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:
The successful candidate will apply crop improvement strategies (lab – glasshouse – field) to deliver novel crop lines with biotic/abiotic stress resistance, important to the Irish agri-environment. They will be supported to establish their own research team that develops sustainable cropping systems by (i) identifying/generating diverse genetic material with enhanced performance (e.g. biotic stress resilience, nutrient use efficiency) through established/novel breeding techniques and (ii) designing integrated management strategies that underpin the durability of the material in commercial production systems.
Highly productive, the environmental sustainability of the Irish tillage sector and its produce is strong, contributing significantly to the green credentials of Irish food production. However, future pesticide and fertiliser input reduction targets as per Europe’s Green Deal represent a significant challenge for Irish farmers. In response, the provision of robust breeding material will play an essential role in supporting the crop management regimes of the future. The successful candidate for this role will, through the development of their own research team, be key to achieving this objective.
Background:
The primary objective of the work programme at Oak Park is to support sustainability, productivity and profitability of the Irish crops sector through the completion of innovative, through-to-practise research. The task ahead is to adapt to new challenges in developing sustainable and environmentally sensitive agricultural systems, which will provide farmers with adequate incomes and consumers with quality food at reasonable prices.
More specifically, emphasis is placed on optimising crop production efficiencies by:
* Developing integrated crop production systems that are both environmentally sustainable and economically viable.
* Exploiting novel and existing genetic resources and crop production regimes to underpin productivity with enhanced a/biotic stress resilience while improving crop quality and nutritional profiles to meet sectoral demands.
Job Objectives
The successful candidate will:
* Establish technical capabilities to exploit conventional and novel breeding techniques for target species.
* Complete field trial evaluations in collaboration with commercial breeding partners, of novel plant collections with the goal of identifying high value material for progression in breeding programmes.
* Have the autonomy to collaborate with national/international institutions to support research capacity goals aligned with departmental strategies.
* Seek to secure external funding with the objective of creating a team of post-doctoral researchers and post-graduate students over time.
* Design and deliver research project(s) including data analysis and publishing results in scientific journals as well as technical and popular press.
* Communicate (scientific/non-scientific manner) research findings at international conferences and industry stakeholder events.
* Contribute to the efficient operation of the Crops, Environment and Land Use programme and Teagasc as required, including strategic planning exercises and all other organisational policies and procedures.
* Identify and take advantage of continuous learning opportunities as they arise through the Teagasc PMDS process.
* Liaise actively with other researchers in Oak Park and other Teagasc departments to link this research programme with other relevant programmes in Teagasc.
* Work closely with Teagasc Knowledge Transfer Specialists/Advisors to ensure effective 2-way discussion with advisers and stakeholders.
* Assist Teagasc in meeting the commitments of the Quality Customer Service Charter and Action Plan.
* 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.
Skills Requirement
Qualifications
* An honours Level 8 degree (as recognised on the National Framework of Qualifications or equivalent), in Agriculture or a related discipline.
* A PhD degree in plant science.
* A full driver’s license is required for this post.
Note: While a PhD is an essential requirement for this post, equivalent research experience may be deemed acceptable solely at the discretion of the Director of Teagasc.
Desirable
* PhD/post-doctoral experience in the application of novel breeding techniques would be a distinct advantage.
Skills
* Skillsets and relevant experience in the application of crop improvement approaches to enhance resilience against a/biotic stressors.
* In-depth, relevant experience of field-based research experimentation.
* Demonstrated ability to add value to research design and crop improvement protocol development.
* Dissemination skills: verbal presentation/communication skills, scientific (peer-reviewed journals) and technical writing skills.
* Proven ability to deliver potential impact via scientific paper writing.
* Aptitude for multidisciplinary approaches.
Knowledge
* Broad knowledge of novel breeding techniques that can be applied to Ireland’s primary crops.
* Relevant research experience in the development of arable crop production practices.
Desirable
* Knowledge of crop production practices in a temperate maritime climate and the importance of IPM practices to reduce pesticide usage.
* Knowledge of the relevant EU legislation (e.g. SUD) and strategies (e.g. Farm to Fork) affecting the sector and European crop production as a whole.
Behavioural Competencies
* Motivated to build a research team that will make a significant contribution to the future sustainability of Irish cropping systems.
* Advises research staff and students on optimal use of methodology and equipment.
* Strives for high quality of work and demonstrates commitment to the programme.
* Ability to communicate effectively to enable knowledge/technology transfer to both scientific and non-scientific fora.
* Eager to learn and apply new skill sets and techniques, in line with receiving appropriate professional development as required.
* Capacity to multi-task and prioritize tasks to ensure work deliverables met at pressure times of season.
* Ability to innovate and work as part of a team, including consulting, collaborating and building relationships with peers/stakeholders.
* Goal oriented with ability to problem solve and demonstrate a high level of attention to detail.
Other
* As this role will involve driving vehicles, candidates must satisfy and continue to satisfy during employment with Teagasc, legal requirements to drive a car unaccompanied on Irish public roads.
Note: The ‘essential’ qualifications, knowledge, skills and behavioural competencies outlined above are ‘must-have’ which will be used in the selection process.
Note: Alternative location(s) may be considered solely at the discretion of Teagasc management.
Why Join Us?
* At all levels in Teagasc, we believe in growing and keeping alive an open, diverse and inclusive workplace which is respectful to all and nurtures different perspectives for the benefit of all in our organisation.
* We are committed to the principles of 'Equal Opportunities, No Barriers and Active Inclusion'. We actively welcome applications from people from diverse backgrounds.
* Be part of a forward thinking organisation committed to positive change.
* Work in a collaborative environment that values your unique perspective.
* Drive initiatives that make a lasting impact on workplace culture.
Join Teagasc in creating a workplace where everyone thrives and diversity is celebrated.
#J-18808-Ljbffr