Teagasc PHD Walsh Scholars Opportunity
Location
Teagasc Ashtown and University College Dublin
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
Despite growing recognition that agri-food policy and associated systems of governance are a stressor impacting farmers, limited research has empirically examined how policies from multiple sources – government agencies, retailers, processors, and other regulatory bodies – interact. Furthermore, research has not identified which types of regulation or governance pose challenges to farmers, nor why. This critical knowledge gap hinders the development of effective policy measures, public or private, that support the social sustainability of farming.
This PhD research will investigate how farmers navigate competing policy pressures, examining the implications for their autonomy and overall well-being. Drawing on Job Demand-Control theory, the study posits that the link between regulation and farmer stress operates through the erosion of autonomy – specifically, the constraint of decision-making freedom that diminishes job control, a critical protective factor against work-related stress.
The research will employ a novel mixed-methods approach combining quantitative assessment of policy
‘pressures’, autonomy, job control, and wellbeing outcomes with qualitative exploration of farmers’ lived
experiences navigating multiple regulatory demands. The research will identify and benchmark initiatives, in terms of their impacts on job autonomy, demand, or control, that shape or regulate farm practices, including those implemented through public (national or local) and private initiatives governing farming practices or food production. Expected contributions include theoretical advancement in understanding autonomy as a mediating mechanism between policy pressures and farmer well-being, empirical evidence regarding the cumulative effects of multiple policy sources on farmer well-being, and practical insights for policy design that considers the psychological impacts of regulatory constraint on agricultural communities.
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 PhD Scholarship is a joint research project between Teagasc, University College Dublin, and the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI). This PhD is funded through and associated with the UCD-led, Research Ireland Co-centre for Sustainable Food Systems. The student will be jointly located between Teagasc Ashtown and UCD, working under the interdisciplinary supervision of Dr. Sinéad Flannery (UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science), Dr. David Meredith (Teagasc Rural Economy and Development Programme), and Dr. Claire Jack (AFBI,) with additional support from a project advisory team.
Funding
The current funding rate is a stipend of €25,000 per annum, plus a contribution to fees up to a maximum of €6,000 per annum, tenable for 4 years.
Start Date
January 2026
APPLY
Complete this Google Form: https://forms.gle/ebgft2LUo8FpWzBK7. This will enable you to submit an electronic copy of a CV (including names and details of two referees), a short research/personal statement explaining your interest in this research area and relevant experience, academic transcripts and, IELTS/ TOEFL certificate*.
Informal Enquiries ONLY to:
Dr David Meredith, Rural Economy and Development Programme, Teagasc, Ashtown, Co. Dublin.
Email: david.meredith@teagasc.ie
Dr Sinéad Flannery, School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin.
Email: sinead.flannery@ucd.ie
Dr Claire Jack, Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute, Belfast.
Email: claire.jack@afbini.gov.uk
Closing date: 31st October 2025
* 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
