Fully funded 3-year PhD available: Exploring farmland biodiversity conservation perceptions and values along the dairy value chain

Job title:

Fully funded 3-year PhD available: Exploring farmland biodiversity conservation perceptions and values along the dairy value chain

Company:

University College Cork

Job description

See Advert for DetailsExploring farmland biodiversity conservation perceptions and values along the dairy value chainFully funded 3-year PhD available at University College CorkBackgroundThe protection of biodiversity across agricultural landscapes is crucial for ensuring a sustainable future for agriculture. From farmers to consumers, and the integral actors in-between, engaging a diverse cohort of stakeholders from across the agri-food value chain in biodiversity restoration initiatives has been recognised as a powerful means of enhancing policy and realising agri-environmental targets. To achieve this, however, we must understand the factors that drive biodiversity-related behaviours among a diverse range of farmer and non-farmer stakeholders, who directly and indirectly impact the agricultural sector. Gaining such insights is essential for promoting and fostering effective pro-biodiversity practices and policy.This exciting PhD opportunity offers the chance to delve into the farmland biodiversity conservation perceptions and values of stakeholders within the context of the Irish dairy value chain. By uncovering these values and perceptions, this study will yield invaluable insights that will be important in designing future biodiversity conservation initiatives and policies, ensuring the widespread adoption of pro-biodiversity behaviours, providing effective support on biodiversity, and improving biodiversity status. Expected outcomes from this research will include practical solutions, frameworks for stakeholder collaboration, and strategic policy recommendations that elevate the position of farmland biodiversity within the dairy value chain. Overall, this research will deliver significant benefits across academia, policy, and practice.The successful PhD candidate will develop advanced research skills while also refining their interpersonal and communication abilities as they work closely with influential stakeholders using collaborative approaches and mixed methodologies. Throughout the study, the student will actively engage with farmers and other stakeholders through surveys, interviews, and focus groups. The successful candidate will also avail of substantial benefits in training and skills development, paving the way for significant career opportunities.This PhD will be supervised by Dr Aoife Leader (School of Biological, Earth & Environmental Sciences, UCC), Dr. Tracy Bradfield (Cork University Business School, UCC), and Dr Deirdre Hennessy (School of Biological, Earth & Environmental Sciences, UCC).RequirementsWe are seeking a motivated and passionate PhD candidate, who can work both independently and collaboratively. The candidate must have a good primary degree (First or Second Class Honours) in an appropriate discipline (e.g., Agricultural Science, Environmental Science, Psychology, Social Science). A full clean driving licence and proficiency in English are essential. The candidate should be capable of engaging with stakeholders and have a proven ability to collaborate and communicate effectively. Knowledge of grassland-based agriculture, the Irish dairy industry, farmland biodiversity management practices, and agri-environmental policy is also desirable.Scholarship AwardThis prestigious award includes payment of EU Fees for a PhD at UCC for 3 years and an annual tax-free stipend of €25,000. This award is funded by the Munster Agricultural Society.LocationThe PhD candidate will be based in the School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences (BEES), University College Cork. The PhD candidate will be required to visit commercial farms and other key stakeholder locations over the course of the study. There will also be opportunities to travel to national and international conferences.If English is not your first language, you will need to satisfy the English language requirement (IELTS: 6.5 – with no individual section lower than 6.0; TOEFL: 90 with minimum score as follows: Listening – 20; reading – 19; speaking – 21; writing – 20.)

Expected salary

Location

Cork

Job date

Sat, 15 Mar 2025 23:08:31 GMT

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