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Position

PhD Studentship on “Scenario-based mapping of anaerobic digestion biorefineries in Ireland.”

This work will develop and evaluate future scenarios for anaerobic digestion (AD) and AD-biorefineries in Ireland using GIS and spatial analysis, identifying region-specific opportunities, infrastructure needs, and stakeholder pathways. The supervisory team will be drawn from Dr Archishman Bose, Prof Jerry Murphy, Dr David Wall, Dr Richard O'Shea and Prof Valeria Andreoni. 

Sustainability Institute

The successful PhD will be based in the Sustainability Institute, University College Cork. The Sustainability Institute is an internationally recognised Institute for environmental research dedicated to the understanding and protection of our natural environment and to developing innovative technologies, tools and services to facilitate a transformation to a zero carbon and resource efficient society. The student will primarily work within the Circular Economy Energy and Environmental Systems (CEEES) Research Group.

The Circular Economy Energy and Environmental Systems (CEEES) Research Group focus on renewable advanced fuel production in circular economy systems consists of approximately 20 researchers. The breadth of the work includes for analysis of systems from ocean (offshore wind and seaweed) to conversion (hydrogen, electro-fuels, gaseous and liquid biofuels) to end use (industry, transport fuel). Detailed laboratory work includes for production of biohydrogen and biomethane from feedstocks such as agricultural residues, lignocellulosic crops, macro-algae (seaweed) and micro-algae. Research covers biological and thermochemical bioenergy pathways. The group investigates a range of innovative technologies at laboratory scale including for Power to Gas, demand driven biogas and novel biogas upgrading technologies. Fundamental and applied aspects of biomass gasification, pyrolysis, and methanation are also investigated. Work includes for desktop analyses such as chemical kinetic modelling, process simulation, geographic specific bioresources, lifecycle analysis, sustainability analyses and techno-economic studies. The research facilitates the development of roadmaps, which describe how Ireland can initiate a green gas industry and contribute to mandatory renewable energy targets for renewable heat and transport fuels.

The CEEES Research Group is based in the Research Ireland MaREI Centre for Energy Climate and Marine and is a key research centre within UCC’s Sustainability Institute. The MaREI Centre is a Research Ireland funded research centre and includes 13 other Universities and Third Level Institutes from across Ireland, has 50 industrial partners and has accumulated research funding of over €60m. It combines the expertise of a wide range of research groups and industry partners, with the shared mission of solving the main scientific, technical and socio-economic challenges across the climate, energy and marine spaces. MaREI is also funded by SEAI, EI, EPA, ERDF, EU, HEA, Marine Institute, DCCAE and IRC, as well as through contributions from our industry partners. Researchers in the MaREI Centre have over 30 years of experience in conducting fundamental and applied research supported by competitively won national and international funding, and commercial contracts with government agencies and industry. MaREI’s strengths lie in the multi-disciplinary nature of its research teams, allowing it to combine insights across areas such as MRE Technologies, Materials & Structures, Observations & Operations, Coastal & Marine Systems, Bioenergy, Energy Policy & Modelling and Renewable Energy Management.

The CEEES research group is led by Professor Jerry D Murphy (Director of the Research Ireland MaREI Centre and Chair of Civil Engineering), Dr Archishman Bose (Eli Lilly Lecturer at Process and Chemical Engineering), Dr Richard O’Shea (Lecturer in Sustainability in Enterprise), and Dr David Wall (Senior Lecturer in Transportation).

Research Project information:

REGARD: Regional Strategies for Collaborative Anaerobic Digestion and Biorefinery Development in Ireland

The anaerobic digestion (AD) industry in Ireland is still in its early stages but is gaining pace, driven by the Climate Action Plan’s target of producing 5.7 TWh of biomethane by 2030. Meeting this ambitious goal could require the development of up to 200 AD plants nationwide. Beyond renewable energy generation, AD contributes to the wider bioeconomy by producing digestate, that can help to reduce the agricultural emissions.

However, rolling out AD infrastructure must account for Ireland’s varied agricultural, environmental, and socio-economic conditions. A one-size-fits-all approach is unlikely to succeed. To address this problem, the REGARD project (Regional Strategies for Collaborative Anaerobic Digestion and Biorefinery Development in Ireland) adopts a place-based, multi-actor approach to create regionally tailored, collaborative AD and biorefinery models. REGARD will examine ownership and partnership structures that share risks and benefits among farmers, businesses, and local stakeholders. By integrating data analysis, scenario modelling, and a pilot co-owned AD-biorefinery facility, the project aims to deliver practical, region-specific solutions.

Ultimately, REGARD aims to support economic development, environmental sustainability, and Ireland’s transition to a circular, low-carbon economy, ensuring that AD becomes not only an energy solution, but a driver of regional resilience and innovation

The Position

One PhD studentship is being advertised. The position is a 48 month fully-funded PhD (tax-free stipend of €25,000 per year and tuition fees covered at the EU rate; Non-EU applicants may be required to pay additional non-EU fees) which will be based at the School of Engineering and Architecture in University College Cork in MaREI. However, the student will be working closely with the researchers based in the Cork University Business School and project’s industry and community partners.

 

Criteria

  • First-class honours degree (or equivalent) in civil, environmental, energy, and/or chemical engineering;
  • Experience in process modelling of chemical processes, particularly, bioprocesses.
  • Fundamental knowledge on anaerobic digestion.
  • Experience in GIS is desirable.
  • Knowledge about the Irish Bioeconomy is desirable.
  • Capability of working in a multi-disciplinary team and collaborating with industry and societal stakeholders.
  • Capability of working within a project team to achieve results.
  • Good communication, organisation, and interpersonal skills.
  • Applicants whose first language is not English must show evidence of English proficiency (e.g. IELTS minimum 6.5, individual sections 6.0), please check the requirements at: https://www.ucc.ie/en/study/comparison/english/postgraduate/

To Apply:

Please email one compiled document with the following sections in order to Dr Archishman Bose (Archishman.bose@ucc.ie). Note, candidates with missing information will not be considered for shortlisting.

 

  • a 500-word personal statement
  • a 500-word essay on your understanding of “Scenario-based mapping of anaerobic digestion biorefineries in Ireland”
  • your detailed CV

 

Please use the following as both the file name and your email subject line when submitting your application: “REGARD_PhD_APPLICANT NAME

 

Please note, following shortlisting, successful candidates will be invited to an interview.

 

For informal inquiries applicants can email: archishman.bose@ucc.ie