PhD in Water Quality and Nature-Based Solutions – Why It Matters

Ireland continues to face major water quality challenges, particularly due to agricultural diffuse pollution (ADP) involving phosphorus and suspended sediments. These pollutants spike during storm events, affecting the ecological health of rivers and lakes and hindering progress toward the EU Water Framework Directive’s “Good” status targets.

This innovative PhD project aims to refine predictive water quality models and evaluate nature-based interventions—such as buffer strips and constructed wetlands—to reduce pollution loads during storm and inter-storm periods.

Project Overview and Key Objectives

As a PhD candidate, you will:

• Evaluate and enhance current water quality models tailored to Irish agricultural systems.
• Leverage high-resolution data from the Agricultural Catchments Programme (ACP), which includes over 10 years of water quality and hydro-meteorological observations.
• Conduct fieldwork at a designated research site in County Wexford, using advanced instrumentation and monitoring techniques.
• Run realistic mitigation scenarios for nature-based solutions (NbS) to assess their impact on phosphorus and sediment reduction.
• Scale up successful strategies for broader application, informing both national water policy and sustainable farming practices.

This research builds upon the CRAFT catchment modelling platform, developed over two decades and now being upgraded to support this scholarship project.

PhD Scholarship Details (2025 Intake)

• Funding Amount: €31,000 per year (for up to 4 years)
  • Includes tax-free stipend of €25,000/year
  • Covers Trinity College Dublin tuition fees (up to €6,000/year)
• Start Date: September 2025
• University: Trinity College Dublin (TCD) – School of Natural Sciences (Geography)
• Research Base: Teagasc Johnstown Castle Research Centre
• Training: Access to state-of-the-art field sites, cutting-edge monitoring tools, and structured PhD support

Who Should Apply? – Eligibility Criteria

This PhD position is ideal for graduates with a strong technical background, a passion for environmental sustainability, and a keen interest in field-based hydrological research.

Essential Qualifications:

• First-class or upper second-class honours degree (or MSc) in:
  • Applied Mathematics
  • Statistics
  • Environmental Science
  • Geography
  • Geosciences
  • Hydrology
  • Engineering (or related fields)
• Proficiency in statistical computing and coding (R, Python, or C)
• Enthusiasm for fieldwork, sensors, and environmental modelling
• Fluent in English and holder of a full Irish/EU driving license

Desirable Skills:

• Experience in water quality monitoring or catchment modelling
• Understanding of diffuse pollution and hydrological systems
• Ability to work independently and clearly communicate scientific insights

How to Apply – Application Guidelines

Deadline: July 30, 2025

Application Format: Submit all documents as a single PDF including:

1. Curriculum Vitae (CV)
2. Degree transcripts
3. List of publications or conference presentations (if any)
4. Motivation Letter (1–2 pages) explaining how your skills align with the project
5. Contact details of two academic referees

Email your application to:
Professor Bourke
bourkem4@tcd.ie
Subject Line: PhD Application (Walsh) [Your Name]

Shortlisted applicants will be contacted for an online interview via Microsoft Teams, and final selection will proceed with formal PhD registration at Trinity College Dublin.

Why This PhD Matters for the Future of Water in Ireland

This isn’t just a doctoral project — it’s a chance to contribute to practical, science-backed solutions for cleaner rivers and lakes. As a PhD scholar, you’ll gain:

• Advanced skills in environmental modelling and field research
• First-hand experience in evidence-based water management
• A role in shaping Irish and EU water protection policy

About Blue Carbon Canada: Advancing Nature-Based Climate Solutions

Blue Carbon Canada is a collaborative research network working at the intersection of climate science, ecology, and marine conservation. We focus on studying and protecting blue carbon ecosystems, including:

• Salt marshes
• Eelgrass meadows
• Kelp forests

These ecosystems play a vital role in carbon sequestration, biodiversity preservation, and coastal protection, yet remain underrepresented in climate policy and marine planning. Our upcoming research phase aims to fill critical knowledge gaps through:

• Large-scale carbon modeling
• Ecosystem service valuation
• Data synthesis and mapping
• Policy-relevant decision science

3 Funded Postdoctoral Fellowships (2025–2028)

Blue Carbon Canada is hiring three full-time postdoctoral researchers to lead high-impact projects. All roles are fully funded and include comprehensive benefits.

PDF #1: Ecosystem Services & Biodiversity Valuation

• Duration: 3 years (Sept 2025 – Aug 2028)
• Research Focus: National assessment of biodiversity and ecosystem services in BCEs
• Mentors: Profs. Baum, O’Connor, Martin (UVic, UBC, McGill) + WWF-Canada, DFO

PDF #2: Mapping BCE Protections & Threat Analysis

• Duration: 2 years (Sept 2025 – Aug 2027)
• Research Focus: Identify current protection levels and assess threats to BCEs
• Mentors: Profs. Baum, O’Connor + partner organizations

PDF #3: Carbon Sequestration & Spatial Modeling

• Duration: 2.5 years (Jan 2026 – June 2028)
• Research Focus: Spatial prioritization of blue carbon hotspots
• Mentors: Profs. Knox, Baum, O’Connor, Martin + WWF-Canada, DFO

Salary: $70,000–$75,000 CAD/year + full benefits
Required Qualifications:

• PhD in ecology, geography, oceanography, or statistics
• Strong skills in data synthesis, carbon modeling, and scientific communication
• Desirable: GIS expertise, experience with BCEs, and conservation tools

5 Fully Funded PhD Positions in Blue Carbon Research (Starting Sept 2025)

All five PhD positions are fully funded at $35,000/year (minimum 3 years), providing excellent opportunities for interdisciplinary training and applied research.

PhD #1: GHG Emissions & Salt Marsh Dynamics

• Focus: Greenhouse gas flux modeling in Canadian salt marshes
• Institutions: St. Francis Xavier University & McGill
• Skills: Field research, PEPRMT-Tidal model, GHG measurement techniques

Regional Priority PhD Projects

These four PhDs will focus on region-specific blue carbon evaluations, including restoration and conservation planning.

Required Skills:

• Spatial and ecosystem modeling
• Stakeholder engagement
• Biodiversity and ecosystem service assessment

Training Includes:

• Decision science
• Weekly research team meetings
• National and transdisciplinary collaboration

Application Instructions

Application Deadline: Review begins June 30, 2025

Submit the following as a single PDF to:
pm.bluecarboncanada@gmail.com

For Postdoctoral Applicants:

• Cover letter (specify position, motivation, and equity commitment)
• CV (max 4 pages)
• 2 relevant publications
• Contact details for 2–3 academic references

For PhD Applicants:

• Cover letter (include ranked project preferences)
• CV (max 3 pages)
• Up to 2 research samples or publications
• Contact details for 2–3 academic references

Why Choose Blue Carbon Canada?

By joining our team, you’ll become part of a leading-edge climate science initiative making tangible contributions to Canada’s conservation goals. Benefits include:

• Competitive stipends and full benefits
• Mentorship from top Canadian universities and NGOs
• Cross-disciplinary research training
• Opportunities to publish and present internationally
• Direct impact on climate policy and marine planning

Apply Now and Shape the Future of Blue Carbon Science

If you are committed to solving real-world climate challenges through rigorous research and collaboration, we want to hear from you.

Join Blue Carbon Canada and help advance science-based marine conservation in Canada and beyond.