Post-doctoral Grassland Nitrogen Researcher

Job Summary

Duration:

Temporary Post-Doctoral Appointment. This is an externally funded non Grant-in-Aid contract post, the indicative duration of which is 6 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:

To develop approaches to quantify plant N availability in the soil across the year grassland swards. The supply of plant available N in the soil from mineralisation and biological N fixation will be quantified, and the factors influence its supply identified. The successful candidate will be involved in experimental design and will undertake field measurements to quantify plant available N in the soil, management, processing, collating and analysing the data. Growth chambers and glasshouse experiments may also be developed. The successful candidate will work in collaboration with a number of Teagasc colleagues and partners in the VistaMilk project. They will also work with the Grass Growth Modelling Team at Moorepark to enhance the N sub-model in the MoSt grass growth model.

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. 

Background to Position & Project: 

This position is funded through the VistaMilk SFI research centre. VistaMilk SFI research centre is a unique collaboration between Agri-Food and ICT research institutes and leading Irish/multinational food and ICT companies. The centre is hosted by Teagasc, the national agency with responsibility for agriculture and food research, in partnership with the Tyndall National Institute, Ireland’s national microelectronics institute, the Walton Institute at Waterford Institute of Technology, the Insight Centre for Data Analytics (at UCD, NUIG, DCU) and the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF). The overarching objective of the VistaMilk Centre is to generate and deploy innovative basic and applied science and technologies to better understand and monitor the complex interactions across a highly inter-dependent food-production chain. The objective will be achieved by exploring three inter-dependent thematic areas (Pasture, Cow and Food) bringing together expertise in the biological sciences, sensor-systems, communications and networking, data analytics, and food processing.

The position will be based at Teagasc, Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork. Teagasc Moorepark is Ireland’s leading dairy research institute with national responsibility for all aspects of dairy production research which include grassland and grazing management, dairy cow breeding and reproduction, dairy cow health and welfare, milk composition and dairy cow nutrition, milking technology and milk production systems plus economic analysis. The research programme is conducted by over 30 scientific and technical professionals, supported by administrative and operative staff. Moorepark operates a total of 7 individual dairy research farms totalling 500 hectares and over 1,000 dairy cows. Facilitates include modern individual cow feed and metabolism units, laboratories, computer facilities and milking research laboratories.

Background to Teagasc Post-Doctoral Programme:

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 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:

• Identify appropriate methodologies to quantify plant available soil N.

• Design and undertake field and laboratory experiments.

• Use experimental and ex-ante data to examine the factors influencing N mineralisation.

• Identify the onset of biological N fixation in sown grass-white clover swards.

• Identify when N biological fixed by white clover is available to grass plants in the sward and factors influencing same.

• Work with the Grass Growth Modelling Team and Moorepark, and provide data to the team, to improve the N sub-model in the MoSt Grass Growth Model.

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 grassland science, plant science or related disipline .

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

• Demonstrated research and technical expertise in grassland management, herbage measurements, soil and plant N measurement and data analyses.

• 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.

Desirable

• Experience in laboratory techniques to measure soil N content.

• Experience in setting own research agenda.

• Evidence of teamwork and collaboration with relevant partners.

Note: Candidates who are successfully shortlisted for interview must be available to attend interviews on Monday 19th February 2024. Candidates who apply for this vacancy, and are succsessful must be available to commence in the role on 1st March 2024.

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

Attachment:

PD1_I_8ecb2d81-30db-4c8d-b9ad-fc84af8d2512.pdf