Duration:
Temporary Post-Doctoral Appointment. This is an externally funded non Grant-in-Aid contract post, the indicative duration of which is 26 months, subject to contract. A panel may be formed from which future similar vacancies may be filled; such a panel will remain active for a maximum period of 12 months.
Basic Function:
Teagasc, in collaboration with 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, Co. Cork. Teagasc Moorepark, 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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