Post Doctoral Fellow Level 1 in Bioeconomy Engagement

at  Teagasc

Location: Rural Economy and Development Centre, Teagasc, Mellows Campus, Athenry, Co Galway, H65 R718
Research
Salary: Post Doc (Level 1) with a Salary Scale of €41,081 to €45,322
Closing Date: 07/05/2024 12:00 PM
Please Specify

DURATION:

Temporary Post-Doctoral Appointment. This is an externally funded non Grant-in-Aid contract post, the indicative duration of which is 8 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:
We are seeking to recruit a Post-Doctoral Researcher for an exciting research project. This post offers an excellent opportunity to join an interdisciplinary and inter-institutional collaboration – between Teagasc and Maynooth University – investigating the engagement levels of the farming sector in renewable energy and bioeconomy projects. This is a funded research project, and the Post-doctoral Researcher will be based in the Rural Economy and Development Programme at Teagasc, Mellows campus, Athenry.
Background:
A key challenge facing the agricultural sector is the adaption of farming practices to develop a sustainable food supply in an environmentally sustainable manner. Farmers are faced with the challenge of balancing economic and environmental sustainability as many Irish farming enterprises are economically vulnerable. The agricultural industry needs to reduce carbon emissions in a way that ensures the economic sustainability of farm businesses. Therefore, it is imperative that farmers embrace advancements in renewable energy and other bioeconomy initiatives. However, engagement levels of the farming sector have been low to date and a deeper understanding of this issue is required.
In this context, this project will conduct a comprehensive evaluation of current engagement levels by the farming sector with renewable energy and bioeconomy projects, through an extensive stakeholder engagement process. This will include an identification of the drivers and barriers to engagement in such projects, with a specific focus placed on assessing the impact on farmers from a financial perspective.
This project will also identify the education/skills/training/supports required by farmers to engage in the transition to renewable energy sources. In this respect an educational programme (sector specific/targeted) will be developed to transfer knowledge to farmers on renewable energy to enhance their green skills. This educational programme will contribute to increasing farmer participation in renewable energy projects and the findings developed will contribute to and enhance policy recommendations for increasing farmer participation

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.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES SPECIFIC TO THIS PROJECT:

• Conducting a specified programme of research guided by the research objectives of the project.
• Contributing to project tasks in collaboration with other project researchers, and taking initiative in terms of work package administration;
• Liaising with both internal and external stakeholders including; farmers, agricultural industry stakeholder groups, and research and academic partners/collaborators.
• Conducting interviews with various stakeholders and analysing data;
• Conducting literature reviews and writing reports;
• Contributing to the preparation and timely delivery of high quality project deliverables;
• Actively assisting with, and contributing to, the writing of academic papers for publication;
• Engaging in the dissemination of the results of the research in which he/she is engaged at national/international conferences and publish research outputs in high impact international journals with the support of and under the supervision of the research team.
• Carrying out administrative work associated with the programme of research.
• Assisting the Principal Investigators in identifying and developing future research and funding initiatives.

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 comply with all relevant Teagasc policies and procedures.
• To 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.
• To actively participate in the Teagasc Post-Doctoral Fellowship programme and review processes, and to undertake all Post-Doctoral Fellowship training and associated duties as agreed in the Training & Development Plan.
• To take up additional duties as they may arise and be assigned by management.