A four-year, Research Ireland-funded PhD at UCD modelling peatland surface motion from satellite InSAR data. The project connects ground surface displacements with ecohydrological parameters and carbon emissions under climate change.
Peatlands store over 644 gigatons of soil carbon — more than global forest cover — but 82% of Irish peatlands are degraded. This PhD uses SAR/InSAR remote sensing, in-situ measurements and numerical modelling to connect bog surface motion with groundwater levels, peat density and carbon flux. Results feed into satellite baselines for carbon emission estimation. Full funding, conference travel budget, and strong supervision. Note: this specific position requires EU citizenship or residency — Nigerian students already on an EU residency permit are eligible; those without cannot apply to this one.
Master's in Earth Sciences, Physics, Computer Science or related. Strong programming skills (Python, MATLAB). EU citizenship or residency permission is required for this specific position.
Unfortunately no — this specific Research Ireland-funded position requires EU citizenship or residency permission. Nigerians already holding EU residency (e.g. through a partner, prior studies, or work permit) can apply. Without EU status, you'll need to look at other UCD PhDs with international funding.
€25,000 per year tax-free (generous for Dublin cost of living as a student), plus EU tuition fees, plus a dedicated conference travel budget. Standard for Research Ireland-funded PhDs.
Helpful but not required. The project description lists InSAR and numerical modelling as desired skills, but strong programming in Python or MATLAB and a willingness to learn SAR processing is enough to start.
A research PhD — 4 years of independent research under the supervision of Dr. Alexis Hrysiewicz at UCD. There may be some coursework in the first year depending on your background, but the focus is on your thesis.
Email Dr. Alexis Hrysiewicz (alexis.hrysiewicz@ucd.ie) directly with your CV, cover letter, and contact details for two academic referees. The formal UCD application follows after initial screening.