PhD Studentship in Life Cycle Assessment: Evaluating Technology Adoption in Ireland’s Mushroom Sector

Location of PhD: Teagasc, Ashtown Food Research Centre, Dublin, Ireland

University: University of Galway, Ireland             

Proposed start date: October 2026 or soon thereafter

Funded PhD Project: EU, UK or International Students

Project Title: Evaluating technology adoption for a competitive, sustainable and resilient mushroom sector

Lead supervisors:

• Lael Walsh (Teagasc) 
• David Styles (University of Galway)

Project Summary

Mushroom production in Ireland supports approximately 3,000 jobs, valued at €158 million in 2025. The integration of automation technologies in the form of robotics (automated picking) and AI vision systems is being widely adopted. Meanwhile, the commercial production of mushrooms is heavily dependent upon use of peat, which needs to be phased out to reduce degradation of peatlands. There is high potential for circular use of by-products to replace peat. This project aims to support the transition towards innovative technology adoption in the mushroom sector through an environmental, social and competitiveness assessment. The main tasks will be to develop models to assess life cycle cost, environmental and social impacts of mushroom production to evaluate mushroom sector sustainability.

Supervision

The candidate will be jointly supervised by Dr Lael Walsh and Professor David Styles. The candidate will be based at Teagasc Ashtown Food Research Centre for the duration of the 4-year PhD, with travel to University of Galway for coursework and academic engagement. Dr Galina Brychkova, School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Professor Karyn Morrissey, J.E. Cairnes School of Business and Economics and Dr. Joy Clarke, Mushroom research programme at Teagasc will be co-supervisors.

Research Environment

The candidate will be registered in the School of Biological and Chemical Sciences at the University of Galway and affiliated with the Ryan Institute, an internationally recognised centre for sustainability research. The candidate will be affiliated with the Teagasc Walsh Scholars Programme which provides opportunities to present research at national and international conferences and provides opportunities for mobility and collaboration through the international training awards programme.

Candidate Profile and Eligibility

Candidates should be able to demonstrate the following:

• Hold a first or second class honours degree (2.1 equivalent) or a masters degree in environmental science, mushroom science, engineering, agriculture sustainability or a related discipline
• Experience with life cycle assessment or systems modelling
• A strong interest in the topic of mushroom automation or sustainability evaluation
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills (in the language of English)
• Capacity to engage collaboratively as part of a research team
• Willingness to travel to mushroom farms, industry events and conferences
• Highly desirable to hold a full, clean Irish or EU driving licence or a foreign driving licence from a recognised state as per National Driver Licence Service of Ireland guidelines (see: NDLS)   

Funding:

A fully funded 4-year PhD Walsh scholarship, funded by Teagasc which includes €25,000 annual stipend + university fees up to €6,000 per annum.

Application:

Applicants should submit the below via the ‘Apply’ button above:

1. i) CV (including two referees)
2. ii) 1–2 page personal statement outlining: Why you are interested in this project; Why you are a strong candidate for this PhD to Dr Lael Walsh (lael.walsh@teagasc.ie) and Prof. David Styles (david.styles@universityofgalway.ie) - with the subject line:

“PhD Application – Walsh Scholars Reference:  2026041” by 5:00pm on Friday, 24 July 2026.

Further information is available here. Interviews: Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview in August with online interviews accommodated.

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