PhD Opportunity in Smart Milking for a Sustainable Future

PhDFinder; Emfuleni Local Municipality; On-site; EUR 31,000; Full time

Job summary

A fully funded four-year PhD scholarship focuses on Smart Milking for sustainability on Irish dairy farms, assessing milk quality and technology interactions. Ideal for candidates with agricultural engineering, animal science, or data science background, the position offers strong support and the opportunity to contribute to critical dairy industry challenges.

Benefits

Joint supervision between Teagasc Moorepark and UCD

Structured supervision and targeted research support

Auxiliary funds for international travel and professional development

Qualifications

• Demonstrated self-motivation with strong problem-solving and data analysis skills.
• Full driver’s license is required.
• Knowledge of milking technology is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to evidence-based guidelines for milking technologies.
• Conduct field trials and data analysis.
• Engage with stakeholders in the dairy and agri-tech sectors.

Skills

Problem-solving

Data analysis

Knowledge of the dairy industry

Education

Primary degree in relevant discipline

Master’s degree

Job description

University: University College Dublin

Country: Ireland

Deadline: 2025-07-11

Fields: Agricultural Engineering, Animal Science, Veterinary Science, Agricultural Science, Data Science

PhD Position – Smart Milking for a Sustainable Future (Ref: WS 2025009)

Applications are invited for a fully funded four-year PhD scholarship jointly offered by Teagasc Moorepark Research Centre and University College Dublin (UCD), Ireland. This project addresses the critical challenge of balancing productivity, animal health, and sustainability on Irish dairy farms by examining the impact of milking machine performance and farmer-technology interactions on milk quality, somatic cell counts, mastitis control, and the accuracy of milk recording. The successful candidate will contribute to the development of evidence-based guidelines for the effective use of milking technologies, employing a combination of field trials, data analysis, and stakeholder engagement to enhance herd health, productivity, and sustainability.

Requirements

– Demonstrated self-motivation with strong problem-solving and data analysis skills

– Primary degree (first or upper second-class honours) in a relevant discipline such as agricultural engineering, animal/veterinary/agricultural science

– Master’s degree and experience with statistical tools are desirable

– Knowledge of the dairy industry, milk quality, or milking technology is advantageous

– Full driver’s license is required

– For non-native English speakers: compliance with UCD English Language Requirements (see https://www.ucd.ie/registry/admissions/elr/)

Award And Benefits

– Annual funding of €31,000 (including €25,000 stipend and €6,000 university fees)

– Joint supervision between Teagasc Moorepark and UCD

– Structured supervision, targeted research support, specialized training, and access to cutting-edge facilities

– Opportunities for engagement with key stakeholders in the dairy and agri-tech sectors

– Auxiliary funds available for international travel and professional development

– Travel between Cork and Dublin required

Application Procedure

Interested candidates should submit electronic copies of their CV and a letter of interest to both:

– Dr. John Upton: [e-mail]

– Dr. Eoin Ryan: [e-mail]

Start date is as soon as possible after September 1, 2025. The application deadline is July 11, 2025. The position will be based at Teagasc Moorepark, Co. Cork, and University College Dublin, Ireland.

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