PhD Scholarship at Munster Technological University Cork Ireland

PhD Scholarship                                                                    

The MTU Sustainable Infrastructure Research & Innovation Group (SIRIG), School of Building & Civil Engineering is pleased to offer a PhD scholarship for research in the area of agro-economy, arable farming, data analysis and statistical modelling. The scholarship is set within the SIMONE Project which is a collaborative large-scale project (2024-2028). For further information on the project please see https://sirig.mtu.ie/our-project/simone-project-2023-2028/

The project is funded through the Interreg NWE Programme with a large multi-partner project team.

Project Background and Detail

Arable farming has a wide range of solutions for modernizing and adapting its practices, with a considerable impact on the resilience of North-West Europe (NWE). As set out in the EU Green Deal strategy, reducing pesticide and nutrient use by 50% and 20% respectively, by 2030 and ensuring sustainable farming systems are necessary for a fair, healthy, and green EU food system.

SIMONE project will act as the driving force behind this agroecological transition in the NWE area by addressing three major issues faced by farmers at the cropping system level, which are: (i) integrated weed management, (ii) sustainable crop nutrition, and (iii) crop resilience management. Although many agroecological measures such as farming practices, technologies, genetics etc, exist, they need to be inventoried, evaluated, and adapted to farm-specific conditions, which are the primary focus of the SIMONE project.

Seven living labs across 4 countries in NWE will be set up to strengthen (inter-) regional cooperation, define the needs of farmers and actors, and identify possible agroecological transition paths. Having identified the most relevant agroecological measures, partners will co-develop simulators to predict the most effective combinations of measures based on technical-economic and environmental indicators at local and regional levels.

Farmers on their farms will then implement and evaluate these measures through On-Farm Experiments (OFE). Regional partners and stakeholders will assist at least 50 farmers in their OFE by (i) setting up trials, (ii) providing monitoring expertise and smart technologies, (iii) proposing action-oriented development to support the agroecological transition. Cross-fertilisation will be promoted through impactful dissemination and collaboration activities to reach at least 10,000 stakeholders.

PhD Scholarship Details

The successful candidate will receive a stipend of €21,000 per annum up to December 2027 and an annual contribution of €6,000 towards tuition fees. Attendance at project meetings and conferences will be facilitated.

An outline of the work which the successful candidate will undertake as part of their PhD research includes:

1. Study and follow the technical literature including academic papers, journals, and textbooks to keep abreast with the state-of-the-art on the topic.
2. Conduct research in preparing definitions of agro-ecological indicators, preparing questionnaires for stakeholders, conducting interviews and surveys, analyse the collected data and providing feedback to other living lab partners associated with the SIMONE project, interpreting results from Bayesian models and provide feedback, providing framework to partners for investigating impact of climate change in the agricultural sectors in each living labs.
3. Actively participate in field activities such as stakeholder engagement, training activities, and submit progress reports in fulfilment of the project requirements.
4. Present the research outcomes at meetings, project workshops, and to external audiences to disseminate and publicise research findings in line with SIMONE project.
5. Record, analyse and write up results of research work and contribute to the production of research reports and publications.
6. Carry out routine administrative duties as requested, e.g. arranging research programme group meetings, contributing to research programme website, contributing to the organisation of SIMONE workshops and events.
7. Plan own day-to-day activity within the framework of the agreed research and training programme, manage own time and meet agreed deadlines.
8. Make internal and external contacts to develop knowledge and understanding and form relationships for future collaboration.

This research position, which is currently available, offers candidates an opportunity to work within a large EU research consortium and as part of a multidisciplinary research environment within MTU. The PhD candidate will have the opportunity for national and international travel to conferences and for project collaboration. The PhD candidate will also work closely with colleagues in MTU in the Sustainable Infrastructure Research & Innovation Group.

Applicants should hold (or about to obtain) an Honours Bachelor degree (minimum final grade 2.1 or equivalent) or a Master Degree in agricultural science, horticulture science, plant science, agronomist, agricultural engineering or a similar cognate discipline. Fluency in English and excellent written and oral presentation skills are required. Additional desirable criteria for the candidate include:

1. Have excellent communication skills and experience in stakeholder engagement.
2. Sufficient breadth or depth of specialist knowledge in agro-economy, statistics (descriptive and Bayesian) data analysis (quantitative and qualitative), climate modelling, computer programming, Geographical Information System.
3. Ability to logically conceptualize and summarize research findings.
4. Ability to work proactively and independently, as well as in a team, under pressure, respect deadlines, and produce quality work.
5. Ability to communicate complex information clearly, and demonstrable intellectual ability.
6. Have or about to obtain a Masters (ME/MTech/MSc) in agricultural science, horticulture science, plant science, agronomist, agricultural engineering, or a similar cognate discipline, or in a related field.
7. Relevant knowledge of quantitative analysis, experience in fieldwork activities, and/or other research experience.
8. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
9. Excellent interpersonal skills and an enthusiasm for working in a research team.
10. A driving licence.

Written applications, in English, should include a concise C.V., a one-page letter of motivation describing why you are interested in this position, an English language test certificate, if applicable and contact details for three references. Along with the application, please include a copy of relevant qualifications such as official university transcripts. Please email applications to Dr. Niamh Power (niamh.power@mtu.ie), Dr. Bidroha Basu (bidroha.basu@mtu.ie) and Joseph Croke (joseph.croke@mtu.ie) by 16.00CET /17.00GMT on Friday 3rd May. Shortlisted candidates will be called for an interview in end of May 2024.