Postdoctoral Position: Enteric Methane Emissions in Grazing Dairy Systems – Teagasc Ireland
About Teagasc & VistaMilk Research Centre
Applications are open for a Post Doctoral Fellow position in Enteric Methane Emissions in Grazing Dairy Systems at Teagasc, Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co Cork, Ireland. Teagasc Moorepark is Ireland’s leading dairy research institute with national responsibility for all aspects of dairy production research. The position is funded by the VistaMilk Research Centre, a unique collaboration between Agri-food and ICT research institutes and leading Irish/multinational food and ICT companies. The facility operates 7 individual dairy research farms totalling 500 hectares and over 1,000 dairy cows.
Scholarship Overview
Job Summary
Methane emissions from enteric fermentation account for the majority of the Irish dairy sector’s greenhouse gas emissions profile. Developing strategies to reduce methane output will be important in meeting Irish agriculture’s climate targets. In Irish pasture-based dairy systems, methane emissions vary with factors such as feed intake, seasonality, and pasture management. This competition seeks to recruit a post-doctoral researcher to quantify the primary pasture effects on methane emissions and determine the methane abatement response when feed additives are used in pasture-based systems.
Why This Postdoctoral Position Stands Out
This postdoctoral position is unique because it addresses a critical climate challenge: enteric methane emissions from grazing dairy systems. Ireland has ambitious agricultural emissions reduction targets, and pasture-based systems present specific challenges for methane mitigation. The role is based at Teagasc Moorepark, Ireland’s leading dairy research institute, with access to over 1,000 dairy cows and pasture-based GreenFeed units for methane measurement. The position includes enrolment in a Level 9 Professional Diploma in Researcher Development delivered by University College Dublin (UCD) – a valuable career development opportunity. For a PhD graduate interested in animal nutrition, greenhouse gas mitigation, and grazing systems, this is an opportunity to conduct applied research with direct policy relevance.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and implement research experiments on methane mitigation strategies within grazing dairy systems
- Collate and statistically analyse datasets
- Interpret and publish research results in the scientific and popular press, and at conferences (nationally and internationally)
- Disseminate research findings to a variety of audiences as appropriate
- Comply with all relevant Teagasc policies and procedures
- Actively participate in the Teagasc Post-Doctoral Fellowship programme and review processes
Candidate Profile and Eligibility
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Education | PhD in agricultural science, environmental science or related discipline |
| Experience | Relevant research experience not to exceed 3 years post-PhD |
| Research Experience | Grazing systems and/or animal nutrition |
| Technical Expertise | Design, analysis, and interpretation of data from animal field studies |
| Publications | Evidence of research activities (publications, conference presentations, awards) and future scholarly output |
| Collaboration | Ability to collaborate with team members and PhD students |
| Skills | Project management, analytical, report writing and data analysis skills |
| Communication | Excellent communication skills (oral, written, presentation) |
| Driving | Legal requirements to drive unaccompanied on Irish public roads |
Desirable:
- Comprehensive knowledge of the main factors influencing enteric methane output
- Experience in setting own research agenda
- Evidence of teamwork and collaboration with relevant partners
What They Offer
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Salary | €45,069 – €49,395 (Post Doc Level 1) |
| Duration | 13 months (temporary) |
| Location | Moorepark, Fermoy, Co Cork, Ireland |
| Training | Level 9 Professional Diploma in Researcher Development (UCD) |
| Facilities | 7 dairy research farms, 500 hectares, 1,000+ dairy cows, GreenFeed units for methane measurement |
| Research Network | VistaMilk Research Centre collaboration |
My Application Tips
- Highlight your research experience in grazing systems and/or animal nutrition – Essential for this role
- Emphasize experience with animal field studies – Design, analysis, and interpretation of data
- Show your publication record – Evidence of research activities and scholarly output
- Demonstrate knowledge of enteric methane – Comprehensive understanding is desirable
- Ensure you have a valid driver’s licence – Legal requirement to drive on Irish public roads
Who Should Apply
This postdoctoral position is perfect for a recent PhD graduate (within 3 years) in agricultural science, environmental science, or a related discipline who wants to work on enteric methane mitigation in grazing dairy systems. If you have experience with animal field studies, data analysis, and a strong publication record, and want to contribute to Ireland’s climate targets, this position offers a 13-month contract at Ireland’s leading dairy research institute.
How to Apply
Apply through the Teagasc recruitment portal.
Closing Date: June 26, 2026 – 12:00 PM
Location: Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co Cork, P61 C997e
