Research Assistant – Sustainable Farming Systems at Queen’s University Belfast

This exciting position will allow the successful candidate to join the Institute for Global Food’s Security’s Innovation team. The postholder will work on a newly funded project Dairy+, funded by a KIC (Knowledge and Innovation Community part of Horizon Europe) named EIT Food. They will assist in the collection of farm-level data across multiple countries across Europe as well as the United Kingdom (UK). This will include the collection of data related to carbon, biodiversity, soil health, and water quality, as well as engaging with farmers and stakeholders. Responsibilities also include supporting the wider team in developing and coordinating farm sustainable audits, creating training materials, and delivering knowledge exchange activities to scale up sustainable practices. In addition, you will support the team in conducting cost-effectiv e analyses of farming practices to identify the environmental and economic feasibility of measures for specific farmers. You’ll work alongside the project lead, as well as collaborate with researchers and policymakers to optimise farming strategies and quantify the impacts on greenhouse gas emissions, sustainability and economic viability.

About the person:

The successful must have, and your application should clearly demonstrate that you meet the following essential criteria:

• Have a Degree in a relevant subject area e.g., Biological Science, Food Science, Agriculture or related subject.
• Experience of data collection in related to agricultural and/or environmental systems.
• Relevant experience of working with stakeholders and industry.
• Knowledge of MRV protocols and associated tools in relation to carbon, biodiversity, soil health and water quality.
• Experience of working collaboratively with partners, both academic and non-academic.

To be successful at shortlisting stage, please ensure you clearly evidence in your application how you meet the essential and, where applicable, desirable criteria listed in the Candidate Information document linked on our website.