Vacancies

Vacancies

PhD opportunity

Understanding the hydrology of grassland peat soils

Location of PhD student: Teagasc, Moorepark, Co. Cork.

Starting date: September, 2026

Closing date for applications: Friday, July 31, 2026. 

Project Description

Healthy peatlands play a vital role in climate regulation, biodiversity conservation, and the sustainable management of natural resources. Effective management depends on understanding how peatland condition changes over time, yet environmental monitoring generates vast amounts of complex data that can be difficult to interpret and apply in decision-making.

This PhD forms part of the PEAT-GENIE project, which is developing an artificial intelligence (Al) and generative Al platform to make environmental research infrastructure data more accessible and useful for a wider range of users, including policymakers and other non-specialist stakeholders. Using peatlands as a case study, the project is improving the use of environmental data to support evidence-based decision-making.

The successful student will investigate the relationships between peat soil physical characteristics and peatland hydrology to improve understanding of water table dynamics and peatland condition. The research will contribute to predicting changes in peatland condition and informing future management strategies.

The student will gain expertise in peatland science, soil physical properties, hydrology, and environmental data analysis as part of a multidisciplinary research team developing innovative Al-enabled approaches to environmental monitoring and decision support.

The findings will contribute to improved peatland management by enhancing understanding of peatland condition and hydrological processes. As part of the wider PEAT-GENIE project, the research will also support the development of Al-enabled tools that make environmental data more accessible for evidence-based decision-making, contributing to climate resilience, biodiversity protection, and the sustainable management of natural resources across Europe.

Supervision

The project will be supervised by Dr. Pat Tuohy, Prof. Owen Fenton and Dr. Aaron Fox at Teagasc, whose research focuses on soil hydrology, emission profiling and peatland characterisation. Co-supervision will be provided by Prof. Mark Healy and Dr. Eve Daly at the University of Galway and Dr. Marko Kohv at the University of Tartu, Estonia, contributing university-based expertise in land use, environmental engineering hydrological modelling and peatland restoration. Together, the supervisory team integrates applied Teagasc research in peat soils with academic oversight from a land-use and hydrology perspective.

Research Environment

You will be registered at the University of Galway and based at Teagasc Moorepark. The project provides access to peatland characterisation and hydrology data, research infrastructure, and an interdisciplinary research environment supporting analysis of peat soils and their management.

As a Walsh Scholar, you will engage with national and international research networks and collaborate with researchers working across environmental sustainability, soil science and farming systems analysis.

Career and Training Opportunities

The Teagasc Walsh Scholars Programme provides a structured four-year training and development framework designed to support both academic excellence and long-term career readiness. Scholars develop advanced scientific and analytical expertise alongside transferable skills in communication, project management, and stakeholder engagement through expert-led training, workshops, and tailored professional development.

Opportunities are provided to present research at national and international conferences, supporting professional networking and active engagement with the wider research community. Dedicated final-year career supports focus on preparing scholars for impactful roles across research, industry, advisory services, and policy, in Ireland and internationally.

Through the Teagasc International Training Awards, scholars may undertake an international research placement of up to 12 weeks aligned with their PhD project. Outstanding achievement may also be recognised through the Walsh Scholars of the Year and Gold Medal Awards.

Candidate Profile and Eligibility

Applicants should ideally:

Hold a First or 2.1 Honours degree (or Master's) in soil science, peatland science, hydrology, environmental science, or a related discipline

• Demonstrate strong data handling and analytical skills
• Show the ability to apply multidisciplinary approaches to hypothesis-driven research
• Possess good written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work effectively as part of a research team
• Be willing to travel for fieldwork and engage with landowners and stakeholders
• Hold a full, clean driving licence valid in Ireland
• Meet University of Galway postgraduate entry requirements

Funding Details

This is a fully funded four-year PhD funded by Horizon Europe (HORIZON-INFRA-2025-01-TECH-03), including:

• €25,000 annual stipend
• University fees covered up to €6,000 per annum

How to Apply

Applicants should submit the following to Dr Pat Tuohy - patrick.tuohy@teagasc.ie

- with the subject line: "PhD Application - Walsh Scholars Reference: 2025216" by 5:00pm on Friday, 31st July 2026.

Required documents:

• CV (including two referees)
• 1-2 page personal statement outlining: Why you are interested in this project; Why you are a strong candidate for this PhD

Interviews: Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview in early August 2026. Online interviews can be accommodated.

Further Information: Informal enquiries are welcome and may be directed to: Dr Pat Tuohy - patrick.tuohy@teagasc.ie

Further information on the Walsh Scholars Programme is available at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/about/research-innovation/the-walsh-scholars-programme/about-the-