Fully Funded PhD Scholarship in Improvement of biomethane yields from agricultural feedstock

Application(s) are invited from suitably qualified candidates for full-time funded PhD scholarship(s) starting in October, 2024 affiliated to the [College of Science and Engineering/School of Engineering/Civil Engineering Discipline/Ryan Institute] at the University of Galway.

University of Galway

Located in the vibrant cultural city of Galway in the west of Ireland, the University of Galway has a distinguished reputation for teaching and research excellence

For information on moving to Ireland please see www.euraxess.ie

Detailed Project Description

This four-year project has recently been funded by the Teagasc Walsh Scholarship Programme. Two partner organizations will participate in this project: the School of Engineering/Ryan Institute, University of Galway; and the Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc Grange (the Irish Agriculture and Food Development Authority). This project will provide financial support to a student who will be registered in University of Galway.

This project will provide solutions for maximising methane production and reducing methane losses in anaerobic digestion (AD) plants to promote the application of AD as a source of bioenergy from grass silage and animal slurry. In the long term, this project should contribute to a thriving, sustainable and circular bio-economy, and to the creation of wealth and quality jobs in rural areas.

The student will conduct the research under the supervision of Prof. Xinmin Zhan at University of Galway and Dr. Ciara Beausang at Teagasc Grange. The research project will comprise tasks investigating: (1) pre-treatment of agricultural feedstocks for maximizing gas yields; (2) quantification of fugitive gas loss from the AD plants and digestate storage in Teagasc Grange and other AD plants in operation in Ireland; (3) exploration of measures to mitigate fugitive gas loss; and, (4) environmental sustainability analysis of co-digestion of slurry and grass silage taking account of pretreatment and emissions mitigation options.

Living allowance (Stipend): [€25,000] per annum, [tax-exempt scholarship award]

University fees: [€6,000 per annum]

Start date: October 2024 and no later than February 2025

Academic Entry Requirements: Applicants must have a degree (2.1 minimum) in environmental engineering, environmental science, microbiology, biochemical engineering, agricultural sciences or a related discipline. A high level of competency in spoken and written English is required. Please see the following link with regard to English Language requirements http://www.nuigalway.ie/adult-learning/faqs/qualifications-and-entry-requirements/

To Apply for the Scholarship: send your CV and a cover letter with names and contact details of two referees to Prof. Xinmin Zhan or Dr. Ciara Beausang

Contact Name: Prof. Xinmin Zhan, Dr. Ciara Beausang

Contact Email: xinmin.zhan@universityofgalway.ie, Ciara.Beausang@teagasc.ie

Application Deadline: 15 /August/2024 time 12:00

Primary Supervisor name Prof. Xinmin Zhan