Walsh Scholars Opportunity: Precision Apple Crop Load Management (Ref Number 2025047)
Are you passionate about horticulture and sustainable agriculture? Join the Teagasc Research Center and University College Dublin (UCD) for a fully funded PhD scholarship focused on Precision Apple Crop Load Management. This project aims to improve fruit quality, prevent alternate bearing, and enhance the sustainability of apple production in Ireland.
Project Background
Ireland’s apple industry faces challenges such as cold springs, shorter growing seasons, and limited use of precision techniques like thinning. These issues lead to inconsistent yields and lower fruit quality, impacting profitability and sustainability.
This project will:
- Compare hand, mechanical, and chemical thinning methods to improve fruit size, quality, and yield.
- Validate an early fruit set prediction model for Irish orchards to enable proactive management decisions.
- Promote sustainable apple production practices and mitigate alternate bearing.
Requirements
- Academic Background: A first- or upper-second-class honours degree or Master’s degree in Horticulture, Plant Science, or related fields.
- Desirable Experience: Orchard management, plant physiology, or crop modelling.
- Skills: Self-motivation, excellent organizational skills, and a willingness to develop advanced technical expertise.
- English Language Proficiency: Non-native English speakers must meet UCD’s minimum English language requirements.
Benefits
- Stipend: €25,000 per annum.
- Fee Contribution: Up to €6,000 per annum (any additional fees covered by the university).
- Professional Development: Access to training and development opportunities at Teagasc and UCD.
How to Apply
To apply, combine the following documents into a single PDF file and email to:
- Dr. Alberto Ramos Luz: alberto.ramosluz@teagasc.ie
- Cc Dr. Syed Bilal Hussain: syedbilal.hussain@ucd.ie
Required Documents:
- Cover Letter
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) detailing relevant qualifications and experience.
- Contact Details for at least two academic referees.
- Official Transcripts of undergraduate and/or postgraduate degrees.
Email Subject Line: “Irish PACMAN ref 2025047”
Application Deadline: March 31st, 2025 (11:59 am Irish time)
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview.
Project Start Date
- January 2026
Supervisors
- Dr. Alberto Ramos Luz (Teagasc)
- Dr. Syed Bilal Hussain (UCD)
- Dr. Luis Gonzalez Nieto (IRTA Mas Badia, Spain)
Further Information
For more details about the project, contact:
- Dr. Alberto Ramos Luz: alberto.ramosluz@teagasc.ie
- Dr. Syed Bilal Hussain: syedbilal.hussain@ucd.ie
Don’t miss this opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research in apple production and sustainable agriculture! Apply by March 31st, 2025.