Contract Research Officer - Farm Sustainability Metrics

Duration:

Temporary externally funded non Grant-in-Aid contract post, the indicative duration of which is 31.5 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 Agricultural Economics and Farm Surveys Department of Teagasc is seeking a highly motivated and skilled Research Officer to contribute to the development of farm sustainability indicators, data collection methodologies, and modelling frameworks that inform agricultural policy and practice. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong technical expertise, scientific rigour, and a collaborative mindset. The role is aligned to a project entitled MEASURE (Modelling Estimates for Agricultural Sustainability Using Real Evidence) which has been recently funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. The project aims to strengthen the capacity of the Teagasc National Farm Survey (NFS) to provide nationally representative evidence of farm level sustainability across systems. The successful candidate will be required to conduct high-quality research in agricultural sustainability across economic, environmental, and social domains, applying both expert knowledge and rigorous methodologies. Responsibilities will include designing and executing surveys, analysing complex data, producing clear written outputs (such as reports, policy briefs, and peer-reviewed publications), and translating findings into practical tools for diverse stakeholders that support effective knowledge transfer and maximise project dissemination and communication impact.

Background:

The Agricultural Economics and Farm Surveys Department in Teagasc is responsible for economic research, including policy analysis relating to the agri-food sector. The Department also produces the Teagasc NFS and fulfils Ireland’s statutory requirement to provide data on farm output, costs and incomes to the EU Farm Sustainability Data Network (FSDN) to the European Commission on an annual basis. A key element of ongoing work within the team relates to the development of farm sustainability metrics to track the effectiveness of policies such as the CAP. As the agricultural sector faces increasing pressure to balance economic growth with environmental and social sustainability, there is a growing requirement to broaden farm data collection. Teagasc in conjunction with University College Dublin have been awarded funding through the MEASURE project to further our efforts in this regard. This research will provide a roadmap for policymakers, regulators, farmers and other relevant stakeholders across the agri-food sector to make evidence-based decisions and to develop and build upon strategies and policy supports that enhance the resilience, inclusivity, and sustainability of farming and rural communities.

In delivering the objectives of the MEASURE project the successful candidate will be involved in the following:

• Applying technical and expert knowledge in agricultural sustainability, including economic, environmental, and social dimensions.
• Designing and implementing high-quality experimental and survey-based research, ensuring accuracy, precision, and adherence to protocols.
• Conducting literature reviews, formulating hypotheses, and analysing complex datasets using appropriate methodologies.
• Exploring the feasibility and trialling new methods for efficient data collection in collaboration with stakeholders.
• Assisting in the facilitation and organization of co-design workshops and focus groups to align data collection tools with user needs.
• Supporting and collaborating with the research team in preparing datasets and modelling farm-level sustainability.
• Producing clear, concise, and well-structured written outputs, including reports, policy briefs, and peer-reviewed publications.
• Translating research findings into practical applications through dashboards, tools, and templates for diverse stakeholders.
• Communicating complex scientific and policy-relevant information in an accessible and engaging manner to a wide range of audiences.
• Contributing to the teamwork and team spirit in the MEASURE project team and the Rural Economy Development Programme more broadly, to foster further collaboration and integration.
• Developing and maintaining active collaborative contacts with other national and international research organisations and with other Programmes in Teagasc.
• 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.

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.