PhD Scholarship at University College Cork
Location
University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
About
Transformation of the global food system towards more sustainable and equitable outcomes is urgently needed, requiring an evidence-based food systems approach. The Co-Centre for Sustainable Food Systems aims to transform the existing food systems in Ireland and the UK, addressing economic, social, health, and environmental problems to ensure safe, nutritious food for all. Our research will consider specific challenges addressing food system integrity and resilience, food safety, and healthy diets from sustainable sources. Using a food systems approach, the Co-Centre for Sustainable Food Systems encompasses a research programme of oriented basic and applied research in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and social sciences across three jurisdictions – the Republic of Ireland (ROI), Northern Ireland (NI), and Great Britain (GB).
The Co-Centre brings together academics from multiple disciplines, including the natural sciences, trade, economics, politics, political economy, and law. It will build on the shared objectives to develop a robust, resilient, and sustainable food system that meets changing consumer demands. It will also look to foster cooperation and consensus to develop an agri-food sector that underpins national economies and will foster R&I to accelerate radical transitions towards a more environmentally and economically sustainable and transparent agri-food sector.
The PROJECT
Within the Nutrition and Health Platform, jointly led by Ulster University and University College Cork, this PhD position will contribute to the development of a unique Household Cohort Study, a living research infrastructure designed to explore how families and individuals interact with food, health, and sustainability in their everyday lives. This household cohort will support the development of the
evidence-base to determine requirements to transition to a diet that is both healthy and sustainable.
This doctoral project will specifically focus on characterising household food waste to identify opportunities for change. By investigating what food is wasted, why, and under what circumstances, the project will provide critical insights into the behavioural, social, nutritional, and economic drivers of waste
generation. The research will identify evidence-based strategies to reduce household food waste and contribute to national and international goals for sustainable consumption and circular food systems.
This PhD offers an exciting opportunity to work collaboratively with our research partners at the University of Ulster (UU), Queen’s University (QUB), and University College Dublin (UCD). This PhD offers a multidisciplinary approach and is designed to equip candidates with advanced knowledge and research skills to tackle pressing challenges in food security and food waste. Training: Co-Centre PhD students participate in a comprehensive Food Systems Training Programme, providing a broad understanding of sustainability challenges and solutions across the food chain, complementing their individual research focus.
The Applicant
Principal Duties and Responsibilities:
Applicants should have a good primary degree (First or Upper Second Class Honours) or M.Sc. in a relevant discipline, including agricultural science, psychology, sociology, human geography, agricultural economics, agricultural extension, rural development, or related social/behavioural sciences. The successful candidate should be highly self-motivated and prepared for extensive fieldwork, including farmer interviews, focus groups, and survey administration across multiple counties. Strong analytical skills for both quantitative and qualitative research methods are essential.
Fluent English language skills and a full EU driving license are essential for fieldwork requirements. Experience with statistical software (e.g., R, SPSS, MPlus) and qualitative analysis software (e.g., NVivo) would be advantageous. The candidate should demonstrate excellent interpersonal and communication skills for engaging with diverse stakeholders, including farmers, policymakers, and industry representatives. Please see here for English language requirements.
The AWARD
The applicant will have a minimum of a 2.1 honours degree in the relevant discipline with a strong interest in food systems, food and health, and sustainability research. The applicant will be enthusiastic and highly motivated, able to interact well with other team members, and capable of working on their
own initiative. Prior research experience, while not essential, is desirable. Applicants should demonstrate:
- A strong commitment and research interest in sustainability and food systems.
- Excellent analytical, organisational, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
Please note: while this PhD Scholarship contributes to a larger multi-centre project, the successful Candidate will be based exclusively on campus at University College Cork. It is not feasible for this research to be conducted remotely. This is a full-time role; the successful Candidate will reside in Cork, Ireland, for the duration of their PhD, which will be for 4 years.
Funding
The current funding rate is a stipend €22,000–€25,000 per annum. Fees: PhD tuition fees are covered at
the EU student rate.
Start Date
January 2026
APPLY
Candidates are invited to submit a CV and Cover Letter outlining their interest in the Co-Centre and this specific PhD topic to a.lucey@ucc.ie.
CLOSING DATE
Friday, January 23rd, 2026.
* If English is not your first language, you will need to satisfy at a minimum the English language requirement:
• IELTS: 6.5 – with no individual section lower than 6.0
• TOEFL: 90 – with minimum scores as follows: Listening- 20; Reading – 19; Speaking – 21; Writing – 20
