Duration:
Temporary externally funded non Grant-in-Aid contract post, the indicative duration of which is 45 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
Working closely with the Project Coordinator and Principal Investigator, the research officer will play a central role in the scientific, technical and administrative delivery of the project, supporting activities across multiple work packages relating to stakeholder engagement, strategic breeding frameworks, forest genetic resources (FGR), forest reproductive material (FRM), tree breeding, species diversification, wood quality and forest resilience.
The successful candidate will contribute to the development of science-based breeding and deployment frameworks for key forest tree species, the assessment and characterisation of forest genetic resources, and the evaluation of forest reproductive material through field, laboratory and glasshouse-based research. The role will support research activities aimed at improving the productivity, resilience and sustainability of Irish forests, including studies on species performance, phenology, adaptation, biodiversity, tree health, wood quality and forest establishment.
The Research Officer will contribute to the planning and implementation of experiments, collection and analysis of field and laboratory data, development of databases and decision-support tools, preparation of technical reports, scientific publications and project deliverables. The post holder will also assist in the coordination of project activities, including progress reporting, organisation of project meetings, stakeholder engagement events, workshops and knowledge transfer activities.
The role will involve close collaboration with researchers from Teagasc, UCD, TU-Dublin, SETU, DAFM, Coillte, government agencies and industry stakeholders. The successful candidate will work within a dynamic and multidisciplinary research environment alongside early-career researchers, technical staff and research colleagues across the Forestry Development Department, contributing to collaborative research that supports innovation, evidence-based policy development and the future sustainability of Ireland’s forestry sector.
This is a research-focused position that provides an excellent opportunity to develop expertise in applied forestry research, project management, scientific publishing, stakeholder engagement and collaborative research within a multidisciplinary and multi-institutional environment.
Background
Teagasc, the Agriculture and Food Development Authority, undertakes research, advisory and education activities in support of Ireland’s agri-food sector and wider bioeconomy. The Forestry Development Department provides integrated research, advisory and training programmes to support the sustainable development of forestry in Ireland.
The successful candidate will contribute to the ResilientForests project, a major national research initiative funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM). The project aims to develop diverse, productive and climate-resilient forests in Ireland by strengthening breeding strategies, enhancing forest genetic resources, improving forest reproductive material, and integrating wood quality and microbiome research to support future forest resilience, productivity and sustainability.
ResilientForests brings together researchers from Teagasc, University College Dublin (UCD), Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin), South East Technological University (SETU), DAFM, Coillte, None-So-Hardy Nursery, Irish distillers, and other industry partners to address key challenges facing Irish forestry, including climate change adaptation, forest diversification, resilience to pests and diseases, wood quality improvement, and the sustainable deployment of forest reproductive material. The project combines expertise in tree breeding, forest genetic resources, species diversification, wood quality assessment, forest microbiomes, stakeholder engagement and knowledge transfer to support evidence-based forestry policy and practice.
This is a research-focused role that provides an excellent opportunity for an early-career researcher to further develop their scientific, technical and professional skills within a large multidisciplinary forestry research programme. Working closely with the Project Coordinator, Principal Investigator, senior research staff, postgraduate students and project partners, the successful candidate will contribute to the scientific delivery of multiple project work packages through field, laboratory, glasshouse and data-driven research activities.
The role will provide experience in experimental design, project delivery, data management and analysis, scientific publishing, stakeholder engagement, and the preparation of technical reports and project deliverables. The successful candidate will collaborate with national and international researchers, government agencies, industry stakeholders and policymakers, while developing communication, presentation and project management skills through participation in project meetings, workshops, conferences and knowledge transfer activities.
The post holder will also have opportunities to work alongside PhD, MRes and MSc students associated with the project and contribute to a collaborative research environment focused on delivering innovative solutions for the future of Irish forestry. Teagasc supports continuous professional development through appropriate induction, mentoring, training and learning opportunities relevant to the role and project objectives.
The position will be based at Teagasc, Oak Park, Carlow, or another nominated Teagasc location as agreed with the Head of Department
