<div dir="ltr"><div><div>PhD Scholarship</div><div><br></div><div>ShortFor Project – Biomass and Renewable Energy from Short Rotation Forestry </div><div><br></div><div>The aims of ShorFor are to explore the potential of short rotation forestry to contribute to biomass production and renewable energy targets in Ireland. </div>
<div>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.</div>
<div><br></div><div>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.</div>
<div><br></div><div>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.). </div>
<div><br></div><div>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.</div>
<div><br></div><div>The PhD Scholarship will be €22,000 per annum until 31st December 2017. The study will commence as soon as possible. After tuition fees have been deducted (€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.</div>
<div><br></div><div>Because of a significant requirement for field sampling, it will be necessary for the candidate to have a full driving licence.</div><div><br></div><div>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:</div>
<div><br></div><div>Dr Conor O’Reilly (<a href="mailto:conor.oreilly@ucd.ie">conor.oreilly@ucd.ie</a>)</div><div><br></div><div>Closing date: 31st March 2014</div></div><div><br></div><br clear="all"><div><div dir="ltr">
<div>
<div><div><div><font face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif">Charles Harper<br></font></div><font face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif">Research Manager<br></font></div><font face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif">UCD Forestry<br></font></div>
<font face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif">University College Dublin<br></font></div><font face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif">T: +35317167358<br></font></div></div>
</div>