Post Doctoral Fellow Sustainability Modelling Anaerobic Digestion (Ref: 1290)
Teagasc Irish Agriculture & Food Development Authority
Basic Function:
The Irish Government has committed to a target of climate neutrality for Ireland by 2050. Irish agriculture will play a role in meeting this target. For agriculture, this will be challenging, as the agri-sector is Ireland’s largest GHG emitter (38.5% of national GHG emissions). The renewable technology with the greatest potential for reducing methane emissions is Anaerobic Digestion (AD). AD can capture emissions from slurry and silage and produce bioenergy and renewable fertiliser. A large-scale rollout of AD (integrated at farm, regional and national levels) will be required for Ireland to meet its climate targets. AgRE-Bio will determine the best means of this rollout and what effects it will have on the agri-sector, rural economy, society, and environment. Detailed farm level bio-economic models will be used to accurately determine the extent of bioenergy generation that can be supplied by the agri-sector. Outputs will be used to inform policymakers, scientists, and farmers regarding future strategies for AD on Irish farms to meet our climate targets.
Background:
The successful candidate will investigate how the costs of AD technology suitable for deployment in Ireland can be reduced by looking at alternative feedstock solutions. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to contribute to research which will identify economic and environmental impacts at farm, landscape, and national levels associated with different farm scale feedstock solutions for different scales of AD plant. The research results have the potential to provide a range of economic, energy, climate, environmental, social, and economic benefits to a wide range of stakeholders. This output will have farmers and other stakeholders in the primary sector as target groups and will also be relevant for society and policymakers.
The successful candidate will become a member of the Agricultural Economics and Farm Surveys Department at Teagasc. The position will be based in either Teagasc Ashtown, Dublin 15, or Teagasc Mellows Campus, Athenry, County Galway.
Background to 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 process of project and budgetary management, publishing in peer-reviewed academic journals, writing grant applications, 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.
Salary Range: Post Doc (Level 2) with a Salary Scale of €48,672 to €51,314
Closing Time/Date: Wednesday 23rd April 2025 @ 12.00pm
Duration: 23 months
Location: Teagasc, Ashtown, Dublin 15, D15 DY05 or Mellows Campus, Teagasc, Athenry, Co. Galway, H65 R718
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