PhD Scholarship in Wheat Milling Sustainability – South East Technological University

Key details

• Host institution: South East Technological University
• Location: South East Technological University, Ireland
• Application deadline: June 12, 2026

Funding

Not funded by a EU programme

Funding level (from listing): partial or not via EU framework — confirm on the official call.

How to apply

• Apply by email to [email protected] (subject line and attachments per the official instructions).
• Full vacancy text and updates: Euraxess listing.

About the position

PhD Scholarship – FIELD2FLOUR Ireland Project

Institution: South East Technological University (SETU)
Department: Department of Land Sciences
Duration: 4 years (48 months), full-time
Funding: Irish Department of Food, Agriculture and the Marine
Scholarship Value per Year: Stipend of €25,000 (tax-free) plus fees of €5,750
Closing Date: Friday, 12 June, at 4pm Irish Time
Interview Date: To be confirmed
PhD Commencement: 1 September 2026

Project Overview

SETU is seeking a PhD student for the FIELD2FLOUR Ireland project, which aims to demonstrate the potential for re-establishing a sustainable wheat milling sector in Ireland. In collaboration with Irish grain merchants and farmers, the project will trial new international spring wheat varieties at selected sites across the country. The team will investigate agronomic performance, grain quality, milling characteristics, and food innovation. SETU will conduct climate-resilient modelling and stress testing under future climate projections. The successful candidate will study the effect of abiotic stress on wheat varieties and help future-proof the selection of spring wheat varieties for milling in Ireland. Varieties will be grown at SETU’s West Campus Carriganore facilities under controlled temperature, relative humidity, light, and irrigation.

Main Project Tasks

• Monitor plant growth under multiple meteorological scenarios and evaluate impact on grain quality
• Examine the impact of extreme meteorological events (heatwaves, dry spells, heavy rainfall) and stress on the plant life cycle
• Identify stress and predict wheat growth and quality traits using digital technologies

Student Responsibilities

• Undertake the research project and carry out project tasks
• Perform administrative work associated with the programme of research
• Engage in wider research and scholarly activities of the research group
• Undertake any other duties as assigned by the Principal Investigator
• Contribute to high-impact peer-reviewed publications (where possible)
• Disseminate research findings at national and international conferences (where possible)

Person Specification

The successful candidate should be enthusiastic, self-motivated, and able to manage their own workload. They should demonstrate problem-solving abilities, excellent organisational and administrative skills, and the capacity to work to deadlines. Strong communication skills and the ability to interact well within a larger research team are essential.

Qualifications

Essential:

• Honours degree (minimum 2:1) in agriculture, food, horticulture, forestry, environmental sciences, or a related area

Desirable:

• Strong academic background in plant and/or crop science
• Strong academic background in food analysis
• Postgraduate diploma or MSc in agriculture, food, analytical, or environmental sciences

Knowledge & Experience

Essential:

• Knowledge of food production systems
• Experience in field- or lab-based research relevant to agri-food systems or environmental sciences
• Experience working independently in field or laboratory environments
• Experience collecting, recording, and analysing field or lab data
• Experience communicating research findings and preparing scientific reports
• Evidence of teamwork skills

Desirable:

• Knowledge of plant physiology
• Experience with wheat cultivation, cereal crop management, or field-based agricultural research
• Familiarity with laboratory analytical techniques for plant or grain quality assessment
• Familiarity with sustainable crop production and climate adaptation strategies
• Knowledge of plant responses to climatic stresses
• Familiarity with statistical analysis and interpretation of experimental data

Skills & Competencies

Essential:

• Applicants whose first language is not English must meet SETU’s English language requirements and provide documentation (see Code of Practice, Page 7)
• Computer skills including Microsoft Office (Excel, Access, Word, PowerPoint), Zoom/MS Teams/OBS, or similar
• Competence in scientific writing, data presentation, and preparation of technical reports, theses, or publications

Desirable:

• Ability to apply statistical methods and data analysis tools (e.g., R, SAS, SPSS, or similar)
• A full driver’s licence

Further Information

For informal queries, contact Dr Anastasia Ktenioudaki at [email protected].

Application Procedure

Complete the online Application Form on the SETU website, quoting the advert reference code. Upload all supporting documents as part of your submission. Applications must be submitted via this route.

For queries relating to the application and admission process, contact the Postgraduate Admissions Office at [email protected] or +353 (0)51 302883.

University website: https://www.setu.ie

SETU is an equal opportunities employer. Shortlisting and interviews will be based on the most suitable information provided in terms of experience, qualifications, and other requirements relevant to the post.