[Forest-list] Masters Scholarship, Dublin

[Charles Harper]

UCD Forestry
University College Dublin, Ireland
Masters Scholarship

ForecastModel Project – Improving Timber Production Forecasting

This project, lead by Teagasc, addresses forest growth modelling efforts
aimed at improving the private sector timber production forecast. Methods
will be explored to examine how inventory and management data from future
management plans (FMP) can be utilised as inputs to the national
forecasting system. In the absence of management plan and growth data, new
research aims to develop methods for the prediction of productivity
estimates for private plantations that can be used as inputs into yield
models, using measures of forest site productivity and/or remote sensed
data. This research will allow for an assessment of the reliability of
different methods and will provide flexability in forecasting, depending on
data availability and quality. A cost/benefit analysis of the use of the
different methods for national forecasting will be conducted.
UCD Forestry’s task will be to: a) compare differences in forecast output
derived from FMP data and other prediction methods; b) conduct a
cost-benefit analysis of the prediction methods; and c) develop a
methodology for generating a national forecast using a combination of FMP
data and modelled data.

Preferred Selection Criteria
Applications are sought from highly motivated individuals who have an
excellent academic record (preferably a first class primary degree or
equivalent) in Forestry or equivalent. The successful candidate should have
forest yield modelling and statistical analysis skills, and should be
capable of independent research and team work. Very good oral and written
communication skills in English are mandatory. A clean driving licence is
also required.

We offer
The Masters Scholarship will be €22,000 per annum for two years. The study
will commence as soon as possible. After tuition fees have been deducted
(€6,000 for EU students in 2014/15), the remainder of the scholarship will
be paid as a tax-free stipend.
Application process
Applicants should submit, by email, indicating the post for which they are
applying, a letter outlining why they are interested in the research topic,
their suitability for the position, a full curriculum vitae (including the
names, addresses and emails of two referees with two corresponding letters
of reference) to Prof. Maarten Nieuwenhuis at UCD Forestry:
maarten.nieuwenhuis at ucd.ie

Additional Information
Additional information about the ForecastModel project can be obtained by
contacting Prof. Maarten Nieuwenhuis at UCD Forestry, Tel: 01 716 7004,
Email: maarten.nieuwenhuis at ucd.ie

Closing date: January 15th, 2015



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