4 year PhD Scholarship in Animal Science at University College Dublin in Ireland

4 year PhD Scholarship in Animal Science at School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin in Ireland; TEAGASC PHD WALSH SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY: “Evaluating lifetime enteric methane emissions from the suckler beef herd”  WS 2023265

Background: There is increasing reliance on the agricultural sector to reduce its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions profile to meet legally binding climate change targets. Methane emissions from enteric fermentation are the largest source of GHG emissions from the agricultural sector. However, there is a lack of published research information available on enteric methane emissions from grazing beef animals. As part of the RumenVentory project, the aim of this PhD is to accurately quantify ‘lifetime’ enteric methane emissions from the suckler herd, including calves, weanlings, yearlings and suckler cows. There will also be a key focus on evaluating management strategies to reduce enteric methane emissions, including pasture type, silage quality, feed regimes, and animal genetics.

The results from these experiments will be collated and combined with data from historic and ongoing experiments to generate the first large scale methane database for ruminant livestock in Ireland. This database will be used to generate country specific methane emission factors whilst allowing for more proactive decisions on how the suckler herd can improve breeding and management practices to mitigate methane. The PhD candidate will benefit significantly in terms of training and skills development, and working with other institutions and researchers involved in the RumenVentory project, thus leading to significant career opportunities. The candidate will focus on key areas including enteric methane production, genetics, grazing management, nutrition and animal production.

Requirements Applications are invited from graduates holding or expecting a primary degree (First or Upper Second Class Honours) in a biological science (e.g., Agricultural Science, Animal Science, Genetics, Veterinary Science). The successful candidate will be expected to register with the School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin for a 4-year Ph.D. degree. The successful candidate should be highly self-motivated and be prepared for field and laboratory work, and engage in training courses. A full driving license is required.

Award A 4 year PhD Scholarship funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine “RumenVentory” project. The Scholarship funding is €31,000 per annum which includes a flat rate stipend of €25,000 and contribution of €6000 for tuition fees which is tenable for 4 years. The successful candidate will be based at the Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre (AGRIC), Teagasc Grange, Dunsany, Co. Meath, and will be registered at UCD. The research will be collaborative, involving scientists at University College Dublin and Teagasc Grange. The scholarship will start in September/October 2024. Further Information: For further information, please email: alan.kelly@ucd.ie  or peter.doyle@teagasc.ie  (+353879523103).

Application Procedure: A letter of interest together with a curriculum vitae and the names and contact details of two referees should be sent by email to peter.doyle@teagasc.ie  and alan.kelly@ucd.ie. Closing date 10 June 2024

For applicants whose first language is not English, requirements are outlined here.

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