Duration:
Temporary externally funded non Grant-in-Aid contract post, the indicative duration of which is 15 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
A technologist is required to contribute to the EU-funded Soil Harmony project, which aims to harmonise soil sampling and analysis methods across EU Member States to support the implementation of the Soil Monitoring Law. The successful candidate will work as part of a large consortium who will develop and validate robust, science-based functions to convert national soil data into methods defined in the Soil Monitoring Law.
The successful candidate will lead the Irish soil sampling field campaign and will be required to work across Ireland, sampling across a range of soil types and environmental conditions. Responsibilities will include the field data collection and recording, soil sampling, sample preparation and laboratory analysis, database management and data analysis. The technologist will also support the preparation of technical reports and project deliverables. Strong organisational skills, attention to detail, teamwork and the ability to deliver project objectives are essential.
Background
Healthy soils are critical for life on earth and are essential to ensure the long-term viability of the EU’s farming sector. An estimated 60 to 70% of European soils are classified as somewhat degraded or unhealthy. The EU Soil Strategy sets out a framework for sustainable soil use and steps to protect and restore soils. This includes the EU Soil Monitoring Law that entered into force in 2025 and applies to all soils to support the ambition to achieve healthy soils by 2050. This highlights the need for a soil monitoring network to ensure reliable consistent data on soil health. Although several countries have existing soil monitoring networks, comparing and sharing data between these and EU soil monitoring networks remains a considerable challenge. To overcome this challenge, the EU Soil Mission funded Soil Harmony project aims to develop and test mathematical formulae that can support standardisation and harmonisation of data. Soil Harmony will concentrate on sampling protocols and the analysis of different physical and chemical properties being assessed under the law.
The successful applicant will be part of the Soil Harmony project team and will work daily with the Teagasc team, engaging with members of the wider team in relation to selected project tasks. The post will be based at the Environment, Soils and Land Use Department in the Teagasc Johnstown Castle Research Centre in Wexford, Ireland. 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, including nutrient efficiency, water quality, gaseous emissions, soil quality, agro-ecology, and land use.
- A Level 8 degree (as recognised on the National Framework of Qualifications or equivalent), in agriculture, environmental science, geography or another science-related discipline.
- A postgraduate degree and/or research experience soil science, agriculture or environmental science would be a distinct advantage.
- Field campaign and resource management skills
- Soil sample collection in field
- Laboratory skills
- Database management skills
- Excellent organisational skills, report writing and data analysis
- IT and computer software knowledge & skills
- An ability to collaborate with team members to help build research knowledge
- Proven record of scientific communications.
- Software skills to include statistical packages.
- Knowledge of EU Soil Monitoring and Resilience Law · EU and national policy frameworks relevant to agriculture and environment.
- Ability to work as part of a team, including consulting, collaborating and building relationships with key stakeholders.
- Strives for high quality of work and demonstrates commitment to the programme.
- Ability to communicate effectively to enable knowledge and technology transfer
As this role will involve driving vehicles, candidates must satisfy and continue to satisfy during employment with Teagasc, legal requirements to drive a car unaccompanied on Irish public roads.
Eligibility
This is an open public competition. Should a current serving Teagasc staff member be successful in their application through open public competition for this post, their current contract of employment with Teagasc will come to an end on taking up this post.
Note: The ‘essential’ qualifications, knowledge, skills and behavioural competencies outlined above are ‘must-have’ which will be used in the selection process.
Gender, Diversity and Inclusion
At all levels in Teagasc, we believe in growing and keeping alive an open, diverse and inclusive workplace which is respectful to all and nurtures different perspectives, for the benefit of all in the organisation.
We are committed to the principles of 'Equal Opportunities, No Barriers, Active Inclusion'.
We actively welcome applications from people from diverse backgrounds.
