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Offer Description
As part of a joint funded project by Research Ireland and Industry entitled 'PasturePV: Integration of utility-scale solar generation with animal production systems to create resilient, sustainable solutions that empower farmers and communities', applications are invited for a 4-year PhD position based at the University of Limerick with secondment to University College Cork and fieldwork conducted at off-site locations.
Photovoltaics (PV) technology is scaling rapidly in Ireland and internationally, however, PV deployments can create land use conflicts. Agrivoltaics, can maximise land use efficiency and tackle two of humanity's foremost challenges namely, decarbonisation and food security. Sheep farming alongside solar PV panels is a viable livestock enterprise and offers great economic potential. However, significant knowledge gaps exist in research integrating livestock grazing and the diverse agro-ecological interactions that influence vegetation management. Soil health can be impacted by shading/drying, alterations in the dispersion of rainwater and sheep behaviour. Solar panels may also unintentionally leach heavy metals and other potentially harmful chemicals. There is very limited information available as to whether and in what amounts these chemicals could enter the soil underneath the panels and potentially build up over time.
Sheep grazing has a complex and multifaceted impact on soil health, biology, nutrient cycling and biodiversity. Together with agrivoltaics applications, there is a lack of knowledge on the effects of combined sheep grazing and solar farming on soil edaphic factors, soil biodiversity, health and biological function which is the topic of this PhD position.
Project Objectives: Through the establishment of a large-scale farmlet study involving sheep grazing a paddock system both with and without solar panels the successful candidate will assess:
- Whether presence of PV panels and sheep impact soil nutrient and heavy metal concentration in soil, plant, ground water (underneath, inter-row)
- Whether presence of PV panels and sheep impact soil edaphic properties (underneath, inter-row)
- Assess the impact of PV panels and sheep on soil biota (bacteria, fungi, protists, nematodes) functionality (C, N, P, S cycling) and abundance (underneath, inter-row)
- Assess the impact of PV panels and sheep on soil biota (bacteria, fungi, protists, nematodes) diversity (16S, 18S, ITS, underneath, inter-row) and earthworm abundance
- Analyze soil derived carbon dioxide and methane fluxes/emissions in the presence of PV panels and sheep
This is an exciting opportunity to join a highly motivated, internationally recognised, team of researchers under the primary supervision of Prof. Achim Schmalenberger and Prof. Ken Byrne (University of Limerick), as well as Dr. Israel Ikoyi (University College Cork).
Where to apply
E-mail: achim.schmalenberger@ul.ie
Requirements
Research Field: Biological sciences » Biodiversity
Education Level: Bachelor Degree or equivalent
Research Field: Agricultural sciences » Soil science
Education Level: Bachelor Degree or equivalent
Research Field: Environmental science » Other
Education Level: Bachelor Degree or equivalent
Skills/Qualifications
Soil science: fundamental knowledge and practical experience in basic soil analyses such as soil pH, soil nutrient measurements
Soil biology: fundamental knowledge in soil organism including nematodes and earthworms
Soil microbiology: fundamental knowledge in cultivation and isolation of soil microbes, isolation of DNA and PCR
Specific Requirements
Candidate Attributes: Candidates should have a BSc (level 8; Upper second class honours or higher) in Biological, Environmental or Agricultural Science, Microbiology, or related discipline. An MSc (levle 9) in a related area is desirable. A full clean driving licence and the ability to drive on Irish roads are essential due to the requirement to conduct field work.
Languages: ENGLISH
Level: Excellent
Research Field: Biological sciences » Biodiversity, Agricultural sciences » Soil science, Environmental science » Other
Years of Research Experience: 1 - 4
Additional Information
Benefits
Award: The stipend of €31,000 per annum includes university fees and is tenable for 4 years.
Eligibility criteria
Level 8 (higher second class honours or abouve) or 9 qualification in soil science, soil biology, microbiology, agronomy or related field
Selection process
Application Procedure: Interested candidates should submit a single PDF document containing (i) a Curriculum Vitae including education and level achieved, relevant work experience and the names and contact details of 2 referees, (ii) a cover letter detailing suitability to the position and career ambitions. Copies of academic transcripts will be requested for shortlisted candidates.
Applications should be emailed to achim.schmalenberger@ul.ie with the subject line 'PasturePV Soil PhD'.
Interviews: Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview. Interviews will be preferentially held online via Teams.
Additional comments
The closing date for applications is 5 pm on October 19th, 2026. Only candidates selected for interview will be contacted and will be notified by October 26th 2026.
Work Location(s)
Number of offers available: 1
Company/Institute: University of Limerick
Country: Ireland
State/Province: Limerick
City: Limerick
Postal Code: V94T9PX
Number of offers available: 1
Company/Institute: University College Cork
Country: Ireland
State/Province: Cork
City: Cork
Contact
State/Province: Co. Limerick
City: Limerick
Website: https://www.ul.ie/scieng/schools-and-departments/department-biological-sciences
Street: Parkway
Postal Code: V94T9PX
E-Mail: achim.schmalenberger@ul.ie
Phone: 0035361237143