Are you passionate about sustainable agriculture, soil science, and plant biology? A prestigious PhD opportunity is now open at University College Dublin (UCD) for researchers interested in exploring biostimulants and grassland soil structure under reduced nutrient inputs.
📌 PhD Position Overview
- Title: PhD in Biostimulants and Soil Structure for Sustainable Grass Production
- Institution: University College Dublin (UCD), Ireland
- Start Date: 1 September 2025
- Duration: 4 years (Full-time, fully funded)
- Funding: €25,000 annual stipend + full tuition coverage
- Deadline to Apply: 18 June 2025, 17:00 GMT
🌱 About the Research Project: BIOS4Grass
The PhD position is part of the BIOS4Grass Project, funded by Ireland’s Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM). This national research initiative is focused on reducing the use of synthetic inputs in grass-based agriculture. It promotes the use of elite grass germplasm and bio-based solutions such as biostimulants to improve soil health, productivity, and sustainability.
This doctoral project will explore how biostimulants influence:
- The growth and performance of perennial ryegrass and multispecies swards
- Soil structure using high-resolution X-ray Computed Tomography (CT)
- The GrassVESS method (a visual evaluation of soil structure) validated through X-ray imaging
- New methodologies for sampling and analyzing soil cores in pasture-based systems
🔬 Key Research Responsibilities
- Conduct field sampling across Ireland for soil and plant analysis
- Collect and analyze soil cores using X-ray CT
- Evaluate the impact of biostimulants on plant performance and soil structure
- Develop innovative soil sampling protocols for grassland research
- Collaborate with leading institutions:
- Munster Technological University
- Teagasc
- AgriFood and Biosciences Institute (Northern Ireland)
🎓 Doctoral Training and Support
As a UCD PhD candidate, you will be part of the UCD Research and Professional Doctoral Training Programme, receiving:
- Advanced training in research methods
- Transferable professional skills
- Opportunities to work in multidisciplinary and collaborative teams
✅ Candidate Requirements
To be eligible for this exciting PhD opportunity, applicants must have:
- A minimum of a second-class honours degree in plant biology, soil science, agronomy, or a related field
- Strong organizational and independent working skills
- A full, clean driving license (required for fieldwork across Ireland)
- Excellent teamwork and communication skills
- For non-native English speakers: IELTS score of 8.0 (or equivalent proof of English proficiency)
📬 How to Apply
Send your complete application to Dr. Saoirse Tracy at: Saoirse.tracy@ucd.ie
Application must include:
- A cover letter describing your motivation and suitability
- A detailed curriculum vitae (CV)
- Contact details of two academic referees
- Proof of English language proficiency (if applicable)
🕓 Application Deadline: 18 June 2025 at 17:00 GMT
📅 Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed in June or July 2025.
🌍 Why Choose UCD and BIOS4Grass?
University College Dublin is one of Europe’s leading research-intensive universities. As part of the BIOS4Grass project, you will contribute to transformative research aimed at building climate-smart, low-input agricultural systems for Ireland and beyond.
UCD is committed to equality, diversity, and open recruitment. All applicants are encouraged to apply regardless of background.