Postdoctoral Fellowship: Signpost Farms Biodiversity Post-Doctoral Fellow

About the Role

Teagasc (Agriculture and Food Development Authority) is seeking a Signpost Farms Biodiversity Post-Doctoral Fellow to carry out biodiversity, plant, and pollinator surveys across the Signpost Farms. The successful candidate will compile biodiversity data to assess environmental performance, undertake whole-farm pollinator assessments, and provide participating farmers with feedback on agreed biodiversity enhancement actions.

The Fellow will support the implementation of measures to improve farmland biodiversity and above-ground carbon storage, analyse and report programme-wide findings, and work closely with farmers to develop and deliver targeted enhancement initiatives. Progress and outcomes will be monitored through repeat assessments and annual monitoring of the actions undertaken by participating farmers. This is a research-focused training role, providing early career scientists with the opportunity to develop research skills within a structured post-doctoral programme.

About the Project

Signpost Farms (Phase II) is an externally funded, fixed-term project lasting five years, commencing in early 2026. The project aims to lead climate action in Irish agriculture through a network of demonstration farms, showing what works in practice and inspiring farmers nationwide to adopt climate-smart, nature-positive measures. It seeks to generate trusted evidence on emissions, biodiversity and profitability, with the broader goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, enhancing biodiversity, and supporting a more sustainable agricultural sector.

Training and Development

Teagasc Post-Doctoral Fellows are required to undertake a Level 9 Professional Diploma in Researcher Development delivered by University College Dublin (UCD). This flexible, modular programme uses a blended learning approach: most modules are delivered online, with remaining elements delivered in person at Teagasc locations, allowing Fellows to meet and network with colleagues. Participants will access UCD library, writing centre, and careers centre supports, and will gain experience in project and budgetary management, collaboration with national and international research communities, communication and presentation skills, and possible mentorship of students.

Responsibilities

• Conduct biodiversity habitat assessments on all Signpost Farms and communicate results to each participating farmer.
• Report on project outputs and outcomes, including presenting findings to programme stakeholders and participating groups.
• Initiate a targeted biodiversity and above-ground carbon enhancement initiative on a subset of Signpost Farms, coordinating activities with participating farmers.
• Identify synergies and co-benefits of biodiversity improvement, including assessing above-ground carbon storage and existing carbon stocks where feasible.
• Engage with advisors, farmers, researchers and project partners through farm walks, open days, workshops and stakeholder events.
• Interpret research findings and prepare scientific and popular press publications, disseminating results to varied audiences.
• Assist Teagasc in meeting Quality Customer Service Charter commitments and comply with all relevant policies and procedures.
• Complete time records on SmartSimple in a timely manner and cooperate with health, safety and welfare provisions.
• Actively participate in the Teagasc Post-Doctoral Fellowship programme and review processes, and undertake all training and associated duties as agreed in the Training & Development Plan.

Requirements

Essential

• PhD in environmental science, agricultural science, natural sciences, or a related discipline.
• Relevant research experience not exceeding 3 years post-PhD.
• Demonstrated research and technical expertise in biodiversity monitoring/assessment and biodiversity-friendly farming practices.
• Understanding of Irish farming systems and the factors influencing environmental and economic performance.
• Experience in collecting and organising data.
• Evidence of research activity (publications, conference presentations, awards) and future scholarly output (working papers, research proposals).
• Excellent project management, analytical, report writing and data analysis skills.
• Ability to collaborate with team members and PhD students to build research knowledge and guide professional development.
• Commitment to teamwork and the Teagasc Together ethos.
• Excellent communication skills (oral, written, presentation) with the ability to enable effective knowledge and technology transfer.
• Ability to generate new ideas, unique concepts, models and solutions.

Desirable

• Experience in setting one’s own research agenda.
• Evidence of teamwork and collaboration with relevant partners.

How to Apply

Applications will be assessed on how well candidates satisfy the qualifications, skills, knowledge and experience criteria outlined above. This is an externally funded, fixed-term five-year post-doctoral fellowship based within the Signpost Farms programme.

Original vacancy