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 lead applied crop research project(s) with a specific emphasis on delivering agronomic actions that promote carbon sequestration and water quality while mitigating the impact of pest/disease pressure to deliver maximal yield/quality potential. They will be supported to establish their own research team to develop resilient cropping systems that are both economically and environmentally sustainable. Integrating modelling-derived scenarios with field-based experimentation, they will validate and demonstrate to stakeholders systems-based solutions to current and future challenges to the Irish tillage sector.
Background:
Teagasc is the leading research and development organisation in Ireland in the fields of food and agriculture research and currently has a vacancy for a research officer, with experience in crop agronomy/physiology at its Crops Research Centre at Oak Park, Carlow. The primary objective of the work programme at Oak Park is to support the sustainability, productivity and profitability of the Irish crops sector through the completion of innovative, through-to-practice research. The task ahead is to adapt to new climate and legislative challenges in developing economically and environmentally sustainable crop production systems.
Our research programme deploys a broad range of disciplinary expertise covering pathology, agronomy, entomology, computational biology and molecular genetics plus plant breeding that utilises conventional and genomics-based strategies. Research staff work as part of a team with technical support and also develop active collaborations with national and international research bodies. We have an extensive experimental land resource and a comprehensive range of plot-specific equipment as well as crop measurement/phenotyping capacity. In addition, the laboratories and workshops at the Centre are equipped with the most up-to-date technology for compositional, analytical and/or genomics-based research purposes. This ensures that research and services at Oak Park are of the highest quality enabling Irish agriculture to keep pace with advancements in technology development.
Our departmental research programme is split across 12 teams, each directed by a research officer, who leads their respective team of undergraduate/post-graduate students, post-doctoral researchers and/or technical staff to address specific sectoral challenges and requirements. Efficient and effective crop management is a prerequisite to support sectoral profitability. The primary role of the successful candidate hired for this position will be to support this goal, by completing research that positively influences stakeholders in tailoring agronomic actions to mitigate the impact of pest/disease pressure, promote carbon sequestration, while delivering maximal yield/quality potential.
Job Objectives
* Design, manage and deliver research project(s) in crop agronomy, with a specific emphasis on delivering agronomic actions that promote carbon sequestration, mitigate the impact of pest/disease pressure while delivering maximal yield/quality potential.
* Communicate research findings in both a scientific and non-scientific manner at scientific conferences and industry stakeholder events, respectively as well as publishing results in high-ranking international journals, technical and/or popular press outlets as required.
* Seek to secure external funding to support future research initiatives as funding opportunities arise.
* Supervise and mentor post-graduate students and post-doctoral researchers.
* Develop and maintain active collaborative contacts with other national and international research organisations.
* Contribute to the efficient operation of the Crops, Environment and Land Use programme and Teagasc as required, including the business planning and PMDS processes and complying with Teagasc policies and procedures.
* 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 dissemination of research findings to advisers and stakeholders.
* 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.
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 crop agronomy/physiology or other relevant discipline.
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
* Post-doctoral experience in agronomy/physiology/breeding/pathology would be a distinct advantage.
Skills
* Field research skills: experimental design, data acquisition and analysis.
* Dissemination skills: verbal presentation/communication skills, scientific (peer-reviewed journals) and technical writing skills.
* Strong interpersonal skills and a proficiency in communicating with a wide range of stakeholders, i.e. farmers, policy makers, advisors, researchers.
* An ability to effectively manage people and resources to achieve programme outcomes.
Desirable
* Capacity to successfully develop collaborative research links with National and International research organizations.
Knowledge
* Relevant knowledge of field-based research experimentation for Ireland’s primary tillage crops.
* Knowledge of crop production practices in a temperate maritime climate.
Desirable
* Relevant research experience in the development of sustainable crop production practices.
* Experience of crop modelling in the context of monitoring carbon footprint per crop.
* Good working knowledge of the relevant national and EU policy affecting the sector and European crop production as a whole.
Behavioural Competencies
* Ability to work on own initiative and to work as part of a team, including collaborating and building relationships with key stakeholders.
* Strives for high quality of work and demonstrates commitment to achieving required goals.
* Flexible approach to work with an ability to prioritize tasks effectively.
* Ability to communicate effectively to enable knowledge and technology transfer.
* A capacity to innovate when dealing with challenges. A results-driven individual with a strong focus on goal-setting, performance delivery and accountability.
* A proactive approach to work with an ability to adapt to changing requirements.
Other
As this role will involve travel between Teagasc centres around the country, the candidates must satisfy and continue to satisfy during employment with Teagasc, legal requirements to drive 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.
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