducted under the supervision and direction of the Project Leader 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/Duration: 39 Months
Location: Teagasc, Crops, Environment and Land-Use Programme, Johnstown Castle, Wexford
