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

1. PhD Position: Urban Water Quality Under Drought Conditions

Location: University of Twente, Netherlands
Duration: 4 years (Full-time, 38 hours per week)
Salary: €2,901 – €3,707 gross/month
Application Deadline: May 25, 2025

Project Overview:
Urban water systems face increasing pressure due to rising demands and extreme weather events, such as droughts, which threaten water quality and availability. This PhD project will focus on understanding and addressing the challenges posed by droughts in urban water systems.

Key research goals include:

• Modeling available urban water sources with an emphasis on water quality.
• Integrating water quality parameters into urban supply-demand systems.
• Developing alternative water allocation strategies during droughts.

Your Role:

• Conduct a comprehensive literature review and data analysis.
• Develop and apply innovative methods to monitor and model urban water quality under drought conditions.
• Collaborate with project partners in Dutch cities as part of the ‘Thirsty Cities’ project.

Your Profile:

• MSc in Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, Civil Engineering, or related fields.
• Strong analytical, modeling, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Proficiency in English (knowledge of Dutch is a plus).

What We Offer:

• Full scholarship with mentorship and professional development opportunities.
• 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% year-end bonus.
• Solid pension scheme and a minimum of 29 vacation days/year.

Contact:
Dr. Lara Wöhler
Email: l.wohler@utwente.nl

Apply Now →

2. PhD Position: Upscaling Drought Resilience from Species to Landscape Level

Location: University of Twente, Netherlands
Duration: 4 years (Full-time, 40 hours per week)
Salary: €2,901 – €3,707 gross/month
Application Deadline: May 31, 2025

Project Overview:
As part of the COMBINED project, this PhD position focuses on addressing biodiversity loss and enhancing climate resilience through integrated landscape governance. The project will analyze drought patterns and recovery using remote sensing technologies and spatial analysis.

Key research objectives include:

• Monitoring drought and recovery patterns via remote sensing.
• Integrating biodiversity data with remote sensing proxies.
• Evaluating landscape resilience strategies for future drought scenarios.

Your Role:

• Analyze spatial and temporal patterns using satellite imagery and remote sensing data.
• Combine biodiversity insights with geo-spatial data for landscape analysis.
• Collaborate with 24 societal organizations and research institutes to promote effective solutions.

Your Profile:

• MSc degree in Remote Sensing, Spatial Analysis, or Data Science.
• Proficiency in Python and/or R programming.
• Strong team collaboration skills and fluency in English (knowledge of Dutch is a plus).

What We Offer:

• Access to world-class research facilities and professional development opportunities.
• 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% year-end bonus.
• 41 vacation days/year for full-time employment.

Contact:
Dr. Wietske Bijker
Email: w.bijker@utwente.nl

Prof. Wieteke Willemen
Email: l.l.willemen@utwente.nl

Apply Now →

Why Choose the University of Twente?

• Join a vibrant, international research community.
• Work at one of Europe’s leading universities dedicated to sustainability, innovation, and diversity.
• Benefit from state-of-the-art research facilities and world-class mentorship programs.
• Located on a beautiful green campus in the heart of the Netherlands!

Don’t miss out on these incredible opportunities! Apply before May 25 and May 31, 2025, and take the next step in your environmental research career at the University of Twente.