PhD Opportunity in Spatiotemporal Statistics for Grass Growth Modelling

PhDFinder; Emfuleni Local Municipality; On-site; ZAR 550,000 - 600,000; Full time

Job summary

A fully funded PhD position in Spatiotemporal Statistics for Grass Growth Modelling at University College Cork, Ireland. This four-year, full-time opportunity, starting in September/October 2025, offers a €25,000 annual stipend, along with collaboration opportunities within the VistaMilk Phase II Research Centre. Ideal candidates should possess a strong background in statistics and an eagerness to engage with agricultural research.

Benefits

Fully funded PhD position

Annual stipend of €25,000 (tax-free)

Tuition fees covered

Participation in a major research centre

Qualifications

• Degree in statistics, data science, mathematics or similar.
• Desirable: Master's with distinction and background in agricultural science.

Responsibilities

• Develop advanced spatiotemporal statistical methods for the grass growth model.
• Engage with the Irish farming community to address real-world agricultural challenges.

Skills

Strong programming skills

Ability to learn spatiotemporal statistics

Strong communication abilities

Education

Upper second-class honours degree in statistics, data science, mathematics, or a highly numerate discipline

Master’s degree with distinction

Job description

University: University College Cork

Country: Ireland

Deadline: 2025-07-23

Fields: Statistics, Data Science, Mathematics, Agricultural Science, Environmental Science

Applications are invited for a fully funded PhD position in Spatiotemporal Statistics for Grass Growth Modelling as part of the VistaMilk Phase II SFI Research Centre at University College Cork, Ireland. This project will contribute to the enhancement of the Teagasc MoSt grass growth model, which is integral to Ireland’s national Farming Forecast, by developing advanced spatiotemporal statistical methods. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work within a multidisciplinary team and contribute to impactful research in agricultural and environmental science.

Key Features Of The Position

– Four-year, full-time PhD studentship starting in September/October 2025

– Annual stipend of €25,000 (tax-free) with EU tuition fees covered

– Participation in the €26M VistaMilk Phase II SFI Research Centre, collaborating with 13 partners across Ireland

– Opportunity to develop expertise in spatiotemporal and Bayesian statistics, and to integrate diverse data sources such as land-cover, soil, weather, and satellite information

– Direct engagement with the Irish farming community and contribution to real-world agricultural challenges

Essential Requirements

– Upper second-class honours (2.1) degree in statistics, data science, mathematics, or a highly numerate discipline

– Strong programming skills

– Willingness to learn spatial/spatiotemporal and Bayesian statistical methods

– Motivation to engage with the farming sector in Ireland

– Regular physical presence at University College Cork and the VistaMilk Centre (remote work is not permitted)

– For non-EU applicants: proof of financial support for €10,000/year tuition fees

Desirable Qualifications

– Master’s degree with distinction

– Prior experience in tutoring

– Familiarity with spatial/spatiotemporal statistics and Bayesian approaches

– Strong communication and organizational abilities

– Background in agricultural science

Application Procedure

Interested candidates should submit a single PDF file containing:

• Cover letter (1–2 pages)
• Curriculum Vitae (maximum 2 pages)
• Degree certificate and academic transcripts
• For non-EU applicants: proof of financial support
  
  

Please email your application to Dr. Ben Taylor and Dr. John O’Mullane at [e-mail], with “VistaMilk PhD Application” as the subject line.

Interviews are scheduled for early August 2025.

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