MSc Studentship: Project: PiTCROP – Pasture Irrigation with Treated Wastewater: Challenges, Risks and Opportunities
19 Mar 2026
Job Information
- Organisation/Company
University College Cork- Department
HR Research- Research Field
Environmental science » Other
Agricultural sciences » Other
Chemistry » Analytical chemistry- Researcher Profile
First Stage Researcher (R1)- Positions
Master Positions- Application Deadline
17 Apr 2026 - 12:00 (Europe/Dublin)- Country
Ireland- Type of Contract
Temporary- Job Status
Full-time- Hours Per Week
39- Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?
Not funded by a EU programme- Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?
No
Offer Description
Summary: The School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences (BEES) is currently recruiting a MSC researcher for 2 years to carry out research on how wastewater might be safely reused under different climate change scenarios in Ireland. The research is funded by the Environmental Protection Agency Ireland.
Project: PiTCROP – Pasture Irrigation with Treated Wastewater: Challenges, Risks and Opportunities
Background and objectives: The PiTCROP project is exploring how treated municipal wastewater could be safely reused to irrigate pasture, grassland, and other non-food crops in Ireland, helping to inform future water and agricultural policy. The project brings together stakeholder insights from Ireland and internationally to understand attitudes, opportunities, and best practice around wastewater reuse. It also includes laboratory and glasshouse trials assessing the effects of treated wastewater on grass species such as ryegrass and white clover under different climate stress conditions.
Ultimately, PiTCROP aims to develop a practical, risk-based framework to support evidence-led decision-making on wastewater reuse in Irish agriculture, particularly in the context of increasing water scarcity and climate extremes.
Funding Two years stipend and EU Fees. Salary: €25,000 per annum plus EU fees.
Contract Type: Fixed Term Whole-Time
Start date As soon as is practical
Key duties and responsibilities:
The primary focus of this 2-year MSc studentship will be research, however a particular emphasis during this stage should include;
- To conduct a specified programme of research under the supervision and direction of Dr Timothy Sullivan (BEES).
- To engage in appropriate training and professional development opportunities.
- To develop a focussed research query for treated urban wastewater for irrigation in Ireland.
- To critically appraise the identified literature and provide a systematic review.
- To engage in the dissemination of the results of the research with the support of and under the supervision of Dr Sullivan.
- To become familiar with the publication process.
- To acquire generic and transferable skills (including project management, business skills.
- To engage in the wider research and scholarly activities of the School of BEES and the Sustainability Institute at UCC.
- To interact closely with other postgraduate research students and postdoctoral fellows who are studying for a Masters or a PhD on the project or associated projects.
- To carry out additional duties as may reasonably be required within the general scope and level of the post.
Furthermore, the MSc. student will be encouraged to get a broad education. To that end he/she will be encouraged to be trained in a multitude of hands-on analysis techniques, where there will be an emphasis pollutant analysis, antimicrobial resistance and metals in wastewater, and irrigation trials. The M.Sc. student will be trained in the multi-facetted art of research, and will be mentored through scientific writing, presenting to peers at technical conferences, and interacting with collaborators from other disciplines.
Essential Criteria:
- An environmental sciences, agricultural or plant sciences, analytical chemistry or wastewater engineering qualification to degree level.
- Previous research experience desirable.
- Appropriate technical competence and accomplishment desirable.
- A capability of working within a project team to achieve results.
- Good communication, organisation and interpersonal skills.
- A commitment to gaining practical experience working on a research project.
- Ability to work well within a team.
Please note that Garda vetting and international police clearance check may form part of the selection process.
To Apply:
Please send your application via email to Dr. Timothy Sullivan, Lecturer in Environmental Science, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences (timothy.sullivan@ucc.ie ) with PiTCROP in the subject line of the email. The deadline is Friday 17th April.
Please attach a single PDF document that contains:
- A cover letter of 1 to 2 pages: Your letter should clearly set out your suitability and motivation for this MSc Studentship with reference to your past relevant experience and achievements.
- A CV that includes your relevant experience, undergraduate results, any relevant publications (if applicable) and contact information for two academic referees.
Please contact Dr. Timothy Sullivan, Lecturer in Environmental Science timothy.sullivan@ucc.ie if you have any questions about the position.
Where to apply
- Website
- https://www.ucc.ie/en/hr/vacancies/research/
Requirements
- Research Field
- Environmental science » Other
- Education Level
- Bachelor Degree or equivalent
- Languages
- ENGLISH
- Level
- Excellent
Additional Information
Work Location(s)
- Number of offers available
- 1
- Company/Institute
- University College Cork
- Country
- Ireland
- State/Province
- Cork
- City
- Cork
- Geofield
Contact
- State/Province
Cork- City
Cork- Website
http://www.ucc.ie/en/- Street
Western Road- Postal Code
T12PNY9
STATUS: EXPIRED
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