Post-Doctoral Fellow Combined Level 1/2 (PD1/2) VistaMilk Research Centre (Ref: 1305)
Teagasc Irish Agriculture & Food Development Authority
Basic Function:
The Postdoctoral Researcher will be part of the VistaMilk Research Centre and will specifically work on the System of Systems (SoS) platform. The successful candidate will play a critical role in advancing pasture modeling capabilities within the VistaMilk Research Centre. This position is central to the development of cutting-edge tools for precision pasture management, integrating mechanistic modeling with other modeling techniques to deliver improved predictions of grass growth and grass quality. The research will build on the existing MoSt grass growth (GG) model, enhancing its capacity to account for soil moisture dynamics, legume inclusion, and environmental impacts. This work will contribute directly to decision-support systems such as PastureBase Ireland and national initiatives like the Farming Weather Forecast. The successful candidate will collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of researchers across Teagasc, UCD, ICBF, and other partner organizations, ensuring the research addresses both scientific challenges and real-world applications.
Location:
The successful candidate will be based at Teagasc, Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork. Other Teagasc research centres may be considered solely at the discretion of Teagasc management.
Background:
The VistaMilk Research Centre, based at Teagasc Moorepark since 2018, is a world leader in fundamental and translational research for precision, pasture-based dairying. Now in its second six-year phase (2024–2030), VistaMilk focuses on creating a federated system of digital models ("digital shadows") for the soil-to-gut pathway. This integrated system enables whole-system scenario modeling to address challenges such as climate change adaptation, policy development, and farm management, providing unprecedented insights for Ireland's dairy sector.
As a collaboration between 13 agri-food and ICT research institutes and industry partners, VistaMilk drives innovation by combining expertise across agriculture, food science, data analytics, and technology. Hosted by Teagasc, the Centre will employ 162 research staff over the next six years, advancing solutions that enhance sustainability, profitability, and resilience in dairy farming.
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.
Application Process:
A detailed job specification can be accessed on our website at www.teagasc.ie/opportunities. To apply, interested applicants are required to set up their profile on TOPJobs (https://topjobs-teagasc.thehirelab.com/Account/WizzkiLogin), the Teagasc recruitment portal. Find out more about our recruitment process on https://www.teagasc.ie/about/opportunities/the-recruitment-process/
Closing Time/Date: 25/04/2025 @12noon
Salary Range: Post Doc (Combined) with a Salary Scale of €44,128 to €52,340
Duration: Indicative duration of which is 43.5 months, subject to contract
Location: Teagasc, Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork
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