RESEARCH STUDENTSHIP (TEAGASC WALSH FELLOWSHIP)

A research studentship is available working with Dr Catherin Coxon of the School of Natural Sciences at Trinity College Dublin. The studentship (known as a Walsh Fellowship) is tenable at Trinity College Dublin in association with Teagasc, Johnstown Castle (Wexford, Ireland)

NITROGEN ATTENUATION ALONG DELIVERY PATHWAYS IN AGRICULTURAL CATCHMENTS

This project aims to investigate nitrogen transfer and attenuation within intensively managed agricultural river catchments, so that current mitigation strategies and response times can be evaluated. The project will involve fieldwork at several sites in southern Ireland and laboratory analytical work at Teagasc Johnstown Castle and is carried out within the frame work of the Agricultural Catchments Programme. The objectives include exploration of temporal groundwater fluxes within the landscape, determination of nitrogen transfer via groundwater to streams, investigation of N attenuation in the hyporheic zone and quantification of a nitrogen balance including nitrous oxide emissions.

Applicants should have a good primary degree (II1 or I) or a M.Sc. in an appropriate discipline (Environmental Science, Earth Science, Agricultural Science, Hydrology / Hydrogeology etc.). A full driving licence is also required.  The position is funded by a Teagasc Walsh Fellowship; value €21,000 per annum, to cover postgraduate stipend and tuition fees. (Note: tuition fees for European Union residents are currently €6,085 per annum). The project will start in September 2012. The funding is for a four year structured Ph.D. project, to be completed by end of August 2016.

 The project student will receive initial training based mainly at Trinity College Dublin for the first few months, but for most of the project they will be based at the Teagasc Johnstown Castle Environmental Research Centre, Co. Wexford. They will be registered as a full time research student in the School of Natural Sciences, Trinity College Dublin (www.naturalscience.tcd.ie), working under the supervision of Dr. Catherine Coxon. The student will work in association with Teagasc Agricultural Catchments Programme personnel (www.teagasc.ie/agcatchments) and the primary Teagasc supervisor will be Dr. Per-Erik Mellander.

Applicants should submit (a) a curriculum vitae, detailing their qualifications and experience, (b) proof of driving licence, (c) a covering letter explaining why they wish to pursue this project, and (d) contact details for two referees. This should be sent to: Dr. Catherine Coxon, Department of Geology, School of Natural Sciences, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland. E-mail: cecoxon@tcd.ie Phone +353-1-8962235
Closing date for applications: May 18th, 2012.

Launch of SFI Principal Investigator Programme 2011

The SFI Principal Investigator Programme call will be launched in December and SFI is hosting a webinar to outline the main points, including submission deadlines, of the 2011 call on Friday, December 3rd 2010 at 11.00 a.m. which will last an hour.  The webinar will also include an overview of the new SFI grants and awards management system (SESAME) through which applicants to the 2011 call must submit their proposals. To register for the webinar, please click on the link below.  After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the Webinar. Senior postdocs interested in applying for this programme in association with the Water Technology Research Group should contact me as soon as possible. Webinar link:  https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/465285563

Partners Sought for Working with Recyclable Materials

The Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government have made a call for proposals under the Feasibility Study Grant Aid Funding initiative aimed at encouraging the development of business ideas working with recyclable materials. The closing date for applications is the 21st January 2011. The Water Technology Research Group would be interested in discussing possible collaborative ventures with a view of making an application under the scheme. Full details.

IRCSET Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme 2011

The Irish Research Council for Science, Engineering and Technology (IRCSET) EMPOWER Postdoctoral Fellowships in 2011 will open on 27 October 2010 and close for applicants on 08 December 2010 (link).  Results will be announced in April 2011 for earliest start date July 2010.  Candidates must be within 3 “academic years” from the award of PhD and propose pursuing their work for 24 months at an Irish research laboratory such as the Water Technology Research Group (link).  The average net salary for the fellow will be €31,275 per annum prior to income tax deductions.  The competition for these Fellowships is very high so only proposals of exceptional quality will be funded.

Applicants must use the on-line system (link) which is not available until 27 October 2010. Applicants may also propose to carry out their research in conjunction with an industry partner as part of the Enterprise Partnership Scheme (link).