PhD Position: Microbial Ecology of Anaerobic Digestion Systems Treating Manure and Grass Silage

2 weeks ago

grange the municipal district of ratoath ireland Association of Environmental Engineering and Science Professors Full time
PhD Position: Microbial Ecology of Anaerobic Digestion Systems Treating Manure and Grass Silage

Job Type: Graduate

Job Rank: PhD Position

Job Institution: Trinity College Dublin

Job Description: The Department of Civil, Structural, and Environmental Engineering at Trinity College Dublin is seeking applications for a PhD studentship starting in October 2025. The research will focus on the microbial ecology of anaerobic digesters treating a mixture of manure and grass silage as feedstock.

The successful candidate will conduct advanced microbiological analyses of full-scale AD systems at the Teagasc Animal and Grassland Research Centre in Grange, Co. Meath. The research will leverage state-of-the-art metatranscriptomics, carbon stable isotope probing, and microsensor profiling to understand microbial interactions and optimize biogas production.

This PhD position offers a unique opportunity to work in a multidisciplinary team under the supervision of Professor Muhammad Ali (TCD) and Dr. Ciara Beausang (Teagasc), with co-supervision by international experts in environmental microbiology and bioengineering.

Standard Duties and Responsibilities of the Post:

  • Conduct microbial ecology studies of AD systems treating manure and grass silage.
  • Perform metagenomics and metatranscriptomics analyses to identify key microbial players in AD processes.
  • Utilize microsensors and isotope probing techniques to assess microbial interactions at the microscale.
  • Monitor seasonal variations in feedstock composition and their impact on digester performance.
  • Engage in the design and operation of laboratory-based bioreactors to test various feedstock compositions.
  • Collaborate with international research partners and contribute to high-impact publications.

Funding Information: This project is funded by Irish Agriculture and Food Development Authority (Teagasc) through Walsh Scholars Programme. The selected candidate will receive an annual stipend of €25,000, along with an annual tuition fee contribution of €6,000 for up to four years.

Person Specification:

  • MSc in Environmental Microbiology, Environmental Engineering, Bioprocess Engineering, or a related field.
  • Experience in anaerobic digestion, biogas production, or environmental microbiology.
  • Proficiency in DNA/RNA extraction, next-generation sequencing, and bioinformatics is desirable.
  • Strong communication, analytical, and teamwork skills.
  • Ability to work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary research team.
  • Capacity to supervise undergraduate students, prepare high-impact manuscripts, and present findings at national and international conferences.

Application Procedure: Interested candidates are invited to complete the application form available at this link: Application Form. Additional documents or information may be requested as needed. The deadline for submission is Friday, 18 April, 2025. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.

For any inquiries regarding this position, please contact Professor Muhammad Ali at Muhammad.Ali@tcd.ie or Dr. Ciara Beausang at Ciara.Beausang@teagasc.ie, mentioning the PhD position title "PhD Position: Microbial Ecology of Anaerobic Digestion Systems Treating Manure and Grass Silage" in the subject line.

Terms & Conditions: Annual stipend of €25,000 and a further €6,000 will be contributed to the annual fees for up to four years. Hours of Work: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Monday to Friday. Closing Date: 12 Noon (GMT), [18 April, 2025]

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