Post Doc, Lvl1, UCD Ag and Food Science

A Post Doctoral is required to support research activities in the field of beef production and water usage research. There is a dual focus to this project a) to determine the impact of sward type on performance and environmental impact of grazing beef cattle and b) to assess the impact of sward type on the water footprint of beef production under varying pasture types in pasture-based beef production systems. Irish livestock production systems are predominantly pasture based and until recently sown pastures have been predominantly ryegrass monocultures. Such systems, while offering many competitive advantages from a feed cost perspective have a heavy reliance on fertiliser nitrogen application and are associated with losses of nitrogen to the wider environment. Recent work by our team has highlighted the potential of diverse swards (Multispecies swards) to enhance animal and sward performance from lower levels of fertiliser nitrogen. This study will quantify the impacts of diverse swards on the economic and environmental sustainability of beef cattle production systems and calculate the water footprint of these three beef production systems. The primary responsibilities within the role will relate to modelling the economic and environmental performance of pasture based beef production systems, with a concurrent role in managing the beef production systems and the UCD Lyons Long-term grazing platform.

This is a research focused role, where you will conduct a specified programme of research supported by research training and development under the supervision and direction of a Principal Investigator.

The primary purpose of the role is to further develop your research skills and competences, including the processes of publication in peer-reviewed academic publications, the development of funding proposals, the mentorship of graduate students along with the opportunity to develop your skills in research led teaching.

Closing date: 17:00hrs (local Irish time) on the 7th of March 2024.

Applications must be submitted by the closing date and time specified. Any applications which are still in progress at the closing time of 17:00hrs (Local Irish Time) on the specified closing date will be cancelled automatically by the system. UCD are unable to accept late applications.

UCD do not require assistance from Recruitment Agencies. Any CV's submitted by Recruitment Agencies will be returned.

The PD1 position is intended for early stage researchers, either just after completion of a PhD or for someone entering a new area for the first time. If you have already completed your PD1 stage in UCD or will soon complete a PD1, or you are an external applicant whose total Postdoctoral experience, inclusive of the duration of the advertised post, would exceed 4 years, you should not apply and should refer to PD2 posts instead.