Post Doctoral Researcher Integrated Pest Management (Horticulture Bio-stimulants and Biological...

Duration:

Temporary Externally Funded Non Grant-in-Aid contract post, the indicative duration of which is 20 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 & Background 

A project funded by Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) seeks to recruit a Post-Doctoral candidate to conduct research developing Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approaches for horticultural crops. The primary objective is to evaluate the potential for primary elements, such as silicon (orthosilic acid) to improve pest and disease resistance, deliver biological control in horticulture crops, improve crop quality and reduce food loss and waste during production and postharvest. The role will involve the design of glasshouse, indoor, field and laboratory experiments to validate the relationship between bio-stimulant application, IPM and food loss; focusing on key fungal and insect pests in a range of Irish horticulture crops.

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. As part of this role, the PD candidate will work as part of a broader project team and collaborate with IPM experts and experienced Senior IPM Research Officers in Teagasc. The Horticulture Development Department within Teagasc, based at Ashtown, Dublin, has commercial like facilities for the production of protected, semi protected and field horticultural crops, as well as equipment for the measurement of crop quality parameters. 

Background to the Teagasc Post Doctoral Training 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. 

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 PD 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.

Duties & Responsibilities specific to this project:

• Design, implement, manage and collect data to carry out field and glasshouse experiments to assess the application of orthosilic acid to crops and the impact on food loss and waste.

• Design and conduct laboratory and close contact bioassays to better understand the interactions and relationships between the application of bio-stimulants and biological control agents.

• Review literature and data on plant physiological processes induced by silicon that may lead to increased plant/crop protection from pest and diseases.

• Contribute to the supervision of masters and placement students to advance the objectives of the research.

• Arrange and/or attend internal and external meetings with relevant stakeholders to advance the objectives of the research.

• Manage stakeholder interaction and information dissemination, including writing and disseminating manuscripts, articles, producing webinars, making presentations and generating content for social media posts.

• Collaborate with wider project partners, as well as the horticulture and packaging sectors to advance the knowledge base on silicon as a bio-stimulant to improve food production, lower food loss/waste and transition to sustainable food packaging.

Additional Duties & Responsibilities:

• To adhere to data gathering and management protocols.

• To statistically analyse data, 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 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.

Essential

• Ph.D in (Crop Science, Plant Pathology, Entomology, Molecular Biology, Agriculture or a related discipline with a substantial research component in the assessment of bio-stimulants and or bio-pesticides)

• Relevant research experience not to exceed 3 years’ post Ph.D.

• Demonstrated research and technical expertise in field trials, entomology, plant pathology or plant science.

• 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

• Demonstrable experience in the design and management of field and glasshouse trials.

• Experience in the use and application of Plant Protection Products.

• Experience in setting own research agenda.

• Evidence of teamwork and collaboration with relevant partners.

• As this role will involve driving vehicles, candidates should satisfy and continue to satisfy during employment with Teagasc, legal requirements to drive a car unaccompanied on Irish public roads