Teagasc PhD Walsh Scholarship: Teagasc, in partnership with Trinity College Dublin, offers a PhD opportunity under the Walsh Scholarship Programme. This project focuses on investigating tree resistance to pathogens, with a specific case study on ash dieback (E-Path). The PhD candidate will integrate field data and molecular techniques to assess infection risks and develop ecological forecasting tools to enhance tree health management and biodiversity conservation.
Teagasc PhD Walsh Scholarship: Investigating Tree Resistance to Pathogens – Case Study on Ash Dieback (E-Path)
Designation:
PhD Researcher
Research Area:
Tree Resistance to Pathogens, Plant Pathology, Molecular Biology, Forestry, Environmental Sciences
Location:
Teagasc Oak Park, Carlow, Ireland (with academic supervision from Trinity College Dublin)
Eligibility/Qualification:
- First or Upper Second Class Honours degree or MSc in an appropriate discipline (e.g., tree improvement, plant pathology, plant science, plant biotechnology, forestry, or related field).
- Practical experience in molecular biology, tree physiology, plant-microbe interactions, and plant pathology is highly desirable.
- Strong communication skills in English (both written and oral).
- For non-native English speakers, the required English language proficiency standards are available here.
Job Description:
The PhD researcher will focus on the following key objectives:
- Field Data Collection and Integration: Implement field campaigns to gather biotic, abiotic, and remote sensing data to scale results from individual trees to ecosystem levels.
- Molecular Investigations: Utilize advanced molecular techniques such as genotyping and qPCR to assess pathogen load and its distribution across diverse ash genotypes.
- Remote Sensing: Employ drone-based multispectral imaging to monitor tree health and detect infection symptoms.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with forest managers, policymakers, and conservation organizations to translate research findings into practical management strategies.
The research will contribute to sustainable forestry practices and biodiversity conservation, addressing ecological challenges posed by plant-pathogen interactions.
How to Apply:
Interested applicants should submit a single PDF file including:
- A detailed CV
- A letter of interest
Applications should be sent to:
Dr. Dheeraj Rathore (dheeraj.rathore@teagasc.ie)
Reference Number: 2024207 (Please quote in the subject field)
Last Date to Apply:
The first round of shortlisting will take place on 10th January 2024. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
For further information, please contact:
Dr. Dheeraj Rathore, Teagasc (dheeraj.rathore@teagasc.ie)
Dr. Silvia Caldararu, Trinity College Dublin (CALDARAS@tcd.ie)
Award:
This 4-year PhD position offers an annual stipend of €25,000 and a contribution to EU tuition fees of €5,750 per annum. Total funding per year is €30,750. The candidate will be supervised by Dr. Silvia Caldararu (TCD) and Dr. Dheeraj Rathore (Teagasc).
