Job Summary

Duration:

Temporary Post-Doctoral Appointment. This is an externally funded non Grant-in-Aid contract post, the indicative duration of which is 11 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:

The Climate Action Plan sets a target of 450,000 hectares, or approximately 10% of Ireland’s agricultural land, to be farmed organically by 2030. Organic farming can contribute to national climate objectives while delivering wider benefits for biodiversity, water quality and soil health. Its expansion also supports the objectives of Ireland’s CAP Strategic Plan and the EU Farm to Fork Strategy, including reducing reliance on chemical fertilisers and pesticides. The Organic Farming Scheme has supported significant growth in the number of organic farms and the area under organic production. However, there is limited evidence on the farm-level and wider sectoral implications of achieving Ireland’s organic farming targets, particularly for agricultural output, farm incomes and economic, environmental and social sustainability. To address this knowledge gap, the research project Evaluating National and EU Comprehensive Targets in Organics (ENACT Organics) will use a mix of quantitative research approaches and qualitative stakeholder research to assess the feasibility and sustainability implications of meeting national and EU organic farming targets.

Background:

The successful candidate will contribute to research addressing the following objectives:

(i) assess the current and potential farm-level production and wider sustainability impacts of increased organic farming adoption in Ireland;

(ii) develop and validate organic adoption scenarios aligned with national and EU policy targets;

(iii) use farm-level data and modelling approaches to assess the implications of these scenarios for farm structure, agricultural output, input use, farm incomes and economic, environmental and social sustainability;

(iv) estimate the wider sectoral impacts of meeting organic farming targets and undertake sensitivity analysis of key modelling assumptions; and

(v) provide evidence-based recommendations for policy makers and other stakeholders involved in the development of the organic sector.

The research will provide policy-relevant evidence on the feasibility and sustainability implications of achieving national and EU organic farming targets. The findings will be relevant to farmers, agricultural advisers, farm organisations, organic-sector stakeholders and policy makers, as well as the wider research community and society. The position will be based in the Agricultural Economics and Farm Surveys Department at Mellows Campus, Teagasc, Athenry, Co. Galway or Teagasc, Ashtown, Dublin 15.

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 Post-Doctoral Fellow will, while working in conjunction with senior research staff, gain insight and experience into a variety of areas including the processes of project and budgetary management, publishing in peer-reviewed academic journals, writing grant applications, and 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.

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Job Objectives

Duties & Responsibilities specific to this project:

Review scientific and policy literature relating to organic farming targets, sustainability assessment and agricultural policy impact modelling.
Assemble and analyse Teagasc National Farm Survey data and associated economic, environmental and social sustainability indicators in order to benchmark the performance of organic farming systems and compare it against comparable conventional farms.
Develop and validate farm-level organic adoption scenarios aligned with national and EU organic farming targets.
Assess the potential impacts of increased organic farming adoption on farm structure, land use, production, input use, farm income and farm viability.
Plan and undertake engagement with farmers, advisers, researchers, policy makers and other organic-sector stakeholders to inform and validate the analysis.
Produce reports and peer-reviewed papers.

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 complete all time records on SmartSimple in a timely manner
To actively participate in the Teagasc Post-Doctoral Fellowship programme and review process and to undertake all Post-Doctoral Fellowship training and associated duties as agreed in the Training and Development Plan.
To fully co-operate with the provisions made for ensuring the health, safety and welfare of oneself, fellow staff and non-Teagasc staff and co-operate with management in enabling Teagasc to comply with legal obligations, including full compliance with the responsibilities outlined in the Safety Statement.
To carry out other duties as may be assigned from time to time.

Skills Requirement

Essential

Ph.D in agriculture, environmental science, agricultural or environmental economics or another appropriate science or economics related discipline.
Relevant research experience not to exceed 3 years’ post Ph.D
Demonstrated research and technical expertise in quantitative and qualitative research methods
Evidence of research activity (publications, conference presentations, awards) and future scholarly output (working papers, research proposals etc)
Excellent project management, analytical, report writing and data analysis skills
An ability to collaborate with team members and PhD students to help build research knowledge and skill and to guide professional development
Excellent communication skills (oral, written, presentation) with an ability to enable effective knowledge and technology transfer
Ability to generate new ideas, unique concepts, models and solutions

Desirable

Experience in Irish agricultural systems
Evidence of teamwork and collaboration with relevant partners
Experience in sustainability metrics development
Analytical, report writing and data analysis skills
Experience in setting own research agenda
Demonstrated ability to generate new ideas, unique concepts, models and solutions
Evidence of teamwork and collaboration with relevant partners

Gender, Diversity and Inclusion

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 the organisation.

We are committed to the principles of 'Equal Opportunities, No Barriers, Active Inclusion'.

We actively welcome applications from people from diverse backgrounds.

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Post-Doctoral Fellow Level 1 in the Economic and Sustainability Assessment of National and EU Organic Farming Targets