University of Limerick
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Fully Funded PhD in Soil Health, Biodiversity and Function in Agrivoltaic Sheep Farming Systems University of Limerick in Ireland
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Microbiology
Funding
Fully funded PhD studentship for 4 years. The project provides a €31,000 annual stipend including fees.
Deadline
Oct 19, 2026
Country
Ireland
University
University of Limerick
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About this position
PhD opportunity at the University of Limerick in soil health, biodiversity, agrivoltaics, and sustainable agriculture.
This fully funded PhD is part of the PasturePV project, which studies how utility-scale solar PV installations can be integrated with sheep farming to support resilient land use in Ireland. The project examines the impacts of sheep grazing and solar infrastructure on soil properties, nutrient cycling, biodiversity, microbial communities, greenhouse gas emissions, and ecosystem functioning.
The successful candidate will be based at the University of Limerick, with collaborations and secondment opportunities at University College Cork and fieldwork at commercial-scale research sites in Ireland. Research methods include soil chemistry and nutrient analysis, biodiversity assessment, soil microbiology, DNA extraction, PCR, sequencing (16S rRNA, 18S rRNA, ITS), greenhouse gas monitoring, and statistical analysis.
Applicants should have at least a 2.1 Honours Bachelor Degree (Level 8) in Soil Science, Environmental Science, Agricultural Science, Microbiology, Biological Sciences, or a related field. A relevant Master's degree is desirable but not essential. Strong English skills are required, along with a full clean driving licence and the ability to drive in Ireland due to fieldwork demands.
Funding includes a €31,000 annual stipend including fees for 4 years. To apply, send a single PDF CV and cover letter to [email protected] with the subject line PasturePV Soil PhD. Deadline: 19 October 2026, 17:00 Irish Time.
Funding details
Fully funded PhD studentship for 4 years. The project provides a €31,000 annual stipend including fees.
What's required
Applicants should have at least a 2.1 Honours Bachelor Degree (Level 8) in Soil Science, Environmental Science, Agricultural Science, Microbiology, Biological Sciences or a related discipline. A Master's degree (Level 9) in a relevant area is desirable but not essential. Excellent written and spoken English are required. A full clean driving licence and the ability to drive in Ireland are required because extensive fieldwork is part of the project. Desirable experience includes soil pH and nutrient analyses, soil biology, soil fauna work (nematodes or earthworms), soil microbiology, microbial cultivation and isolation, and DNA extraction/PCR/molecular methods.
How to apply
Email a single PDF containing your CV and a cover letter, including academic qualifications, relevant experience, career aspirations, and contact details for two referees, to [email protected]. Use the subject line 'PasturePV Soil PhD'.
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