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.

PhD Scholarship with Water Technology Research Group

Applications are sought from suitably qualified candidates (plant science, experimental biology, environmental science) to work on a 4 year PhD studentship entitled Sustainable nutrient and metal removal from domestic and industrial wastewaters using Lagarosiphon major and other submerged macrophytes under temperate conditions. Application deadline is 13 May 2011 and all applications must be made through: Link The studentship will be based with the Water Technology Research Group based inTrinity College Dublin at the Centre for the Environment.

New PhD studentship

A new four year PhD studentship is available with the Water Technology Research Group from September 1st 2011 funded by the Irish Government under the National Development Plan 2007-2013. The project explores the question Can submerged aquatic macrophytes be used under temperate conditions to provide a low-carbon sustainable treatment solution for a range of conventional and problematic wastewaters? The project will be examining a range of native and invasive species, including Lagarosiphon major. Further details can be found here.

IRCSET PhD Scholarships 2011

Irish Research Council for Science, Engineering and Technology (IRCSET) ‘EMBARK’ Initiative and the Enterprise Partnership Scheme (EPS) offer opportunities for suitably qualified individuals to pursue a postgraduate degree by research. The Scheme supports basic research in the broad areas of Science, Engineering and Technology. The online application system opens on Wednesday 12th January 2011 for individuals hoping to begin postgraduate research in the Republic of Ireland in September, 2011. The strict deadline for applicants to submit applications is Wednesday 16th February, 2011. Link  Those interested in applying for a PhD with the Water Technology Group or within the Centre for the Environment should contact Nick Gray in the first instance.

Postgraduate Research Opportunities - Update

We are approaching that time of year when increasing numbers are contacting College about the possibilities of doing postgraduate research towards either an MSc or PhD.

We are very happy to encourage prospective postgraduates to apply to the University to carry out research with the Water Technology Research Group. While we do not have any funded places available at the present time (these are widely advertised when they become available) we still encourage self-financing students and those who can obtain funding from their employer, home Institution and Government.

In the first instance please go to the link at our Graduate Studies Office and read all the terms and conditions that apply to potential applicants. You will notice that all applications are now on-line and are centralized for Ireland.  However, before making a formal application for a higher degree you should first discuss possible projects with us and funding implications. Please contact me at nfgray@tcd.ie.

Details of funding available within Ireland can be accessed at via the Graduate Studies Office website.