PhD Position: Assessment of Multispecies Swards as Forage Protein in Beef Cattle Production (MSCA-DN FEATURE) Teagasc in Ireland

The Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Network (MSCA-DN) FEATURE project, titled “Assessment of multispecies swards as forage protein in beef cattle production,” offers a fully funded 36-month PhD position at Teagasc Athenry, Ireland. This interdisciplinary doctoral project aims to advance sustainable livestock production by evaluating the nutritive value, digestibility, and methane mitigation potential of multispecies swards using advanced analytical techniques such as wet chemistry, rumen in sacco assessments, and in vitro analyses. The research will also assess productivity, feed and nutrient use efficiency, energy use efficiency, methane emissions, and nitrogen outputs in beef cattle of different breeds grazing on various pasture types.

Further, the project will explore the relationships between the rumen microbiome and metabolic pathways in beef cattle fed multispecies swards, employing bioinformatics, metagenomics, and metabolomics approaches. The implications of these feeding strategies on beef quality, including organoleptic characteristics and fatty acid composition, will also be investigated. The doctoral candidate will benefit from training secondments at the Agricultural Institute of Slovenia for meat analysis and with an industry partner for feed evaluation and diet formulation.

The FEATURE network comprises six academic institutes, five research organisations, and seven industry partners across seven European countries, providing a rich environment for interdisciplinary training in sustainable and circular livestock production. Doctoral candidates will participate in training schools, workshops, and research secondments, and will follow a personalised development plan. The network is committed to fostering future research leaders in sustainability, resilience, and innovation within European food systems.

Applicants must hold a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in animal science, agricultural science, biology, veterinary science, biochemistry, or a related discipline, and demonstrate strong interest in sustainable livestock production and animal nutrition. Competence in data handling and statistical analysis, good analytical and organisational skills, and strong English communication abilities are required. Experience with animal nutrition trials, feed or nutrient analysis, or -omics data interpretation is advantageous but not mandatory. Candidates must not already hold a doctoral degree, must be eligible to enrol in a doctoral programme at University College Dublin, and must not have resided or carried out their main activity in Ireland for more than 12 months in the 36 months before recruitment. English language proficiency must meet University College Dublin’s requirements.

The successful candidate will be employed full-time under a fixed-term contract, with a competitive salary and full social security coverage, in accordance with MSCA Doctoral Network regulations. The position includes access to graduate training resources, interdisciplinary courses, transferable-skills workshops, and network-wide summer schools. Research secondments at partner organisations in other European countries are integral to the project. The FEATURE Doctoral Network values diversity, equality, and inclusion, and encourages applications from all qualified candidates.

Applications must be submitted via the FEATURE Doctoral Network online portal. The selection process is open, transparent, and merit-based, involving evaluation of academic qualifications, research experience, and motivation. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an online interview. For more information, visit the FEATURE Doctoral Network website or contact the listed supervisors.