Job Opportunities in Ireland


August 22, 2024

Teagasc

Carlow

FULL TIME


Principal Research Officer – Statistics, Data Science and Analytics

Location: Teagasc, Oak Park, Carlow. Location at another Teagasc research centre may be considered solely at the discretion of Teagasc management.

Research

Salary: Principal Research Officer with a Salary Scale of €92,004 to €126,034

Closing Date: 30/09/2024 12:00 PM

Permanent Full Time



Job Description
Duration:
Permanent . 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 successful candidate will provide strong leadership, oversight and direction in applying cutting edge statistical techniques and data analytics to develop, construct, and advance Teagasc research and innovation programmes. The appointee will proactively collaborate with Teagasc research scientists and external partners on joint projects contributing to experimental design, analysis, and interpretation and visualisation of results and, where appropriate, to scientific publications. The appointee will drive for a high level of performance outcomes by the statistics and data analytics support team and nurture a culture of service evaluation, while also delivering their own innovative research programme contributing to ground-breaking discoveries and advancements. In addition, the appointee will co-develop high-level training modules in data analytical approaches and help the delivery of data analytic clinics at Teagasc research centres for Teagasc research staff and postgraduate students. The successful candidate will manage the Teagasc data team, and will supervise (or jointly supervise) post-graduate students and/or contract researchers as appropriate; the candidate is also expected to develop their own research programme. The appointee will also engage in continuous professional development and will continue to broaden their knowledge and further develop skills in this area. The Principal Research Officer will demonstrate a level of subject knowledge and technical expertise that would meet international standards of recognition and will operate with integrity in all aspects of their work. The successful candidate will be able to adapt and change their work approach to suit changing circumstances and emerging technologies.

Background:
Teagasc is the national public authority for the provision of integrated research, advisory, education and training services to the Irish agri-food sector. The organisation is recognised both nationally and internationally for the quality of its research programmes. Teagasc’s research capability is a key part of Ireland’s research and innovation infrastructure. Teagasc launched its new Digital Transformation Strategy in October 2022 and one of the three pillars of the strategy was the setting up of a Data Value Platform. The Research Directorate is comprised of four programme areas: (1) Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation, (2) Crops, Environment and Land Use, (3) Food and (4) Rural Economy and Development. Teagasc runs over 400 projects annually across its 7 research centres. In 2021, Teagasc published over 784 peer-reviewed publications making it the largest publisher of agriculture and food research in Ireland. Teagasc is highly successful in competing for funding both nationally and at EU level. In comparison with all other research organisations and universities across Europe, Teagasc is ranked 7th in terms of total funding awarded in the agri-food stream of Horizon Europe. The organisation’s research programme is highly competitive at national and international level. With regard to publications, Teagasc is ranked the highest in the disciplines of Food Science, Agronomy and Crop Science, and second highest in the disciplines of Agriculture and Biological Science in terms of number of publications and citations across the Irish HEI sector.
Job Objectives
  • Provide leadership and expertise within Teagasc on statistics and data science, contributing intellectually to establishing best practice in data analytical methods and procedures to ensure validity, applicability, efficiency and accuracy.
  • Lead a team of research staff in the area of statistics, data science, and analytics involving strategic planning, effective communication, technical oversight, and fostering a collaborative environment.
  • Lead and participate in research projects at national and international levels. This includes project design, applications for funding, project implementation, supervision of post-graduate students and contract researchers; and publication of peer-reviewed research papers (lead or co-author) in leading international journals.
  • Establish and maintain active collaborative contacts with the relevant national and international statistical competency networks of excellence.
  • Develop a Teagasc data management and analytics Support Strategy for research staff and senior management.
  • Lead and co-deliver a comprehensive statistical and data analytical support service to Teagasc research staff and post-graduate students, with a key focus on data management, experimental design, analysis, interpretation and visualisation of results from controlled experiments and surveys embracing advanced data mining approaches such as machine learning and artificial intelligence.
  • Co-ordinate a programme of data analytical consultation clinics and deliver data management and analytics training to Teagasc research staff and post-graduate students.
  • Collaborate with Teagasc ICT Department, researchers and other relevant stakeholders, to deliver best practice digital tools and techniques that efficiently support data capture, analysis and visualisation.
  • Comply with all relevant Teagasc policies and procedures.
  • Engage in continuous professional development relevant to the role.
  • 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 Requirement


Essential

Desirable


Qualifications

  • Candidates must hold an honours Level 8 degree, as recognised on the National Framework of Qualifications (QQI), in Statistics, Biostatistics, Data Science, Applied Maths or other relevant qualification at this level or higher.
  • A Ph D degree in Statistics, Biostatistics, Data Science, Applied Maths, or a Ph D in another discipline that included a significant element of statistical analysis.
  • A minimum of 5 years of relevant experience operating at the level of senior data analyst, leading and managing teams etc.
Note: While a Ph D is an essential requirement for this post, equivalent research experience may be deemed acceptable solely at the discretion of the Director of Teagasc.

  • A strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals.

Knowledge/Skills

  • Demonstrated knowledge and in-depth expertise in the field of data management and analysis
  • Ability to critically evaluate complex information and make judgements that reflect a wide understanding of issues and scenarios
  • Engaging and consultative leadership style, with ability to effectively manage people and resources.
  • Ability to communicate and network effectively with a wide range of stakeholders.
  • Ability to foster high work standards, discipline, and accountability
  • An understanding of Teagasc Research programmes and activities.
  • A full appreciation of the public sector and familiarity with its governance requirements.


Behavioural Competencies

  • Demonstrated ability to provide clear leadership and direction that engages others and inspires colleagues to achieve.
  • Strong strategic and operational decision-making capacity
  • Results-driven with an ability to work on own initiative and as part of a team.
  • Self-disciplined, organised and methodical.
  • Proven ability to develop and nurture key relationships to achieve programme outcomes.
  • A strong commitment to teamwork and cross-functional collaboration.
  • Resilient and resourceful with an ability to maintain control, concentration and performance levels under high demand.
  • A change-agent with an ability to lead, persuade and influence others to positively and proactively challenge the status quo and to promote innovation and new thinking within the business context.
  • Proven track record of delivering quality results in a pressurised environment.
  • Flexible, pro-active, solutions-focused approach to work.
  • Ability to adapt to changing requirements and shifting priorities.
  • Leads by example and promotes continuous improvement with a quality customer focus.
  • Committed to on-going personal and professional development.

Other

As this role will involve travel between Teagasc centres around the country, the candidates must satisfy and continue to satisfy during employment with Teagasc, legal requirements to drive unaccompanied on Irish public roads.

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.

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