Post-Doctoral Researcher in Methane Mitigation Research in Grazing Systems (MAGS)

Duration:

Temporary Post-Doctoral Appointment. This is an externally funded non Grant-in-Aid contract post, the indicative duration of which is 26 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:

Teagasc wish to recruit a dynamic and suitably qualified Post Doctoral scientist to assist with the overall management of the MAGS research project. The successful candidate will assist in the design and execution of in vitro studies and in vivo beef cattle trials at Teagasc Grange to evaluate microbiome-assisted breeding and feed and manure additives. They will also perform life-cycle assessment and farm systems economic modelling analyses of the resultant data. They will play a key role in day-to-day PhD student supervision. This Postdoctoral scientist will be a key member of the project team and support the partners across institutions in adhering to the work-programme, its constituent tasks, deliverables, and milestones. They will also be responsible for the timely financial and technical reporting to DAFM, meeting/event organisation and engagement with a wide variety of relevant stakeholders. There will be opportunities to acquire new skills, continued professional development and for travel to conferences within the duration of the role.

Background:

The livestock sector contributes substantially to the European economy representing 40% of the total agricultural activity. The global demand for livestock derived food products is projected to increase by up to 70% by 2050. Agriculture contributes ~37% of Irish GHG emissions. Methane accounts for ~70% of agri-emissions, predominantly from enteric methane derived from fermentation of feed in the rumen, with manure and slurry methane emissions also making an important, albeit lower, contribution. Ireland has committed to reducing agricultural GHGs by 25% by 2030, including a recommended 10% reduction in agri-methane emissions. Thus, strategies to mitigate enteric and manure methane need to be rapidly developed and implemented on farm to comply with these targets.

MAGS (Methane Abatement in Grazing Systems), a cross-jurisdiction, multi-organisational research project will develop, apply and validate a range of the most promising novel technologies (including breeding strategies, feed and manure additives) to mitigate enteric and manure methane in beef and dairy pasture-based production systems.

Using methane, host genetics, rumen microbiome and performance data made available through previous and on-going projects at Teagasc and ICBF, novel microbiome-assisted genomic based breeding evaluations for selection of cattle with predicted low methane emissions will be developed and tested across a range of dietary regimes. Industry partners will assist in developing novel long-lasting and slow-release bolus technologies to deploy the most promising feed additives. These will be tested in addition to novel breeding strategies and manure additives in beef and dairy grazing systems. Bioeconomic and life-cycle assessment modelling, informed by data emanating from beef and dairy cattle studies will identify optimal solutions in a multi-criteria framework. Data generated will also contribute to refining national GHG emissions inventories. Working with the EPA GHG inventories team, new emission factors incorporating methane suppressing technologies will be developed and implemented. Best combinations of strategies will be further demonstrated and delivered on farms across Ireland through the Teagasc Signpost 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.

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, David Kenny or other designated manager in conjunction with the Head of Department.

Gain first-hand insights into the Teagasc Post-Doctoral Fellowship Programme from those who've lived it. Click here to explore their stories.

Duties & Responsibilities specific to this project:

• To assist with all aspects of the management of the MAGS project including the execution of research including in vitro feed additive studies, beef cattle trials with methane measurement, manure management studies and bio-economic modelling.
• Assistance with budgets, administration, and management/coordination, report writing, engaging with partners and relevant stakeholders and project dissemination activities.
• To conduct detailed life-cycle assessment and farm systems economic analyses.
• To disseminate project findings and engage in project reporting duties.
• To contribute to the teamwork and team-spirit within Teagasc and partner institutes and to foster and add to further collaboration and integration.
• 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.

Essential

• PhD in Animal Science and GHG emissions
• Relevant research experience not to exceed 3 years’ post-PhD
• Demonstrated research and technical expertise in Livestock science
• A level 10 PhD in Animal Science and GHG emissions.
• Excellent organization and project management skills.
• Research skills: livestock trials, methane and animal performance measurement, lab skills, data analysis and modelling.
• Planning, monitoring and evaluating the literature in the area.
• Dissemination skills: verbal presentation/communication skills, scientific (peer-reviewed journals) and technical report writing skills.
• Capacity to successfully develop collaborative research links with national and international organisations.
• Knowledge of agri-GHG emissions and mitigation strategies.
• Knowledge of Irish and livestock production systems.
• Knowledge of EU and Irish agri-environmental policy.
• 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
• Commitment to teamwork and collaborating with colleagues as per our Teagasc Together ethos
• 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

• Rumen microbiology and methane production/mitigation
• Life-cycle assessment (LCA) and bioeconomic modelling.
• Experience in setting own research agenda
• Evidence of teamwork and collaboration with relevant partners

Note: Alternative location(s) may be considered solely at the discretion of Teagasc management.