UCD School of Biosystems & Food Engineering
Funded PhD Position: Optimization of Biochar for Sustainable Soil Management
Supervisors: Dr. Sharon O’Rourke, Dr. Tamiris da Costa
Institution: University College Dublin (UCD)
Project Description: We seek a motivated PhD candidate to work on a project funded by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) aimed at developing optimized biochar to enhance soil quality and productivity for sustainable soil management in arable cropping systems.
Context: Ireland annually produces around 1 million tonnes of food residues, primarily from the horticulture sector. Despite being considered waste, these residues contain valuable materials like carbohydrates, lipids, and amino acids, making them potential feedstocks for producing chemicals and fuels. Pyrolysis is a promising method for converting these residues into energy, yielding bio-oil, syngas, and biochar. When added to soils, biochar acts as a carbon sink, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving soil quality, which can lead to increased crop yields and decreased reliance on synthetic fertilizers. This project aims to establish a sustainable bio-product production system in Ireland, addressing environmental concerns and promoting a circular economy approach.
Project Objectives:
- Evaluate biochar as a soil amendment for carbon sequestration and enhanced soil quality.
- Quantify the effect of biochar soil amendment on greenhouse gas emissions and leachate.
- Optimize biochar for sustainable soil management.
Requirements:
- A good primary degree (first or 2.1 Honours) and/or Master’s in Soil Science, Agronomy, Agricultural Science, Environmental Science, Biochemistry, or related disciplines.
- Preparedness to work professionally in a multidisciplinary and multicultural team and engage with industry partners.
- Demonstrated ability to write reports, prepare journal articles, deliver presentations, and work independently and as part of a team.
- Previous experience and publications in soil science, carbon sequestration, greenhouse gases, or water quality are significant advantages.
Award: The PhD will be conducted under the joint supervision of Dr. Sharon O’Rourke and Dr. Tamiris da Costa at UCD Biosystems and Food Engineering. The student will gain training and experience in controlled laboratory and field agronomy experimentation, soil carbon measurement, greenhouse gas monitoring, and water quality monitoring. The scholarship provides a yearly living stipend of €25,000 (tax-free) and contributes to university fees for four years. Both EU/UK and international candidates are welcome.
Stipend: €25,000 (tax-free) per annum for living allowance plus full tuition fee contributions
Project Duration: 4 years
Deadline to Submit Applications: June 14, 2024, 5 p.m. Irish Standard Time
Expected Project Commencement Date: September 2024
Application Procedure: To apply, please complete the form and submit all required documents by the deadline at Application Form. Applicants must include:
- A full CV (3-page max)
- A cover letter (2-page max) detailing relevant research/work experience and study motivation
- Academic transcripts in the form of certified copies of all undergraduate and postgraduate level certificates
- A reference letter from previous professors or mentors
Candidates must have excellent proficiency in written and spoken English (CEFR Level C1) and provide evidence that they fulfill the specific UCD language criteria.
Informal Queries: For any informal queries about the project, please contact Dr. Sharon O’Rourke at sharon.orourke@ucd.ie.
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