About the Project
+++ Deadline extended: 21st of October 2020 +++
We are seeking an enthusiastic and highly motivated student for a 4-year, DAFM-funded (Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine) project. The project is part of a larger collaboration between UCD, NUI Galway, TCD, and Teagasc and aims to develop and test new and existing biobased products for barley production. Increasing EU regulations on fertiliser use and the application of currently available biostimulants require the need to seek and validate effective alternatives for growers. Further details of the PhD studentship are as follows:
Team: The student will be based full-time at the UCD Belfield campus and will be registered for the School of Biology and Environmental Science structured PhD programme. They will be part of the UCD Centre for Plant Science (http://www.ucdplantscience.com/) and join an interdisciplinary team of researchers devoted to sustainable crop production. The student will also complete a number of advanced PhD-level modules, as well as professional training, which will benefit their future career.
Project description: Crop production is currently dependent on chemical fertilisers as the main source of plant nutrition. Bio-fertilisers have the potential to significantly reduce the application of traditional nitrogen fertilisers while simultaneously increasing crop stress resistance and grain quality. Therefore, it is key to study if bio-based fertilisers can have an impact on reducing fossil-based fertiliser use.
The successful applicant will be conducting greenhouse experiments with barley and analyse agronomically and physiologically important traits and their response to bio-fertiliser treatments. This will involve growing and phenotyping different barley varieties, grain quality analyses and greenhouse gas emission analyses.
Qualifications: The project is suited to applicants who have an interest in crop science or plant pathology and a background in crop science, microbiology, botany, or plant genetics. Other cognate disciplines may also be considered. Applicants should possess a minimum of a B.Sc. Honours degree graded at 2.1, or higher. Proficiency in English language (both written and spoken), an aptitude for critical inquiry and problem solving, as well as the ability to work in a team are essential.
Stipend: The successful applicant will receive a tax-free stipend of €18,000 per year, full coverage of EU tuition fees and some funds for conference travel. The position will start on the 1st of January 2021.
Equality and diversity: 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/). Applications from all suitably qualified candidates will be considered.
For further information and informal enquiries please e-mail:
[Email Address Removed], [Email Address Removed] or [Email Address Removed]
To apply please e-mail [Email Address Removed] by 16th October 2020 a single pdf document with a detailed curriculum vitae describing any previous research experience, a cover letter detailing your research interests and goals, and the contact details (e-mail and phone number) of at least two academic referees.
Continue with Facebook
