Psychological sciences » Behavioural sciences
Environmental science » Natural resources management
Organisation/Company UCD Knowledge Exchange in Agriculture Research Field Agricultural sciences » Soil science Psychological sciences » Behavioural sciences Sociology » Rural sociology Environmental science » Natural resources management Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions PhD Positions Country Ireland Application Deadline 27 Jun 2025 - 17:00 (Europe/Dublin) Type of Contract Not Applicable Job Status Not Applicable Offer Starting Date 1 Sep 2025 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No
Offer Description
PhD Opportunity - A multi-actor approach to understanding levers and barriers for engagement in multi-species swards for sustainability
Background
The potential benefit of multi-species swards (MSS) to improve the sustainability of grass-based production systems has been clearly identified but the challenges to uptake of the practice need to be further explored to ensure effective implementation at farm level. Factors such as tradition, peer perception and social influences impact on adoption of the practice. This PhD study will focus on the engagement of farmers and key actors in multi-species swards for sustainability. Using a multi-actor approach which will combine design thinking and behavioural science this programme will map the key barriers and levers that can bring about behaviour change for the effective implementation of MSS at the farm level. The study will use a systematic research approach where all key actors involved with multi-species swards are engaged to identify target areas for change across the Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation System (AKIS). This programme will build towards developing a protocol for effective multi-actor engagement. This work will serve as a central platform for AKIS actor engagement which includes the farming community, policymakers, key industry stakeholders, and scientists
Requirements
Applicants should have a first or upper second-class honours primary degree (or the equivalent) in an appropriate discipline (e.g. Agricultural Science, Business, Sociology, Psychology or other relevant degree). The successful candidate should be enthusiastic and self-motivated and be prepared to work independently and as part of team. A minimum level of competency in English is required. Please see the following link with regard to English Language requirements (UCD English Language Requirements).
Award
The PhD scholarship is part of a joint research project between Datamars Sustainability Foundation and University College Dublin (UCD). The candidate will be based at UCD (Belfield or Lyons Farm) and will be registered at UCD under the primary supervision of Dr Tomás Russell (UCD). The scholarship funding is €30,500 per annum, comprising of the university fees (€5,500) and a stipend (tax-free) of €25,000 and is tenable for 4 years. The successful applicant will receive tailored guidance on their research from a dedicated panel of supervisors and a Research Studies Panel as part of the UCD Structured PhD Programme.
Application Procedure and Closing Date
Interested candidates should submit a CV and a cover letter, outlining your interest and relevant experience, by email to Dr Tomás Russell before 5pm on the 27th of June 2025. Please include ‘Datamars PhD’ in the email subject line.
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