[Forest-list] PhD Scholarship opportunity in Ireland

[Charles Harper]

PhD Scholarship

ShortFor Project - Biomass and Renewable Energy from Short Rotation
Forestry

The aims of ShorFor are to explore the potential of short rotation forestry
to contribute to biomass production and renewable energy targets in
Ireland.
ShortFor is a multidisciplinary collaboration between several national
institutions, including University College Dublin, Limerick University,
Trinity College Dublin, Waterford Institute of Technology, and Teagasc. The
project is being funded from 2014-2017 by the Department of Agriculture,
Food and the Marine (DAFM) in Ireland and is led by Dr Conor O'Reilly of
UCD.

The PhD project will be a collaborative study between UCD and Teagasc. The
objective of the study is to investigate how different tree species grow
and utilise growing space. To this end, crown morphology, biomass
allocation and physiological responses will be assessed in field trials
containing trees grown at different densities. The physiological element of
the study will be significant, involving measurements of light
interception, chlorophyll fluorescence, gas exchange, stomatal conductance
etc.

Applications are sought from highly motivated individuals who have an
excellent academic record (preferably a first class primary degree or
equivalent) at undergraduate level. A relevant Master's degree would be an
advantage. Primary and postgraduate level degrees should be in forestry, or
in the related biological sciences (e.g. agronomy, horticulture, plant
physiology etc.).

Support will also be required for reporting to DAFM, participation in the
preparation of publications, and presentation of research at scientific
meetings, as required by the senior researchers on the project, though
these activities will be a minor component of the work.

The PhD Scholarship will be EURO 22,000 per annum until 31st December 2017. The
study will commence as soon as possible. After tuition fees have been
deducted (EURO 6,000 for EU students in 2013/14), the remainder of the
scholarship will be paid as a tax-free stipend. The post will be split
between Teagasc and UCD, with the student being based in Ashtown, near
Dublin during the initial period and finishing the project in UCD. The
candidate will join an enthusiastic team led by Dr Conor O'Reilly.

Because of a significant requirement for field sampling, it will be
necessary for the candidate to have a full driving licence.

Applicants should submit, by email, a letter outlining why they are
interested in the research topic, their suitability for the position, where
they saw the advert and a full curriculum vitae (including the names,
addresses and emails of two referees with two corresponding letters of
reference) to:

Dr Conor O'Reilly (conor.oreilly at ucd.ie)

Closing date: 31st March 2014


Charles Harper
Research Manager
UCD Forestry
University College Dublin
T: +35317167358
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