Post Doctoral Researcher in Micro-meteorological measurement of GHG fluxes

Duration:

Temporary Externally Funded Non Grant-in-Aid contract post, the indicative duration of which is 24 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

This competition seeks to recruit a postdoctoral researcher focused on investigating the impact of management on ecosystem CO2 fluxes and changes in soil organic carbon (SOC). CO2 fluxes will be measured at several sites using a network of eddy covariance towers and/or chamber techniques as well as measuring changes in soil organic carbon (SOC).

The successful candidates will join a well-resourced team of permanent and contract staff carrying out C sequestration research. They will oversee the project which will improve our understanding of the effect of soil type and land-use management practice on CO2 fluxes, soil carbon pools and carbon sequestration. This position will help lead the scientific workplan of Thematic Programme 1 of the VistaMilk SFI Research Centre led by Teagasc Moorepark.

Background to Position & Project

This position will be based in Teagasc Environment, Soils and Land-use Department in Johnstown Castle, Wexford. VistaMilk represents a unique collaboration between Agri-Food and ICT research institutes and leading Irish/multinational food and ICT companies. The Centre is hosted by Teagasc, the national agency with responsibility for agriculture and food research, in partnership with the Tyndall National Institute, Ireland’s national microelectronics institute, the Telecommunications Software & Systems Group (TSSG) at Waterford Institute of Technology and the Insight Centre for Data Analytics (at UCD, NUIG, DCU). VistaMilk is funded by Science Foundation Ireland (SFI), the Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine (DAFM) and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). Teagasc - Johnstown Castle is Ireland’s leading research institute on soils and environment related research, and conducts both fundamental and applied research on a wide range of subjects, e.g. soil quality, nutrient efficiency, water quality, gaseous emissions, agro-ecology, and land use.

Background to Teagasc Post-Doctoral 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:

• To aid in the oversight of the establishment of a network of eddy covariance sites across Ireland.

• To post-process eddy covariance datasets and publish findings in peer-reviewed publications.

• To conduct research on the impact of management on SOC and SOC fractions.

• Undertake quality control of laboratory analyses and ensure good data management.

• Contribute to the management of samples, equipment and consumables.

• To undertake quality control and ensure good data management.

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.

• 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.

Essential

• Candidates must have a PHD (Level 10) degree in physics, soil science, environmental science or related discipline.

• Relevant research experience not to exceed 3 years’ post-PhD.

• Demonstrated research and technical expertise in micrometeorological or GHG flux measurements.

• Evidence of research activity (publications, conference presentations, awards) and future scholarly output (working papers, research proposals etc).

• Data handling and computer skills and Experience in using/programming in R.

• 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

• Use of infra-red gas analysers and eddy covariance equipment and post-processing software, such as EddyPro and TOVI.

• Experience in setting own research agenda.

• Evidence of teamwork and collaboration with relevant partners.