Summary: The School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences (BEES) is currently recruiting a MSC researcher for 2 years to carry out research on how wastewater might be safely reused under different climate change scenarios in Ireland. The research is funded by the Environmental Protection Agency Ireland.

Project: PiTCROP – Pasture Irrigation with Treated Wastewater: Challenges, Risks and Opportunities

Background and objectives: The PiTCROP project is exploring how treated municipal wastewater could be safely reused to irrigate pasture, grassland, and other non-food crops in Ireland, helping to inform future water and agricultural policy. The project brings together stakeholder insights from Ireland and internationally to understand attitudes, opportunities, and best practice around wastewater reuse. It also includes laboratory and glasshouse trials assessing the effects of treated wastewater on grass species such as ryegrass and white clover under different climate stress conditions.

Ultimately, PiTCROP aims to develop a practical, risk-based framework to support evidence-led decision-making on wastewater reuse in Irish agriculture, particularly in the context of increasing water scarcity and climate extremes.

Funding Two years stipend and EU Fees

Start date As soon as is practical

Key duties and responsibilities:

The primary focus of this 2-year MSc studentship will be research, however a particular emphasis during this stage should include;

• To conduct a specified programme of research under the supervision and direction of Dr Timothy Sullivan (BEES).
• To engage in appropriate training and professional development opportunities.
• To develop a focussed research query for treated urban wastewater for irrigation in Ireland.
• To critically appraise the identified literature and provide a systematic review.
• To engage in the dissemination of the results of the research with the support of and under the supervision of Dr Sullivan.
• To become familiar with the publication process.
• To acquire generic and transferable skills (including project management, business skills.
• To engage in the wider research and scholarly activities of the School of BEES and the Sustainability Institute at UCC.
• To interact closely with other postgraduate research students and postdoctoral fellows who are studying for a Masters or a PhD on the project or associated projects.
• To carry out additional duties as may reasonably be required within the general scope and level of the post.

Furthermore, the MSc. student will be encouraged to get a broad education. To that end they will be encouraged to be trained in a multitude of hands-on analysis techniques, where there will be an emphasis pollutant analysis, antimicrobial resistance and metals in wastewater, and irrigation trials. The M.Sc. student will be trained in the multi-facetted art of research, and will be mentored through scientific writing, presenting to peers at technical conferences, and interacting with collaborators from other disciplines.

Essential Criteria:

• An environmental sciences, agricultural or plant sciences, analytical chemistry or wastewater engineering qualification to degree level.
• Previous research experience desirable.
• Appropriate technical competence and accomplishment desirable.
• A capability of working within a project team to achieve results.
• Good communication, organisation and interpersonal skills.
• A commitment to gaining practical experience working on a research project.
• Ability to work well within a team.

Please note that Garda vetting and international police clearance check may form part of the selection process.