Ireland Job Openings

Teagasc

Postdoctoral Researcher on Biological Nitrification Inhibition

Wexford

FULL TIME

August 30, 2024

Location: Teagasc, Crops, Environment and Land-Use Programme, Johnstown Castle, Wexford

Research

Salary: Post Doc (Combined) with a Salary Scale of €42,628 to €50,806

Closing Date: 19/09/2024 12:00 PM

Funded Full Time



Job Description
Duration:
Temporary Post-Doctoral Appointment. This is an externally funded non Grant-in-Aid contract post, the indicative duration of which is 39 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:
This post supports the BNIPASTURES project focused on accelerating the potential of Biological Nitrification Inhibition (BNI) capacity in temperate grassland species, particularly in perennial ryegrass and plantain, to reduce nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions from ruminant systems. The research includes sampling, analysis and reporting of measurements from experimental lysimeters (including nitrous oxide emissions), and modelling. Includes supervision and coordination of project Ph D students. The successful candidate will co-ordinate and contribute to multiple knowledge transfer activities in the project, and will support specific project management activities of the BNIPASTURES project.
The Teagasc post-doctoral programme provides training and development opportunities for early career scientists which enhances their experience of learning and equips them with the necessary skills for the next stage of their chosen career in research.

Background:
Johnstown Castle Research Centre (Crops, Environment and Land Use Programme, CELUP) nearby Wexford town is Ireland’s leading research institute on agri-environmental research, and conducts both basic and applied research on a wide range of subjects, including soil health, soil-plant interactions, biodiversity, nutrient efficiency, water quality, gaseous emissions, agri-ecology, and land use.
BNIPASTURES is a 4-year project on accelerating the potential of Biological Nitrification Inhibition (BNI) capacity in temperate grassland species that is co-funded by DAFM and the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) and is a collaboration among Teagasc, University College Cork, Trinity College Dublin and Ag Research. BNIPASTURES involves identifying sources of BNI activity in ryegrass through screening the perennial ryegrass genetic resource collection and developing screening tools for introducing BNI capacity into ryegrass cultivars. The influence of different soils, particularly those with contrasting fertility and microbial communities on BNI trait expression in perennial ryegrass will be investigated. The interactive expression of the BNI trait in mixed swards of plantain and ryegrass will be examined to determine the consequences of plant species co-existence on BNI trait expression, potentially paving the way for establishing low-N2O mixed swards in New Zealand and Ireland. Proof of function studies will determine the effect of plantain on nitrogen excretion patterns by investigating direct and indirect N2O emissions from urine under various combinations of urine volumes, nitrogen concentrations, and proportions of plantain in the diet of grazing animals. The N2O emission results will be used alongside existing Irish and NZ data and analysed in a process-based model to refine Irish and New Zealand N2O emission factors and the nitrate leaching and ammonia volatilisation fractions of urine, based on key driving variables. A comprehensive knowledge transfer implementation plan will be developed with all key stakeholders to maximise the impact of the results of the project. The study will help accelerate the potential of BNI in temperate grasslands to reduce N2O emissions, offering opportunities for sustainable, non chemical, plant-based practices to reduce GHG emissions from ruminant systems in Ireland and New Zealand.

Background to the Teagasc 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. 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 which 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 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:
  • Oversee and assist with implementing the sampling, analysis and reporting of agronomic and environmental measurements from lysimeter experiments
  • Coordinate the methodology used in the project experimentation in relation to N2O, NH3 emissions and leachate
  • Coordinate data gathering across the project for modelling and inventory reporting
  • Co-ordinate and contribute to multiple knowledge transfer activities in the BNIPASTURES project
  • Support specific project management activities of the BNIPASTURES project


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 actively participate in the Teagasc Post-Doctoral Fellowship programme and review process and to undertake all Post-Doctoral fellowship training and associated duties as agreed in the Training and Development Plan.
  • To fully co-operate with the provisions made for ensuring the health, safety and welfare of oneself, fellow staff and non-Teagasc staff and co-operate with management in enabling Teagasc to comply with legal obligations, including full compliance with the responsibilities outlined in the Safety Statement.
  • To carry out other duties as may be assigned from time to time.
Skills Requirement
This 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
  • Ph.D. in agriculture, environmental science, ecology, geography, or a related discipline.
  • Relevant research experience not to exceed 3 years’ post Ph D
  • Demonstrated research and technical expertise in the design, analysis and interpretation of data from field and/or laboratory experiments.
  • Evidence of research activity (publications, conference presentations, awards) and future scholarly output (working papers, research proposals etc)
  • Evidence of stakeholder engagement and knowledge transfer activities
  • Excellent project management, analytical, report writing and data analysis skills
  • An ability to collaborate with team members and Ph D 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
  • Commitment to teamwork and collaborating with colleagues as per our Teagasc Together ethos
  • As this role will involve driving vehicles, the successful candidate must have a driving license and during employment with Teagasc, satisfy the legal requirements to drive a car unaccompanied on Irish public roads.
Desirable
  • Experience with research alternative grassland plant species
  • Experience in methodologies for measuring and quantifying nitrous oxide emissions, ammonia emssions and nitrate leaching
  • Evidence of use of digital media for knowledge transfer activities
  • Experience in setting own research agenda
  • Evidence of teamwork and collaboration with relevant partners
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