ForCaSt - Quantifying the Effects of Forest Thinning on Carbon Sequestration University of Dublin, Trinity College in Ireland

ForCaSt (Quantifying the Effects of Forest Thinning on Carbon Sequestration) is a research project funded by Teagasc under the Crops, Environment and Land Use Programme, aligned with Ireland’s Climate Action Plan 2024 and National Forestry Strategy.

The project aims to assess how different thinning practices influence carbon sequestration by measuring carbon stocks in:

• Tree biomass (above- and below-ground)
• Deadwood and litter layers
• Soil organic carbon
• Respiration and decomposition rates

The study will utilize existing research data from thinning trials conducted in Ireland since 2010, complemented by new field measurements and laboratory analyses. The project will also develop predictive models to forecast long-term carbon dynamics under various forest management scenarios. The research will provide science-based insights to optimize thinning strategies for balancing timber production and climate mitigation objectives.

This PhD scholarship will focus on quantifying the effects of forest thinning on carbon sequestration . Thinning, a common forest management practice, influences tree growth, soil carbon storage, and ecosystem carbon fluxes, but its long-term impacts on carbon sequestration remain underexplored. This research will assess carbon stocks and fluxes in thinned and unthinned forest stands and develop predictive models to estimate long-term carbon sequestration under different thinning regimes.

This PhD will be registered at University College Dublin (UCD) and based at Teagasc, with Dr. Junliang Zou as the primary supervisor and Dr. Brian Tobin, Dr. Dheeraj Rathore as co-supervisors.

Requirements

In this scholarship, support will also be required for reporting to the funding agency, participation in the preparation of publications, and presentation of research at scientific meetings, as required by the senior researchers on the project. There will be shared research sites between project partners and tasks and collaboration will be encouraged. Evidence of team working would be an advantage. As this position will have a significant requirement for field-based research, a valid driving licence will be advantageous.

Applications are sought from highly motivated individuals with a primary or master’s level degree in forestry, soil science, environmental science, natural resource management, geography, environmental engineering or cogent disciplines. The candidate should have good communication skills in the English language (oral and written). For applicants whose first language is not English, the English language requirements are available in the college websites: : Minimum English Language Requirements - UCD Registry .

Award

ForCast is funded by Teagasc under the Walsh Scholarships Programme . The Walsh Scholarship provides a stipend of €25,000 per annum for four years, covering university fees up to €6,000 per year.

Further Information

Further information on this and other opening PhD positions; please contact Dr Junliang Zou, Teagasc, [email protected] .

Application Procedure

Submit a single PDF file containing an electronic copy of Curriculum Vitae (including the names, addresses and emails of two referees), a letter of interest and their suitability for the position to: Dr Junliang Zou ( [email protected] ). Quote the reference number ( 2025038 ) in the subject field. The study will commence as soon as possible.

Closing date: This advertisement will remain open until the position is filled. The first round of shortlisting will take place on 18th April 2025 , followed by interviews. Applications submitted after this date will be reviewed on a rolling basis and may be considered if the position remains vacant.