🎓Fully Funded PhD Scholarship: Soil Microbiomes & Soil Health – Ireland
🏥 About Teagasc & University of Galway
Applications are open for a Fully Funded PhD Soil Microbiomes Ireland position at Teagasc Johnstown Castle, in collaboration with the University of Galway. This PhD will investigate soil microbiomes in pasture-based systems and their role in soil health and grassland productivity, with a focus on nutrient and carbon cycling. Teagasc is the national agency with responsibility for agriculture and food research in Ireland. The successful candidate will be registered in a structured PhD at the University of Galway and based primarily at Teagasc Johnstown Castle, a national centre of excellence for agri-environmental and climate research. You will join the VistaMilk Research Ireland Centre, a unique collaboration between 13 Agri-Food and ICT research institutes and leading Irish/multinational food and ICT companies.
Location: Teagasc Johnstown Castle, Co. Wexford, Ireland
Proposed Start Date: September 2026
Funding: Research Ireland
🎯 Scholarship Overview
đź”— Project Summary
Healthy soils underpin sustainable food systems and play a critical role in climate change adaptation, food security, biodiversity conservation, and reducing nutrient losses to water. Soil biological communities are central to these functions, driving nutrient and carbon cycling, supporting plant productivity, and enhancing system resilience, particularly in pasture-based agricultural systems.
Despite their importance, soil microbiomes remain the least understood component of soil health. This Fully Funded PhD Soil Microbiomes Ireland will investigate soil microbiomes in pasture-based systems and their role in soil health and grassland productivity, with a focus on nutrient and carbon cycling.
đź“‹ Research Activities
- Integrate existing datasets from national soil sampling campaigns with newly generated data
- Apply metagenomic and machine learning approaches to link soil physicochemical properties and functional data with microbial community structure
- Recover metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) to identify organisms involved in key nutrient cycling processes
- Generate new insights into the role of soil microbiomes in agricultural systems
- Link microbial function to management practices
👨‍🏫 Supervision
| Supervisor | Institution | Expertise |
|---|---|---|
| Dr Fiona Brennan | Teagasc | Soil health, biogeochemical cycling |
| Orla O’Sullivan | Teagasc | Computational biology |
| Dr Florence Abram | University of Galway | Microbial ecology, environmental science |
🔬 Research Environment
The project offers:
- Access to state-of-the-art laboratory facilities
- National archives and datasets
- Advanced analytical infrastructure
- Strong national and international research networks
VistaMilk Research Ireland Centre benefits:
- Vibrant interdisciplinary research community
- Regular seminars
- Collaborative research opportunities
- Engagement across soil science, microbial ecology, microbiology, computational biology and environmental research
🎓 Career and Training Opportunities
Teagasc Walsh Scholars Programme provides:
- Structured four-year training and development framework
- Advanced scientific and analytical expertise
- Transferable skills in communication, project management, and stakeholder engagement
- Expert-led training, workshops, and tailored professional development
- Opportunities to present research at national and international conferences
- Dedicated final-year career supports
International Training Awards: Up to 12 weeks international research placement aligned with PhD project
Recognition: Walsh Scholars of the Year and Gold Medal Awards
âś… Candidate Profile and Eligibility
Required
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Education | First or 2.1 Honours degree (or Master’s) in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Environmental Science, Ecology, Soil Science, Genetics, Computational Biology or closely related discipline |
| Self-motivation | Highly self-motivated and committed to completing a PhD |
| Research experience | Demonstrated experience in research with strong quantitative and data-handling skills |
| Bioinformatics | Experience in carrying out bioinformatic analyses (or interest in receiving training) |
| Interest | Interest in soil functions and/or microbial ecology |
| Statistics | Experience in statistics and using R software |
| Communication | Strong written and verbal communication skills |
| Teamwork | Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a research team |
| Driving Licence | Full, clean driving licence valid in Ireland |
| University Requirements | Meet University of Galway postgraduate entry requirements, including English language requirements where applicable |
đź’Ľ What They Offer
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4-year structured PhD |
| Location | Johnstown Castle, Co. Wexford |
| Stipend | €25,000 per annum |
| Fees | Up to €5,750 per annum |
| Research Environment | National centre of excellence |
| Networks | VistaMilk Research Ireland Centre |
đź“ž Further Information
Informal enquiries welcome to:
Dr Fiona Brennan – fiona.brennan@teagasc.ie
đź“ť How to Apply
Send the following to both email addresses:
📧 fiona.brennan@teagasc.ie
📧 florence.abram@universityofgalway.ie
Subject Line: PhD Application – WS Ref 2017278
Required Documents:
- CVÂ (including two referees)
- 1–2 page personal statement outlining:
- Why you are interested in this project
- Why you are a strong candidate for this PhD
đź“… Interviews:Â Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview in late April/early May (online interviews can be accommodated)
Useful Links
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