Location: Teagasc, Johnstown Castle, Co. Wexford, Ireland
Research
Salary: Research Officer with a Salary Scale of €41,996 to €79,618
Closing Date: 26/01/2026 12:00 PM
Funded Full Time
Job Description
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
The successful candidate will establish field research trials focused on application of nitrification inhibitors to urine patches. The work will include the establishment of simulated urine patches, application of targeted nitrification inhibitors at differing rates and running a lysimeter trial. The efficacy for reducing nitrous oxide and nitrate leaching will be determined by measuring nitrous oxide emissions and nitrate leaching. The successful candidate will work with partners from Ireland and New Zealand to advance this approach towards retaining urine patch nitrogen for grass growth while reducing environmental loss. The work will include development of trial protocols, trial establishment and field measurement which will include lifting of nitrous oxide chambers and leachate collection drums while undertaking the project field trial work, driving vehicles, data collation and analysis along with data presentation, write up and publication.
Background
In pasture based animal agriculture systems such as those prevalent in Ireland and New Zealand the deposition of urine on pasture by grazing animals creates hotspots of nitrogen which can be a source of emissions of the greenhouse gas nitrous oxide and also nitrate leaching. Developing solutions for these challenges is a shared objective in both Ireland and New Zealand. The current project is funded under a Ireland-New Zealand funding call and brings together expertise from Ireland and New Zealand to develop and optimise a solution focused on targeted nitrification inhibitor application to urine patches. The current position will be based in-person at Teagasc, Johnstown Castle, Co. Wexford. The project field work will focus on addressing the various biophysical and biochemical factors (including soil type, moisture levels, timing of inhibitor application, inhibitor characteristics, concentration and volume, and pasture canopy) affect the co-location (physical contact) of inhibitors with urine on efficacy to reduce emissions and support plant growth. The work will involve outdoor in-field measurements being undertaken by the successful candidate.
Job Objectives
* Develop protocols for the field experimental trials to be undertaken
* Establish field research trials and conduct in field trial measurements involving the use of static chambers and of leachate collection drums.
* Collate datasets
* Analyse datasets, interpret, write up and publish the findings
* Liaise with and develop rapport with the project partners in Ireland and New Zealand
* Engage positively with line manager and have the flexibility to adapt to ensure the experiments are completed as weather conditions change and challenges arise
* 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.
Skills Requirement
Essential
Desirable
Qualifications
* An honours Level 8 degree, (as recognised on the National Framework of Qualifications or equivalent), in Agriculture, Environmental Science, Soil Science or a related discipline.
* A postgraduate degree and/or research experience in nitrogen management and/or grassland based agriculture would be a distinct advantage
Skills
* Excellent skills in developing protocols and in establishing and running field research trials
* Strong inter-personal skills in developing relationships with project partners, management and colleagues
* Excellent Field research skills
* Excellent laboratory skills
* Data organization and collation skills
* Statistical analysis
* Report writing skills and data analysis
* Ability to write manuscripts for publication
* Competent and qualified to drive vehicles
* Proven record of scientific communications.
* Aptitude for multidisciplinary approaches.
Knowledge
* Strong knowledge of pasture based agriculture systems
* Nitrogen cycling including loss pathways
* Nitrous oxide emissions and nitrate leaching
* Knowledgeable of the practicalities of setting up and running field research trials
* Knowledge and experience of how to handle organic manures, fertilisers and inhibitors
Behavioural Competencies
* Ability to work as part of a team, including consulting, collaborating and building relationships with key stakeholders.
* A self-starter capable of taking initiative to advance the project field work
* Strives for high quality of work and demonstrates commitment to the programme.
* Ability to communicate effectively to enable knowledge and technology transfer.
Other
As this role will involved driving vehicles, candidates must satisfy and continue to satisfy during employment with Teagasc, legal requirements to drive a car unaccompanied on Irish public roads.
Eligibility
This 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.