Background:
We are seeking a qualified, enthusiastic and highly motivated student for a 4-year PhD project funded by Teagasc
under the Walsh Scholarships Programme. The project is part of a larger collaboration between UCD, Teagasc,
mushroom growers and mushroom casing producers in Ireland. The mushroom sector is under immediate pressure
to reduce peat use. The aim of the project is to help the mushroom industry transition away from peat, with a
view of identifying and testing sustainable and suitable alternative casing materials for edible mushroom (Agaricus
bisporus) production. This project will develop mushroom casing mixes from the most promising alternative
materials and conduct growth trials to evaluate their performance. In addition it will characterise their physical
properties and structure using X-ray CT. In particular it will focus on understanding mycelial growth responses to
the physical casing structure over time, and assess moisture-holding properties. It will also assess the
environmental impact of suitable casing materials using life cycle analysis.
Team: The student will be based at UCD, with periods spent at Teagasc Research Centre in Ashtown, Dublin, and
will be registered to the UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science for a 4-year full-time structured PhD
programme. A period of laboratory training will be undertaken in Warwickshire, UK. The student will join an
interdisciplinary team of researchers investigating sustainable mushroom production and can become Associate
Member of the UCD Earth Institute Science (https://www.ucd.ie/earth/).
Requirements: Applicants must have a First or upper Second Class Honours undergraduate degree in an
appropriate discipline (e.g. Agricultural Science, Plant Science, Soil Science, Environmental Science, Chemistry,
Engineering), and an additional Master’s degree is highly desirable. The successful candidate should be highly self-
motivated and be prepared to acquire the necessary skills for laboratory work, and to work on growth trials in
mushroom houses, working with modern analytical and mushroom production equipment. Field and laboratory
experimental and analytical skills and experience are highly desirable, although training will be provided.
Candidates must hold a full EU driving licence and be fluent in English, at a level that meets UCD minimum
requirements. See following link
https://www.ucd.ie/registry/prospectivestudents/admissions/policiesandgeneralregulations/generalrequirements/
minimumenglishlanguagerequirements/
Award and Doctoral Training: The student will be registered for a structured doctoral degree programme at
UCD and the student's research, training and development will be guided by a Research Studies Panel. The student
will also complete a number of advanced PhD-level modules (30 ECTS), as well as professional training, which will
benefit their future career. This PhD position is expected to start on 1st October 2021. The scholarship funding is
€24,000 per annum including a tax-free stipend and University fees (up to a maximum of €6,000 per annum), and
is tenable for 4 years.
Equality, diversity and inclusion: UCD is committed to creating an environment where diversity is celebrated
and everyone is treated fairly regardless of gender, age, race, disability, ethnic origin, religion, sexual orientation,
civil status, family status, or membership of the travelling community (https://www.ucd.ie/equality/).
Further Information/Application Procedure
The advisory team includes Dr. Saoirse Tracy and Prof. Olaf Schmidt in UCD, and Dr. Lael Walsh, Dr. Helen Grogan
and Mr Donal Gernon in Teagasc. For further information contact: Dr. Saoirse Tracy, School of Agriculture and
Food Science, University College Dublin or Dr. Lael Walsh, Teagasc ([Email Address Removed]). To apply, submit an
electronic copy of 1) your Curriculum Vitae (including names of two referees) and 2) a letter of motivation specific
to this project to Dr. Saoirse Tracy: [Email Address Removed].
Closing date: 12th April 2021 (17.00 hours GMT).
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