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Scholarships and research positions

RESEARCH POSITIONS CURRENTLY AVAILABLE

TCD-UCD Innovation Academy - UCD Innovation Bursary: PhD studentship
Applications are invited from outstanding, enthusiastic graduates with a background in Ecology, Entomology, Geochemistry, Forestry or a related discipline to undertake research towards a doctoral degree (PhD) at University College Dublin (National University of Ireland, Dublin) on a project titled: "Development of novel `green' insecticides for commercial forestry plantations".
This project will develop a novel protection strategy against herbivorous insect pests for woody plants with particular reference to coniferous plantation species. The approach will exploit the anti-feedant properties of selected natural mineral elements. The bioavailability of these elements from different soils and amendments will be assessed using geochemical and isotopic methods. Then, the effects of enhanced mineral levels in tree seedlings on feeding damage by pine weevils (Hylobius abietis) and seedling survival will be assessed under controlled conditions and in commercial field plantations in collaboration with the industry partner, Coillte. The project will involve analytical, experimental and field-based research work. The project will also provide training opportunities in innovation and technology transfer. The student will be supervised jointly by Dr Olaf Schmidt (School of Agriculture, Food Science and Veterinary Medicine) and Prof. Frank McDermott (School of Geological Sciences). The value of this bursary is €16,000 (tax exempt) per year for up to 4 years, commencing in September 2010. The registration fee for European Union citizens will also be paid.
The application form for this project, is available at: www.ucd.ie/graduatestudies/prospectivestudents/
studentshipsscholarships/phdopportunities/ Further details are contained in this form. The closing date for receipt of applications is Monday, 9 August 2010. Recruitment will continue after this date until the position is filled.


PhD Opportunity - Teagasc Walsh Fellowship
Physiological responses of underplanted broadleaf tree species to thinning intensity is the title of a PhD study that will focus on the potential implications of thinning on the growth and physiological responses of underplanted broadleaf tree species. A controlled shade (simulating different canopy densities) experiment will form the main part of the study. The phenology of growth, photosynthetic rates, water-use efficiency, leaf area, growth and biomass allocation, root growth interactions and nutrient uptake will be studied. Less intensive measurements will be carried out on trees growing in conventional field trials.
The study will be based at the Food Research Centre, Teagasc, Ashtown, Dublin 15, but some travel between Ashtown and UCD, and to other field sites, will be required. The project will be supervised by Dr Conor O'Reilly (UCD) and Dr Nuala Ní Fhlatharta (Teagasc). The PhD position is being funded mainly by a Teagasc Walsh Fellowship, with some additional funding being provided by COFORD. For application details and other information, see http://www.ucd.ie/agfoodvet/Attachments/safsvm/O'Reilly_UnderplantedBroadleaf.pdf.
The deadline for the receipt of applications is 5.00 pm, Friday 17 September 2010. For enquiries, contact Dr Conor O'Reilly - tel: 01-716 7191 or email: conor.oreilly@ucd.ie.

PhD Opportunity - Low Impact Silvicultural Systems in Ireland
The Low Impact Silvicultural Systems in Ireland (LISS) research project aims to expand the knowledge base on sustainable forest management in Ireland. The project is run by University College Dublin, the forest management research company Purser Tarleton Russell Ltd. and the semi-state forestry company Coillte Teo, and is funded by COFORD, the National Council for Forest Research and Development in Ireland, Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.
The project is directed by the Project Coordinator, guided by the Project Steering Group consisting of the Project Coordinator and representatives of the participating companies and national and international experts.
The LISS Project is seeking a PhD Student for 46 months. The research will consist of the following tasks:

  • familiarisation with the existing (international) research on: LISS; thinning systems used in transformation of stands to LISS; and the economics of LISS.
  • development of a database of stands in the Republic of Ireland currently being transformed to LISS in collaboration with project partners, and an evaluation of the methods used to transform the stands.
  • field experiment investigating different thinning interventions that are likely to be used in transforming stands to LISS.
  • desktop study of economics of LISS and clearfell systems.
    Mandatory requirements for this position are:
  • Honours Degree in forestry or relevant discipline.
  • Ability to combine field work with office-based activities.
  • Good writing and communication skills.
  • An understanding of, and interest in, low impact silvicultural systems.
    Desirable skills are:
  • A full, clean driver's licence.
  • An understanding of forestry in Ireland.
  • A Masters Degree in forestry or relevant discipline.
  • Knowledge of experimental design and statistical analysis.
    The project starts in July 2010 and will end in June 2014. The starting date of the PhD research position is flexible, but preferably close to 1 September, 2010. Closing date for applications is July 30th, 2010 at 5 pm.
    The PhD scholarship will have a value of circa €17,000 per year. Tuition fees sufficient for an EU student are available.
    To for more information or to apply, please send a cover letter and CV, along with the names and addresses of two referees, to the Project Coordinator, Dr Aine Ni Dhubhain - aine.nidhubhain@ucd.ie or phone 00353 1 716 7755
    http://www.ucd.ie/research/people/agriculturefoodvetscience/drainenidhubhain/

     


    The following research positions have been filled in COFORD-funded programmes.

    PLANFORBIO: PhD studentships in forest biodiversity - current opportunities at TCD and UCC

    IMPACT: Post-doctoral fellow - Climate change and forest insect pests


    PLANFORBIO: PhD studentships in forest biodiversity - current opportunities at TCD and UCC

    Project outline: PLANFORBIO is a forest biodiversity research programme underway at University College Cork, Trinity College Dublin and Waterford Institute of Technology. This COFORD funded initiative runs from 2007 to 2012, during which time it will investigate many aspects of biodiversity in contemporary Irish forests. The current phase of research will assess forest biodiversity at landscape level, gathering data across Ireland and the UK in collaboration with Forest Research (UK).
    Two PhD studentships are now available on this project, one based at UCC (Supervisors: Prof John O'Halloran & Dr. Tom Kelly) and one at TCD (Supervisors: Dr. Daniel Kelly & Dr. Fraser Mitchell). The studentship at UCC will conduct research on invertebrate biodiversity and that at TCD on ground vegetation biodiversity in relation to forest management. The successful candidates will join an established research team, including post-doctoral researchers working in the same area, and will be required to conduct biodiversity surveys in a range of forested habitats.

    Desirable experience: Applicants should have a 2:1 honours primary degree (or higher) in a relevant discipline. Experience of relevant plant/invertebrate
    identification, field survey techniques, data handling, good interpersonal skills and a full clean driver's licence are also required.

    Remuneration: Starting stipend €18,000 per annum plus fees.

    Application: Enquiries are welcome and may be addressed to Prof. John O'Halloran (j.ohalloran@ucc.ie) or Dr. Daniel Kelly (daniel.kelly@tcd.ie) as appropriate. Apply by submitting CV (including names and full contact details of 3 referees) and short covering letter.

    Deadline for application: 5pm Wednesday 9th December 2009.

    Dr. Sandra Irwin, PLANFORBIO Programme Manager, Dept. of Zoology, Ecology & Plant Science, University College Cork, Distillery Fields, North Mall, Cork. Email: s.irwin@ucc.ie

     


    IMPACT: Post-doctoral fellow - Climate change and forest insect pests

    Application deadline 18 December 2009

    An entomologist at post-doctoral level is being sought to join a project on Climate change and insect pests (IMPACT). Climate change strategies in Ireland and Wales emphasise the roles of trees as carbon sinks and alternative energy sources. However, their value will be compromised by insect pests that pose current and future threats to trees. The IMPACT project will assess the effects of climate change on trees and their pests, both native and exotic, and develop sustainable pest management strategies for selected pests, incorporating biological control agents.

    The Post-doctoral Fellow will be based in the Department of Biology at the National University of Ireland Maynooth (NUI Maynooth) and will collaborate with other members of the IMPACT team at the Irish Climate Analysis and Research Units (ICARUS), Forest Research Wales, and Swansea University. The Post-doctoral Fellow will carry out desk studies on the status of insect pests of trees (including plantation forestry) in Ireland, carry out laboratory and field research using biocontrol agents against selected pests, liaise with project partners including climate modellers, communicate with stakeholders and end-users, and assist with the management of the project.

    The position is available for 3 years from 1 January 2010, at a starting salary of €44,651. The ideal candidate will be familiar with insect pests of temperate forests, and have an interest in insect population dynamics and/or biological pest control. S/he must have a full, clean driving licence.

    Applications to Dr Christine Griffin, Department of Biology, NUI Maynooth (christine.griffin@nuim.ie) by 18 December 2009.
    The IMPACT project is funded by the European Regional Development Fund under Interreg IVA, and co-funded by COFORD (the National Council for Forest Research and Development).