PhD fellowship plant biology

PhD Research Studentship in plant biology is available at the Environmental Research Institute, University College Cork, Ireland

The PhD student will predominantly work with Prof Jansen (www.plantstress.ucc.ie) on phytoremediation of dairy industry waste waters using Lemnaceae. The focus will be on the manipulation of growth, determining growth rates and assessing biomass and protein yields under indoor, and outdoor conditions, and in pre-commercial bioreactors. The successful applicant will optimise tertiary treatment of waste water using Lemnaceae, and investigate the potential use of biomass as a high-value agricultural feed. The successful applicant will hold a good, relevant undergraduate degree with a specialization in environmental sciences and/or plant biology. Applications by graduates with a master’s degree are particularly welcomed. The student should be highly motivated, independent, fluent in English and have excellent laboratory skills. The student will be enrolled in the UCC postgraduate degree programme. This is a 4-year post with a starting date of April 1, 2017.

The PhD-project will be part of the interdisciplinary NEWTRIENTS project, that will develop a circular economy approach to processing dairy industry wastewater, resulting in a paradigm shift from wastewater treatment to closed loop reuse of valuable components present in the effluent within the local and global economy.

The post provides an annual stipend and EU-fees. Closing date for applications for the postgraduate positions is February 10, 2017. Applications should include a full CV, a covering letter describing the interest and background of the applicant relevant to the area of research, and contact details of two referees. The successful applicant will be asked to proceed through the Postgraduate Applications Centre (PAC, http://www.pac.ie) for formal registration.