PhD: Biostimulants and Soil Structure: University College Dublin (UCD) invites applications for a fully funded PhD position focused on enhancing sustainable grassland productivity through innovative research on biostimulants and soil structure. This exciting project integrates fieldwork, lab analysis, and collaborative efforts with major research institutions across Ireland and Northern Ireland.
📍 Location: University College Dublin (UCD), Ireland
📅 Start Date: 1 September 2025
⏳ Duration: 4 years (fully funded)
💰 Stipend: €25,000 per year + full tuition fees
🗓️ Application Deadline: 18 June 2025, 17:00 GMT
🎓 Designation:
PhD Researcher (Full-time)
🔬 Research Area:
- Biostimulants in agriculture
- Soil structure and health
- Sustainable grassland and pasture systems
- X-ray CT imaging and soil core analysis
📌 Job Location:
School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin (UCD), Ireland
✅ Eligibility/Qualification:
- Minimum of a second-class honours degree (or equivalent) in plant biology, soil science, agronomy, or a related field
- Strong organizational and independent research skills
- Full, clean driving license (mandatory for fieldwork)
- Excellent communication and teamwork abilities
- Non-native English speakers must have an IELTS score of 8.0 or equivalent
📋 Job Description:
The PhD researcher will:
- Conduct extensive field sampling of soil and plant materials across Ireland
- Perform high-resolution X-ray CT analysis of soil cores
- Study the effects of biostimulants on plant and soil health
- Develop novel soil sampling techniques for pasture environments
- Work closely with research partners at Munster Technological University, Teagasc, and the AgriFood and Biosciences Institute (NI)
📨 How to Apply:
Submit the following documents via email to Dr. Saoirse Tracy at Saoirse.tracy@ucd.ie:
- Cover letter detailing your motivation and suitability
- Full CV
- Contact details of two academic referees
- Proof of English language proficiency (if applicable)
⏰ Last Date to Apply:
18 June 2025, by 17:00 GMT
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview in June/July 2025.
