Duration:
Permanent . 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:
Mushroom production is the largest Horticultural crop in Ireland, making up approximately 24% of the estimated €529 million value of the Irish Horticultural sector. As a dedicated Mushroom Research Officer you will have a strong focus on commercial Mushroom production, where you will be responsible for conducting research aimed at optimising and improving different aspects of commercial mushroom cultivation. These aspects can involve disciplines such as Integrated Pest Management, Mushroom Pathology, and Mushroom Agronomy etc. In conjunction with existing research and advisory staff with in the Horticultural Development Department at Teagasc, external research providing organisations and Industry stakeholders, you will contribute to the development of innovative techniques, processes, and products to improve efficiency, sustainability, and profitability in the mushroom sector.
This post will be based in the Horticulture Development Department (HDD) which is located on the Teagasc Ashtown campus in Dublin. It features a Mushroom research facility with four environmentally controlled growing rooms, a modern compartmentalised research glasshouse facility together with additional research laboratory resources for molecular biology, plant/mushroom pathology and plant growth media production.

Background:
The Irish mushroom sector is a highly successful and technical sector, with the majority of Irish mushrooms being exported for retail in the United Kingdom. Within the Horticultural Development Department in Ashtown there is a Mushroom research facility, with the capability to conduct semi-commercial scale research experiments, supported by technical staff. The successful candidate will lead a Mushroom research programme within Teagasc. This programme should focus on supporting the growth and profitability of the Irish Mushroom sector. Areas of research activity will include one or a combination of identified critical areas for the sector:
(1) Mushroom pathology and Integrated Pest Management
(2) Mushroom Agronomy, Robotics and crop optimisation through data
(3) New Crop and new Product Development.
This research will be undertaken at the Teagasc Ashtown Research Centre in Dublin Ireland. The successful candidate will be expected to build a research programme to support the commercial mushroom sector in Ireland, by interacting with national and international research providing organisations, industry stakeholders and scientists from different disciplines. The wider horticulture research programme covers most sub-sectors of horticulture production including horticultural food production and also includes aspects of hardy nursery stock and cut foliage research. Researchers benefit from working alongside industry based specialised advisors.

Key responsibilities

• Plan, design, and execute research projects focused on different facets of commercial mushroom production, including but not limited to disease management / Integrated Pest Management, cultivation techniques, labour use efficiency, robotics, data based decision making, waste valorisation and sustainability.
• Conduct experiments, collect and analyse data, and interpret results to draw actionable conclusions and recommendations.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate research findings into practical solutions and strategies for improving mushroom production practices.
• Disseminate findings through the preparation of research reports, scientific publications, and presentations for internal stakeholders, industry partners, and scientific communities.
• Continual professional upskilling and industry interaction to identify emerging trends, technologies, and advancements in mushroom cultivation and related fields to inform research priorities and directions.
• Provide technical support and guidance to internal teams and external partners on matters related to mushroom production research.
• To assist Teagasc in meeting the commitments of the Quality Customer Service Charter and Action Plan.
• To actively participate in the annual business planning and Performance Management Development System (PMDS) processes.
• 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.
• Any other duties as may be assigned from time to time.

• This job specification is intended as a guide to the general range of duties and is intended to be neither definitive nor restrictive. It will be reviewed from time to time with the post holder.

Note: The ‘essential’ qualifications, knowledge, skills and behavioural competencies outlined above are ‘must-have’ which will be used in the selection process.