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Post Doctoral Forestry Researcher

TeagascAthenry, Galway

Job Summary

Duration:

Temporary Externally Funded Non Grant-in-Aid contract post, the indicative duration of which is 36 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 seeks a highly motivated candidate to work as a post doctorate forest researcher on the DAFM funded “AdaptForRes” project being coordinated by Teagasc, in Athenry, Co. Galway. The research aims to provide critical information to assist to increase the resilience of forest ecosystems in Ireland. Three pathways will be studied aimed at increasing resilience in forests; forest genetic options, forest management practices and forest protection measures. These pathways seek to provide a greater understanding of the uncertainties associated with climate change and assisting to reduce the potential risk from harmful biotic agents.

This position will involve assisting in the assessment of the potential of forest genetic options to increase the resilience of Irish forests. Duties will include assisting to assess the performance of conifer and broadleaved forest reproductive material (FRM) currently uitilised in Ireland. The aim is to assess the suitability of various seed origins for future deployment in the context of increasing resilience of Irish forests. The work will involve detailed assessment of growth phenology and adaptive traits of commercially available seed origins of important tree species. There will also be an opportunity to study sitka spruce, birch, alder and ash populations in detail, in colaboration with existing research staff. This work also includes research to develop breeding tools for early selection of improved families and the potential to utilise genomic data to build upon existing genomic selection work in Sitka spruce. 

Background: 

The ideal candidate should have some experience working in forestry, tree improvement or plant physiology research. An understanding of the genetic variability of temperate tree species and their response to environmental conditions is desirable and experience working with large scale genomic data, genomic selection models for selecting populations/individuals is necessary. A proven ability for data analysis, report writing and preparation of articles for peer review are essential requirements.

The role will involve working closely with the project coordinator and wider project team including mentoring post graduates on specific research tasks. Good organisational skills, project management and a demonstrated capacity to deliver on objectives and research tasks and team work are essential requirements. A demonstrated ability to communicate the research findings to relevant stakeholders is an essential part of the role. Familiarity with field data collection in experimental trials, trait assessment of forest trees and an understanding of tree response to environmental conditions is necessary for the role. 

Background to the 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. 

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.

Job Objectives

Duties & Responsibilities specific to this project:

  • Assist to assess the adaptive potential of a range of approved Forest Reproductive Material (FRM) currently used in Ireland.

  • Assess the level of infection in true hybrid larch varieties to P. Ramorum disease.

  • To assist to assess adaptive potential, traits, and performance of selected broadleaved and conifer breeding populations in Ireland.

  • To assist to assess the resilience of native conservation tree species populations for climate change.

  • Assess methods for Improving selection and breeding efficiency and adaptive variability in Sitka spruce populations.

  • Further development of genomic selection models for Sitka spruce breeding efforts.

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 they may arise and be assigned by management.

Skills Required

Essential:

  • PhD in (in forestry / plant science / or a related discipline).

  • Relevant research experience not to exceed 3 years’ post-PhD.

  • Demonstrated research and technical expertise in tree improvement/forestry genetics would be a distinct advantage.

  • Evidence of research activity (publications, conference presentations, awards) and future scholarly output (working papers, research proposals etc).

  • Excellent project management, analytical, report writing and data analysis skills.

  • An ability to collaborate 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 an ability to enable effective knowledge and technology transfer.

  • Ability to generate new ideas, unique concepts, models and solutions.

  • Driving licence, applicants are expected to have this in place at the time of application.

Desirable:

  • Experience in (Tree improvement/plant physiology/Tree genetics).

  • Experience in setting own research agenda.

  • Evidence of teamwork and collaboration with relevant partners.

  • Proven record of scientific communications.

  • Aptitude for multidisciplinary approaches.

  • Experience in setting own research agenda.



Attachment:


PD1_2_0f661a4d-27a4-4b9e-b5f7-3faea79351b3.pdf

The closing date for applications is Thursday the 9th of February 2023

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