东南理工大学（爱尔兰）PhD position in Elucidation of the Forest Microbiome and its potential to control major fungal diseases in key tree species申请条件要求-申请方
主办方
东南理工大学（爱尔兰）
PhD直招介绍
About the Project
Project Key Words: Microbiomes, Forest, Fungal pathogens and Biocontrol
Post summary
This four-year PhD project is part of the larger ResilientForests project: Advancing Tree Improvement Research for Biodiverse, Climate-Resilient, and Productive Forests for Ireland. This project is a collaboration between Teagasc (Oakpark), UCD, SETU and TUD). Forest resilience is shaped not only by tree genetics and abiotic conditions but also by interactions with microbial communities that inhabit the rhizosphere and endosphere. These complex plant–microbe relationships influence root development, nutrient acquisition, stress resilience, and defense against pathogens. Despite their importance, these microbiome-plant interactions remain largely underexplored in Irish forestry systems.
ResForest-Micro addresses the urgent need to integrate beneficial microbes into forest establishment and disease management strategies. This research aligns with the EU Green Deal and Farm to Fork Strategy, both of which call for a 50% reduction in chemical pesticide use and a broader shift toward nature-based, sustainable plant health solutions by 2030. As forestry increasingly contributes to national climate mitigation, biodiversity restoration, and circular bioeconomy goals, reducing reliance on chemical inputs and enhancing natural resilience through microbial solutions becomes a critical priority.
Outcomes from the past Research Ireland-funded projects including the ExAl project demonstrate the feasibility and impact of this approach, having identified native bacterial and fungal strains capable of inhibiting Phytophthora alni, the causal agent of alder dieback. ResFor_Micro will build on this foundation to systematically characterise beneficial microbial consortia and translate them into practical bio-inoculant technologies applicable to Irish forestry systems.
The project will target pathogens of national concern, including P. alni, Armillaria spp., Phytophthora ramorum, and Hymenoscyphus fraxineus. By embedding microbiome research into forest management and tree breeding, this task supports national and EU priorities for sustainable, bio-based, and nature-positive plant health innovations.
The successful candidate will conduct full-time research over 48 months leading to the award of a PhD from SETU. The candidate will be based in SETU Carlow but will be able to draw upon the expertise and resources of both SETU and Teagasc Oakpark.
Objectives of the ResForest Micro PhD:
•To characterise the root, rhizosphere, and endophytic microbiomes of key tree species, both broadleaves and conifers, across sites showing contrasting health status.
•To isolate and screen beneficial microbial strains with antagonistic activity against major tree pathogens, including but not limited to Phytophthora alni, P. ramorum, Armillaria spp., and Hymenoscyphus fraxineus, to name a few.
•To develop and test bio-inocula formulations that can reduce seedling mortality and enhance resilience during forest establishment.
•To establish a national microbial biobank of beneficial isolates for future forestry and biosecurity applications.
•To provide practical guidance and outreach tools for integrating microbiome solutions into breeding, nursery, and forest management practices.
Scholars will be expected to publish their work in prestigious journals.
东南理工大学（爱尔兰） PhD position in Elucidation of the Forest Microbiome and its potential to control major fungal diseases in key tree species项目有没有奖学金，是不是全奖Phd招生，下面我们一起看一下【大学名称】Phd的奖学金资助情况
项目资助情况
Funding Notes
Scholarship Project Title: ResForest_Micro: Elucidation of the Forest Microbiome and its potential to control major fungal diseases in key tree species.
Advert Reference: CW_2025_11_SPONS
Supervisor: Dr. Kieran Germaine (SETU Carlow)
Co-supervisor: Dr. Dheeraj Rathore (Teagac Oakpark, Carlow)
Research Group: Soil-Plant-Microbe Interactions Group
Department /School: enviroCORE:
Duration: 4 Years/48 Months
Status: Full-time
Funding information: Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Marine (DAFM)
Value of the scholarship per year for four years:
Stipend: €25,000 per annum
Fees of €5,750 per annum
Closing date and time: Thursday, 30 April at 4pm Irish time
Interview date: To be confirmed
PhD commencement date: To be confirmed
东南理工大学（爱尔兰）Phd申请条件和要求都有哪些？PhD position in Elucidation of the Forest Microbiome and its potential to control major fungal diseases in key tree species项目是不是全奖？有没有奖学金？下面我们一起看一下东南理工大学（爱尔兰）申请Phd直招需要具备哪些条件和要求，以及托福、雅思语言成绩要到多少才能申请。
申请要求
Knowledge & Experience
Essential
· Degree (Level 8 equivalent, 2nd class Honours or higher classification) in microbiology, bioscience, or molecular biology from an approved University
Desirable
· Master’s degree (Level 9 equivalent) in, with a dissertation topic relating to any of Computational Biology, Frontiers of AI, or Network Mathematics
· Microbial and/or plant culture, DNA extraction and bioinformatic analysis, statistical analysis using R.
· Knowledge of Computational Biology and Bioinformatics
Skills & Competencies Essential
· Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate on application that they meet SETU’s English language requirements( https://www.setu.ie/english-language-requirements ) and provide all necessary documentation. In order to be shortlisted for interview, candidates must meet the SETU English-speaking requirements, so candidates are expected to provide such evidence as part of their application.
· Excellent written and oral presentation skills
· Self-starter with excellent time management skills
· The successful candidate should be enthusiastic, self-motivated, self-critical and willing to learn.
· Must be able to both work on their own and as part of a team of PIs, post-docs and other PhD students.
Desirable
· A full driver’s license and mode of transport, as the project will involve traveling to various forest sites for sampling purposes.
报名方式
联系人
姓名：Postgraduate Admissions Office
邮箱：researchadmissions@setu.ie
电话：+353 (0)51 302883
招生人信息
Dr K Germaine, Dr DR Rathore
邮箱：kieran.germaine@setu.ie
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