Post Doctoral Fellow Sustainability Modelling Anaerobic Digestion

Job title:

Post Doctoral Fellow Sustainability Modelling Anaerobic Digestion

Company:

Teagasc

Job description

Job DescriptionDuration:Temporary Post-Doctoral Appointment. This is an externally funded non Grant-in-Aid contract post, the indicative duration of which is 23 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:The Irish Government has committed to a target of climate neutrality for Ireland by 2050. Irish agriculture will play a role in meeting this target. For agriculture this will be challenging, as the agri-sector is Ireland’s largest GHG emitter (38.5% of national GHG emissions). The renewable technology with the greatest potential for reducing methane emissions is Anaerobic Digestion (AD). AD can capture emissions from slurry and silage and produce bioenergy and renewable fertiliser. A large-scale rollout of AD (integrated at farm, regional and national levels) will be required for Ireland to meet its climate targets. AgRE-Bio will determine the best means of this rollout and what effects it will have on the agri-sector, rural economy, society and environment. Detailed farm level bio-economic models will be used to accurately determine the extent of bioenergy generation that can be supplied by the agri-sector. Outputs will be used to inform policymakers, scientists and farmers regarding future strategies for AD on Irish farms to meet our climate targets.Background:The successful candidate will investigate how the costs of AD technology suitable for deployment in Ireland can be reduced by looking at alternative feed stock solutions.The successful candidate will have the opportunity to contribute to research which will identify economic and environmental impacts at farm, landscape and national levels associated with different farm scale feedstock solutions for different scales of AD plant. 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. This output will have farmers, and other stakeholders in the primary sector as target group, and will also relevant for society and policy makers.The successful candidate with become a member of the Agricultural Economics and Farm Surveys Department at Teagasc. The position will be based in either Teagasc Ashtown, Dublin 15 or Teagasc Mellows Campus, Athenry, County Galway.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 whcih 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 process 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.Job ObjectivesDuties & Responsibilities specific to this project:

• Review existing literature on AD economic and environmental sustainability at farm and national level.
• Use farm models to examine the economic and environmental sustainability of alternative farm based feed stock solutions for various AD plant scales.
• Examine the willingness to adopt/accept AD technology at various scales.
• Plan and carry out outreach and stakeholder information activities.
• Produce reports and peer-reviewed papers.

Additional Duties & Responsibilities:

• To interpret research findings and prepare scientific and popular press publications.
• To disseminate research findings to a variety of audiences as appropriate.
• To assist Teagasc in meeting the commitments of the Quality Customer Service Charter and Action Plan.
• To comply with all relevant Teagasc policies and procedures.
• Fully co-operate with the provisions made for ensuring the health, safety and welfare of themselves, fellow staff and non-Teagasc staff and co-operate with management in enabling Teagasc to comply with legal obligations. This includes full compliance with the responsibilities outlined in the Safety Statement.
• To actively participate in the Teagasc Post-Doctoral Fellowship programme and review processes, and to undertake all Post-Doctoral Fellowship training and associated duties as agreed in the Training & Development Plan.
• To take up additional duties as may arise or as assigned by management.

Skills RequirementThis section outlines the qualifications, skills, knowledge and/or experience that the successful candidate would be required to demonstrate for successful discharge of the responsibilities of the post. Applications will be assessed on how well candidates satisfy these criteria.Essential

• PhD in agriculture, environmental science, agricultural or environmental economics, engineering or another appropriate science or economics related discipline.
• A minimum of 3 years and not more than 5 years’ relevant research experience.
• Demonstrated research and technical expertise in analysis of farm level data.
• Track record of researcher dissemination including peer-reviewed publications.
• Excellent project management, analytical, report writing and data analysis skills.
• Proven record of collaboration with team members and PhD students to help build research knowledge and skill and to guide professional development.
• Excellent communication skills (oral, written, presentation) with a demonstrated ability to enable effective knowledge and technology transfer.
• Demonstrated ability to generate new ideas, unique concepts, models and solutions.
• Knowledge of the Irish agri-food and energy sector.

Desirable

• Good knowledge of Irish agricultural systems.
• Experience in bio-economic modelling and qualitative research methods.
• Experience in setting own research agenda.
• Evidence of teamwork and collaboration with relevant partners.
• Knowledge of intellectual property management (IP) processes and how to protect research findings.
• Management of PhD students to build research skill and knowledge and to support and guide their professional development.

Note: Alternative location(s) may be considered solely at the discretion of Teagasc management.

Expected salary

€48672 per year

Location

Ashtown, Dublin – Athenry, Co Galway

Job date

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 22:43:01 GMT

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