Location: Teagasc Mellows Campus, Athenry, Co Galway or Teagasc, Ashtown, Dublin 15. Other Teagasc locations may be considered. solely at the discretion of managementResearchSalary: Research Officer with a Salary Scale of €41,996 to €79,618Closing Date: 18/02/2026 12:00 PMTemporary Full TimeJob DescriptionDuration:Temporary contract post, the indicative duration of which is 6-9 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 temporary (maternity leave) research officer focused on the delivery of current agri-environmental economics research contributing to Teagasc's Rural Economy and Development Programme (REDP) and the Teagasc Climate Centre. The successful candidate will investigate sustainability issues in Irish and European agriculture, with a particular focus on sustainability assessments, ammonia and greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction, and biodiversity.They will employ economic analysis and mixed-methods, multidisciplinary approaches to carry out research on measurements of farm sustainability, farm-level behavioural change, and ecosystem service valuation. They will contribute to research projects to support European and national agri-environmental policy, and education and knowledge transfer initiatives based on scientific evidence.The successful candidate will join a well-resourced team of permanent and contract staff within the Agricultural Economics and Farm Surveys Department, carrying out research with relevance to sustainable agriculture. The position will be based in the Rural Economy and Development Research Centre in Athenry, Co. Galway or Ashtown, Co. Dublin.Background:Agricultural policy at both European Union (EU) and national levels has shifted markedly in recent years toward supporting measurable improvements in economic, environmental and social sustainability. The European Green Deal - and its flagship initiatives such as the Farm to Fork Strategy and the Biodiversity Strategy for together with reforms to the Common Agricultural Policy, place greater emphasis on achieving improved economic performance. However, economic sustainability must be achieved while cutting agricultural ammonia and GHG emissions, improving nutrient and resource use efficiency, restoring habitats and supporting biodiversity on farmland. At national level, Ireland's Climate Action commitments and biodiversity strategies translate these obligations into targets and actions that require robust, practical evidence to support farm-level change.Teagasc is Ireland's leading research institute on agri-environmental economics research, conducting applied research on a wide range of policy-relevant subjects on sustainable agriculture. We are now seeking a dynamic and well-qualified researcher to support this research programme.Job ObjectivesTo support European and national research projects focused on sustainable agriculture. Examples of these projects are Step Up, Nutritive and Butterfly, which are all funded under Horizon Europe.To provide methodological assistance within these research projects, carry out data analysis and curation, interpretation of scientific results, and writing of scientific papers, reports and stakeholder communications.To actively engage with stakeholders to facilitate the collection of new qualitative and quantitative data on sustainable agriculture.To manage resources (mainly people, budgets and data) assigned to this research programme and prepare progress reports and deliverables for funding agencies.To produce publications in peer reviewed scientific journals using existing and newly generated data, relevant for policy development and monitoring, and education and knowledge transfer initiatives.To maintain and foster strong collaborative links within Teagasc and with national/international researchers.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 timeThis 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.Skills RequirementEssentialDesirableQualificationsAn honours Level 8 degree, (as recognised on the National Framework of Qualifications or equivalent), in agricultural, environmental or natural resource economics, agribusiness or a related discipline.A postgraduate degree and/or research experience in agri-environmental economics would be a distinct advantage.eSkills/ KnowledgeKnowledge of how to conduct mixed-methods, multidisciplinary research.Knowledge of European and Irish agricultural and agri-environmental policy.Knowledge of Irish production systems (notably livestock-based agriculture).Knowledge of sustainability issues associated with agriculture and in particular livestock production.Proven record of scientific communication.Excellent organisational, report writing, and data analysis skills.Demonstrated ability to engage with stakeholders.Excellent one-to-one and group communication skills (farmers, students, colleagues, stakeholders). Good team working skills.Excellent ability to plan, organise, manage and schedule work effectively.Good project management skills.Knowledge of European livestock production systems.Knowledge of the Ecosystem Services Framework.Experience of reporting to funding bodies.Behavioural CompetenciesAbility to work independently, if necessary, and meet self-imposed milestones and deliverables.Willingness to collaborate positively within the programme team as well as with outside agencies.Commitment to deliver high-quality work.Ability to communicate with specialised and non-specialised audiences.Commitment to teamwork and collaborating with colleagues as per our Teagasc Together ethosEligibilityThis is an open public competition. Should a current serving Teagasc staff member be successful in their application through open public competition for this post, their current contract of employment with Teagasc will come to an end on taking up this post.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.