Contract Research Officer – Farm Sustainability Metrics

Job title: Contract Research Officer – Farm Sustainability Metrics

Company: Teagasc


Job description: Job DescriptionDuration:Temporary externally funded non Grant-in-Aid contract post, the indicative duration of which is 31.5 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 Agricultural Economics and Farm Surveys Department of Teagasc is seeking a highly motivated and skilled Research Officer to contribute to the development of farm sustainability indicators, data collection methodologies, and modelling frameworks that inform agricultural policy and practice. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong technical expertise, scientific rigour, and a collaborative mindset. The role is aligned to a project entitled (Modelling Estimates for Agricultural Sustainability Using Real Evidence) which has been recently funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. The project aims to strengthen the capacity of the Teagasc National Farm Survey (NFS) to provide nationally representative evidence of farm level sustainability across systems. The successful candidate will be required to conduct high-quality research in agricultural sustainability across economic, environmental, and social domains, applying both expert knowledge and rigorous methodologies. Responsibilities will include designing and executing surveys, analysing complex data, producing clear written outputs (such as reports, policy briefs, and peer-reviewed publications), and translating findings into practical tools for diverse stakeholders that support effective knowledge transfer and maximise project dissemination and communication impact.Background:The Agricultural Economics and Farm Surveys Department in Teagasc is responsible for economic research, including policy analysis relating to the agri-food sector. The Department also produces the Teagasc NFS and fulfils Ireland’s statutory requirement to provide data on farm output, costs and incomes to the EU Farm Sustainability Data Network (FSDN) to the European Commission on an annual basis. A key element of ongoing work within the team relates to the development of farm sustainability metrics to track the effectiveness of policies such as the CAP. As the agricultural sector faces increasing pressure to balance economic growth with environmental and social sustainability, there is a growing requirement to broaden farm data collection. Teagasc in conjunction with University College Dublin have been awarded funding through the MEASURE project to further our efforts in this regard. This research will provide a roadmap for policymakers, regulators, farmers and other relevant stakeholders across the agri-food sector to make evidence-based decisions and to develop and build upon strategies and policy supports that enhance the resilience, inclusivity, and sustainability of farming and rural communities.Job ObjectivesIn delivering the objectives of the MEASURE project the successful candidate will be involved in the following:

• Applying technical and expert knowledge in agricultural sustainability, including economic, environmental, and social dimensions.
• Designing and implementing high-quality experimental and survey-based research, ensuring accuracy, precision, and adherence to protocols.
• Conducting literature reviews, formulating hypotheses, and analysing complex datasets using appropriate methodologies.
• Exploring the feasibility and trialling new methods for efficient data collection in collaboration with stakeholders.
• Assisting in the facilitation and organization of co-design workshops and focus groups to align data collection tools with user needs.
• Supporting and collaborating with the research team in preparing datasets and modelling farm-level sustainability.
• Producing clear, concise, and well-structured written outputs, including reports, policy briefs, and peer-reviewed publications.
• Translating research findings into practical applications through dashboards, tools, and templates for diverse stakeholders.
• Communicating complex scientific and policy-relevant information in an accessible and engaging manner to a wide range of audiences.
• Contributing to the teamwork and team spirit in the MEASURE project team and the Rural Economy Development Programme more broadly, to foster further collaboration and integration.
• Developing and maintaining active collaborative contacts with other national and international research organisations and with other Programmes in Teagasc.
• 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 RequirementEssentialDesirableQualifications

• An honours Level 8 degree, (as recognised on the

or ), in social science, agricultural economics, environmental science, rural development, or a related field.

• Practical experience in research and data analysis.

Skills

• Subject-matter expertise in agricultural sustainability.
• Ability to conduct rigorous literature reviews and formulate research hypotheses.
• Experience in quantitative and/or qualitative research.
• Familiarity with data collection tools and statistical software.
• Strong writing and communication skills, with a track record of producing high-quality outputs.
• Effective communication skills for stakeholder engagement, knowledge exchange and research dissemination.

• Familiarity with agricultural systems and sustainability metrics.
• Experience in data analysis and modelling.
• Familiarity with data visualisation platforms.
• Ability to initiate and manage research projects.
• Ability to engage in knowledge exchange activities.

Knowledge

• Candidates should have aptitude for research
• and good knowledge of data analysis.
• Computer Literate with proficiency in numerous software.

• Knowledge of the Irish and EU agricultural sector and related sustainability policy.

Behavioural Competencies

• Ability to work as part of a team, including consulting, collaborating and building relationships with key stakeholders.
• Strives for high quality of work and demonstrates commitment to the programme.
• Ability to communicate effectively to enable knowledge and technology transfer.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, proficiency in communicating with a wide range of stakeholders, i.e. national and international scientists, policy makers, industry, farmers.
• Ability to work independently, and to meet self-imposed milestones and deliverables.
• A proactive, solutions-focused approach to work.
• Ability to set clear standards and have a quality customer service focus.

OtherAs 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.
EligibilityThis 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.

Expected salary: €41580 – 78830 per year

Location: Athenry, Co Galway

Job date: Sun, 20 Jul 2025 02:56:22 GMT

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