Applications are invited for a fixed term post (until 01 July 2021) of a Post doctoral Research Fellow Level 1 within UCD School of Biosystems and Food Engineering.

Farm Zero C is a collaboration between BiOrbic, Carbery, UCD, TCD and others to address the challenge of carbon neutral farming. The Farm Zero C solution compromises a combination of diverse climate mitigation strategies that when combined reduce the greenhouse gas emissions of farms, increase biodiversity, quantify the value of natural capital, decrease the farm's operational cost, and increase the value of its products. Key to the FarmZeroC project is development of an IT platform (FarmZeroC App) as a critical tool for the farmer to gather the data and take control of the climate impact of their farm.

Frequent primary data will be collected from milk quantity and quality records, satellite spectrometry assessment for CO2 and CH4, farm imports records, and farm visits.

The inputs will be fed into an algorithm which will calculate on a daily basis the carbon footprint of farms. The data collected from for each climate mitigation strategy will be fed into an algorithm which can identify the environmental impact of each strategy.

This Post-doctoral Research Fellow role will focus on developing a real-time life cycle assessment model based on the FarmZeroC farm data and mitigation strategies. This research will develop a methodology to allow dynamic population of the life cycle inventory, and impact assessment of the dynamic scenarios integrating the environmental dimension in the integrated FarmZeroC App.

There will be a specific focus on interacting with project partners, farmers and industry partners during all stages of the project to best understand the farming approach and for real-time data collection. Post-doctoral Research Fellow can be based at UCD or at the FarmZeroC farm in Shinagh, West Cork. 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.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

UCD is committed to creating an inclusive environment where diversity is celebrated, and everyone is afforded equality of opportunity. To that end the university adheres to a range of equality, diversity and inclusion policies. We encourage applicants to consult those policies here https://www.ucd.ie/equality/. We welcome applications from everyone, including those who identify with any of the protected characteristics that are set out in our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion policy.

Salary: €38,631 - €41,025 per annum

Appointment on the above range will be dependent on qualifications and experience

Closing date: 17:00hrs (local Irish time) on 11 October 2021

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 offers a comprehensive Research Careers Framework in line with the Advisory Science Council Report 'Towards a Framework for Researcher Careers'. This model provides a structured and supportive Career and Skills Development system designed to ensure that Post-docs in UCD are able to plan their careers and prepare for future opportunities in academia, industry or the public sector. For more information, please click here https://www.ucd.ie/researchcareers/

Prior to application, further information (including application procedure) should be obtained from the Work at UCD website: https://www.ucd.ie/workatucd/jobs/

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