Funded PhD fellowship in Environmental Sciences - inclusive of EU-fees

Background

The Horizon Europe-funded IMPRESS project will develop innovative approaches to improve the sustainability of the marine and freshwater aquaculture industry, by valorising aquaculture processing waste and through the generation of new sustainable foods and value chains. A consortium of 14 European industries, institutes and universities, led by Teagasc, will work to improve circularity in the aquaculture industry by treating aquaculture processing waste as a new resource.

The group at University College Cork (UCC) will contribute to the overall mission of the IMPRESS project through the valorisation of aquaculture processing wastewater using duckweed species (Lemnaceae). Specifically, the PhD student will optimise the suitability of various aquaculture waste streams for duckweed growth, estimate capacity of duckweed bioreactors, and assess generated biomass value with the help of project partners. Development of novel growth technology will also be a key task. The student will work in an international environment and maintain close contact with strategic partners in the IMPRESS project.

The PhD student will be based at UCC, but a modest amount of travel, including research exchanges, are anticipated.

The Structured PhD position lasts for three years and students are required to complete a minimum of 15 credits, and a maximum of 30 credits, of taught postgraduate training modules during that time.

Requirements

Applicants should have a good primary degree (First or Upper Second Class Honours), and preferably an M.Sc. in an appropriate discipline. Knowledge of Environmental Sciences, Plant Biology, and Water Chemistry are particularly important, together with good laboratory skills. The successful candidate should be highly self-motivated, independent, and a good communicator in English, in both oral and written format. The successful applicant may be required to demonstrate English Language Competency to UCC guidelines.

Award

The successful candidate will be required to register for a three-year PhD degree programme at UCC. The Fellowship will start as soon as possible after 1st of October 2023 when the most suitable candidate is appointed.

The fellowship provides a stipend with EU university fees for up to 3 years. Non-EU students may be awarded a waiver of the difference between EU and non-EU fees, but need to be prepared to pay the difference if this waiver is not granted by the university.

For further information and to apply

Submit an electronic copy of Curriculum Vitae and a letter of interest Prof. Marcel AK Jansen (m.jansen@ucc.ie). The application deadline is July 28, 2023.

POSTDOCTORAL POSITION AVAILABLE

See http://ore.ucc.ie/ Job ID: 084171.

A 30 month Post-Doctoral or Senior Post-Doctoral Researcher position is available in the group of Prof. Marcel Jansen, School of BEES at University College Cork.

The researcher will contribute to the Just Transition project: Demonstrating high value commercial bio-products at a circular IMTA site (CIRC_IMTA_DEMO), a commercially focused, interdisciplinary bioeconomy project centred on a peatland-based integrated multitrophic fish farm in county Offaly in the Irish Midlands.

The position focuses on duckweed cultivation and stakeholder engagement. Internationally, there has been strong interest in the development of Lemnaceae (Duckweed sp.) biomass as a source of plant protein, and as a replacement of soybean in feeds. Rapid growth, high protein content and a desirable amino acid profile are amongst the key features that make duckweed species promising candidates as a native protein source for Ireland.

Key tasks of the Postdoctoral/Senior Postdoctoral Researcher are to optimise outdoor duckweed cultivation on wastewater produced by aquaculture activities, and to develop a vibrant programme of training and engagement activities for stakeholders. Excellent networking and communication skills are essential.

• Focus is on candidates with a strong interest in translational research.
• Due to the remote location of the UCC laboratory at Mt Lucas (Co. Offaly), a full driving licence issued in Ireland, UK, EU or a recognised state is essential, and so is own transport.
• Due to the remote location of the UCC laboratory at Mt Lucas (Co. Offaly), the successful candidate will be highly independent, creative and self-motivated, have good technical skills and be willing to contribute to all ongoing work at the farm.
• Experience in interdisciplinary research and/or engagement with European stakeholders and/or policymakers is desirable.

For further details see:  http://ore.ucc.ie/ (Vacancy 084171)

Deadline for applications: 12 noon (Irish Local Time) on Friday 15th of August 2025.