4 year PhD position in land use modelling University College Dublin - UCD Earth Sciences Institute
Land use modelling to optimize bioenergy supply chains in Ireland (Strand 6, Project ECO 4) We are seeking a strong candidate with experience in GIS or programming. Ideally the candidate would have a background in geography, forestry, agricultural science, biology, sociology or related field, with an interest the rural environment and the policy-science interface. The project will address potential land use conflicts between agriculture, forestry, and bioenergy in Ireland. Bioenergy can make a significant contribution to meet Ireland’s 16% renewable energy target by 2020, but will likely compete with other land uses such as food and timber production. Potential bioenergy production is spatially variable and contingent on local combinations of soil, climate, topography, transport infrastructure and current land management. In order to evaluate policy incentives for different land uses, it is important to develop scenarios of potential land use change. The student will work closely with and interdisciplinary team of scientists (forestry, agro-ecology, sociology) and the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). SEAI has recently developed two decision support systems for bioenergy policy analysis. However, none of these systems is spatially explicit and dynamic. Based on these decision support systems and in collaboration with land use modellers the student will develop a land use model that will allow the evaluation of land use change hotspots in the Irish landscape under different policy scenarios. The Fellowship is available at the Earth Systems Institute at University College Dublin, Ireland (UCD), under the PhD Programme in Earth and Natural Sciences. The programme brings together brings together research leaders, policy-makers, and industry across a wide range of relevant disciplines and expertise at UCD and its national and international partner institutions. The position is funded under the Programme for Research in Third-Level Institutions, Cycle 5. http://www.ucd.ie/earth/graduatetraining/phdprogrammeinearthandnaturalsciences/ - Postgraduate Studentships are for a 4-year structured PhD - Annual stipend €16,000 with an allowance for research travel and expenses - EU fees are funded for four years. Non-EU candidates will be liable for fees. - Evidence of proficiency in English (where appropriate) Fully completed applications (including Application Cover Form (see website), CV, letter of Motivation, Certified copies of academic transcripts and Evidence of proficiency in English where appropriate) should be emailed to both Professor Maarten Nieuwenhuis [email protected] and to [email protected]. More info at: http://www.ucd.ie/earth/graduatetraining/phdprogrammeinearthandnaturalsciences/ Click on ‘Earth and Natural Science PhD projects’ on the left and navigate to Strand 6 Project ECO 4. First round applications by 13 May 2011. These positions are due to commence in the session 2011/12. Specific start dates are negotiable. UCD is an equal opportunities' employer
