Arayaselassie Abebe

Project-focused scientific professional with more than eight years of experience leading and delivering multidisciplinary research, environmental and academic projects from concept development through implementation, analysis, reporting and final delivery. Currently a Postdoctoral Researcher at University College Cork, with previous experience as a Lecturer, Researcher, Project Lead and Head of Department at Haramaya University. Strong record of developing projects from the ground up, coordinating multiple workstreams, managing teams and stakeholders, monitoring deliverables, solving operational problems, analysing complex data and preparing technical documentation and presentations.

Experienced in working independently and cross-functionally, managing competing priorities and communicating effectively with researchers, institutional leaders, community stakeholders and project partners. Brings a strong scientific background, analytical mindset and transferable project-management experience relevant to complex technical and regulated environments.

Postdoctoral Researcher at University College Cork (2024-09 – Present)

School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences

• Lead and contribute to complex scientific research projects involving multiple datasets, work packages, collaborators and defined project deliverables.
• Plan research activities from project concept through data collection, analysis, interpretation, reporting and publication.
• Coordinate project tasks and monitor progress against research objectives and timelines.
• Identify analytical and operational challenges and develop practical solutions to maintain project progress.
• Manage and quality-check complex scientific datasets before analysis and reporting.
• Collaborate with researchers from different scientific backgrounds and institutions to deliver shared project objectives.
• Prepare technical reports, scientific manuscripts, presentations and project documentation.
• Present project findings to academic and professional audiences.
• Apply quantitative analysis, GIS and statistical methods to support evidence-based decision-making.
• Manage competing priorities across multiple research outputs while maintaining accuracy and quality.

Lecturer, Researcher, Project Lead & Head of Department at Haramaya University (2015-11 – 2024-01)

• Led and coordinated multidisciplinary research and academic projects from initial concept development through implementation and completion.
• Developed project objectives, methodologies, activity plans, resource requirements and deliverables.
• Managed multiple concurrent research projects involving academic staff, students, external stakeholders and community partners.
• Monitored project activities and identified delays, risks and operational challenges requiring corrective action.
• Coordinated teams and assigned responsibilities to ensure delivery of agreed activities.
• Facilitated meetings, technical discussions, workshops and presentations.
• Prepared project reports, technical documentation, research outputs and management updates.
• Managed research data collection, quality assurance, analysis and interpretation.
• Supervised postgraduate and undergraduate researchers and provided technical guidance throughout project delivery.
• Worked with multidisciplinary teams and institutional stakeholders to resolve project and operational challenges.
• Served as Head of the Department of Range Ecology and Biodiversity, coordinating academic, research and administrative activities.
• Contributed to planning, workload allocation, programme delivery and departmental performance management.
• Supported continuous improvement in academic and research processes.

PhD in Plant Biology and Biodiversity Management – Addis Ababa University (2023)

MSc in Plant Biology and Biodiversity Management – Addis Ababa University (2013)

BEd in Biology – Bahir Dar University (2011)