Waterford Institute of Technology

Code WF 2013177

Teagasc Walsh Fellowship

Profitability on grass based systems is driven by degree of grass utilization. This is influenced by increased growth and optimum management of that growth. Frequent measures of grass parameters, e.g. herbage yield, height, density will facilitate increased herbage production and utilization. However, traditionally such measurement on farm is limited. The potential use of ICT for grass measurement is dramatic. This project will test the potential for linking herbage measurement with a spatial dimension, thus allowing precise allocation of feed using GPS technology to be accomplished through a developed ICT tool, a smart phone and a grassland management Decision Support Tool (DST). Subsequent integration with ‘virtual fence’ technology will be evaluated experimentally. This approach will reduce the skill requirement around grass measurement, increase available information, provide an ICT dimension and spatial element to paddock performance and management. The PhD student will work alongside a team of researchers in Ireland, Scotland and France and industry, working within an EU-ICT Agri Project to test, evaluate and progress grazing tools targeted at achieving more precise grassland and grazing management. It will also allow the opportunity to investigate ‘virtual fence’ technology as a new means of controlled animal grazing.

Requirements
Applicants should have a good primary degree (First or Second Class Honours) or M.Sc. in an appropriate discipline (Agricultural Science, Engineering or Bioinformatics). The successful candidate should be highly self-motivated with and be prepared for extended periods of field work with modern analytical equipment and also data analysis. A full EU driving licence is also required.

Award
The PhD Fellowship is a joint research project between Teagasc Moorepark and Waterford Institute of Technology (WIT). The student will be based at the Teagasc Research Centre at Moorepark Co. Cork and will be registered at WIT, working under the supervision of Dr. Willie Donnelly in association with supervisors Dr. Bernadette O’Brien [TEAGASC] and Dr. Christina Umstatter [SRUC]). The fellowship will commence in Autumn, 2013.  The fellowship provides a stipend of €22,000. University fees are paid by the student from the stipend which is tenable for 3 years.

Further Information
Dr. Bernadette O’Brien, Livestock Systems Research Department, Teagasc Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork. Phone +353 (0) 25 42222
Ms Clare Mc Cormack, Research Support Unit, Waterford Institute of Technology. Phone +353 (0)51 845596

Application Procedure
Please download and complete the WIT Postgraduate Application Form and submit together with a copy of your Curriculum Vitae and a letter of interest simultaneously to:

Dr. Bernadette O’Brien bernadette.obrien@teagasc.ie and WIT Postgraduate Admissions Office  pgadmissions@wit.ie

Closing Date: 14 June 2013