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- Tasks: Explore human behaviour to boost sustainable practices in dairy farming.
- Company: Join UK Research and Innovation, a leader in impactful research.
- Benefits: Gain valuable research experience and contribute to environmental sustainability.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in dairy farming while developing your research skills.
- Qualifications: Passion for sustainability and research; relevant academic background preferred.
- Other info: Collaborate with industry partners and enjoy a supportive academic environment.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Dairy farms are under pressure to reduce their environmental footprint, yet many practical and cost-effective methods remain under-used. Although tools and advisory services exist, farmers face varied constraints that affect what they can adopt in daily practice. These include limited time, financial pressures, uncertainty about benefits, and differing needs across farm systems.
This project examines how human behaviour influences the uptake of sustainability practices on dairy farms and how tailored support can improve adoption. Working with Dale Farm, the student will explore what helps or hinders change, develop ways to support farmers, and examine whether these approaches improve environmental outcomes. The aim is to help create solutions that work across different types of dairy farms, supporting a more sustainable and resilient sector.
Research aims:- To identify what affects the adoption of sustainable dairy farming practices
- To design and test behaviour-change approaches that support farmers in implementing these practices across different farm systems.
The student will begin by reviewing preliminary survey data collected by Dale Farm, building a clear picture of key barriers to sustainable farming practices. They will then conduct interviews and focus groups with farmers, gaining rich, real-world perspectives on these issues. These findings will underpin the design of a behaviour-change intervention tailored to different farm types. Possible interventions include personalised feedback for farms, farmer-to-farmer learning opportunities, adapted advisory messages, or practical tools that address farmer capability, opportunity or motivation to address sustainability concerns.
Working hand-in-hand with Dale Farm, the student will help to deliver these approaches and track changes in practice adoption, participation in sustainability programmes, and estimated benefits to the environment, animals and the farmer. Quantitative and qualitative methods will be combined throughout, and the student will collaborate closely with academic supervisors and industry partners at each stage of the project.
PhD Project Opportunity – Human Behaviour Change for sustainable dairy farming in Belfast employer: Northern Ireland Environment Link
Contact Detail:
Northern Ireland Environment Link Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land PhD Project Opportunity – Human Behaviour Change for sustainable dairy farming in Belfast
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the dairy farming and sustainability sectors. Attend relevant events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. We can leverage our connections to help you find opportunities that might not even be advertised!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the latest trends in sustainable farming. Understand the challenges farmers face and think about how your skills can help. We want you to shine, so practice answering common questions and have some insightful questions ready for your interviewers.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for sustainability! Whether it’s through your CV or during interviews, let your enthusiasm for human behaviour change and sustainable practices come through. We believe that genuine interest can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we often have exclusive opportunities listed there that you won’t find anywhere else. Let’s get you on the path to landing that PhD project!
We think you need these skills to ace PhD Project Opportunity – Human Behaviour Change for sustainable dairy farming in Belfast
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the project’s focus on human behaviour change in sustainable dairy farming. We want to see your passion for sustainability and how you can contribute to this important research.
Showcase Relevant Experience: Don’t forget to include any relevant experience you have, whether it’s academic, professional, or voluntary. If you've worked on similar projects or have insights into farming practices, let us know! This will help us see how you fit into the team.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the heart of your qualifications and motivations. Avoid jargon unless it’s necessary, and make sure we can easily follow your thoughts.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application reaches us directly and is considered promptly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the project there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Northern Ireland Environment Link
✨Know Your Research
Dive deep into the specifics of the PhD project. Familiarise yourself with the key barriers to sustainable farming practices and the role of human behaviour in this context. Being able to discuss these elements will show your genuine interest and understanding of the project.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Think about what you want to know regarding the project and its impact on dairy farming. Ask about the methodologies they plan to use or how they envision collaboration with Dale Farm. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also your critical thinking skills.
✨Showcase Relevant Experience
Highlight any previous research or practical experience related to sustainability, behaviour change, or agriculture. Be ready to discuss how your background can contribute to the project's goals and how you can help overcome the challenges faced by farmers.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
This project involves collaboration with various stakeholders, so emphasise your ability to work in a team. Share examples of past teamwork experiences, especially those that required communication and adaptability, as these are crucial for success in this role.
