Deadline: 20 March 2023

I. Background

The Irish dairy sector urgently needs to stabilize and reduce gaseous emissions whilst improving water quality and biodiversity levels. The research topic of this Scholarship aligns with Ireland’s Agri-Food Strategy 2030, targeting a climate-neutral food system by 2050, with verifiable progress achieved by 2030. Within intensively managed agricultural grasslands, recent results demonstrate important benefits of multi-species
mixtures, which offer an important practical, farm-scale management practice for more sustainable agriculture.

This Walsh Scholarship will focus on defining a blueprint for multispecies swards for agronomic and environmental benefits at low chemical nitrogen input. A mixed methodology approach is planned for this post graduate programme which includes analysis of secondary data from the established dairy systems
grazing study (a farmlet study comparing a Perennial Ryegrass and White Clover sward to a Multispecies sward), continuing that farm systems study with the addition of more detailed grassland science data, and small plot component agronomy studies (persistence and over sowing methods).

The overarching hypothesis of this project is that Irish dairy farming can significantly lower its chemical nitrogen input through the use of legumes and alternative species in grassland (in addition to other technologies such as LESS, protected fertilizers, organic fertilizer additives) without any significant reduction in production or
profitability.

The postgraduate program will involve further training in experimental design, data and statistical analysis, scientific writing amongst other modules as appropriate. The experimentation is largely within Teagasc Environment Research Centre and associated facilities and research farm in Johnstown Castle, Co. Wexford. There will be opportunities to present your finding at national and international scientific
conferences.

II. Requirements

• Applications are invited from graduates holding a first or 2.1 class honours degree or M.Sc. in an appropriate discipline (Environmental Science, Agricultural Science, Plant Science, Agronomy or related).
• The successful candidate should be highly self-motivated and be prepared for laboratory work and periods of fieldwork with modern analytical equipment.
• A full EU driving license is essential.
• For applicants whose first language is not English, requirements are outlined HERE
   

III. Award

• The Postgraduate Scholarship, initially at MSc level with progression to PhD subject to stage transfer is a joint research project between Teagasc, Johnstown Castle; and University College Dublin (UCD).
• The student will be under the supervision of Drs Bridget Lynch and John Finn (Teagasc) and Associate Professor Karina Pierce (UCD).
• The Scholarship funding is €24,000 per annum which includes university fees of up to a maximum of €6,000 per annum and is tenable for 4 years.

I. Application Procedure

• Applicants should submit 1 PDF document with a CV and covering letter together detailing their qualifications and experience to Bridget Lynch ([email protected]).
• The attached PDF must contain your name.

V. Further Information

For additional information, please contact:

• Dr Bridget Lynch, Teagasc, Johnstown Castle, Wexford Ireland; email: [email protected]
• Assoc. Prof. Karina Pierce, School of Agriculture & Food Science, UCD, Dublin, Ireland; email: [email protected]