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Position Title

PhD Programme

Project

Building 3-dimensional co-culture models of breast cancer to elucidate and overcome the mechanisms of endocrine therapy resistance.

Research question: Using a combination of complex in vitro models and advanced single-cell sequencing analytics, can we elucidate the factors that contribute to endocrine therapy resistance in patients with hormonal positive breast cancer, and can we use this knowledge to develop novel therapeutic strategies capable of overcoming resistance?

• Selection of proposed techniques:
• Advanced cell culture including 3-dimensional and co-culture models.
• High-throughput confocal imaging.
• Single-cell RNA sequencing sample preparation.
• Bioinformatical data analytics.

Faculty

EHS- Health Research Institute

Entry Requirements

. Essential candidate attributes:

•Graduated with (or about to receive) a high 2:1 or 1:1 BSc. (Hons) degree in a relevant field (e.g., Biomedical Science, Biotechnology, or Biochemistry)

•Experience in wet-lab experimentation (Final year project or similar)

•Excellent communication and teamwork skills.

•Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment.

•Enthusiastic about cancer research and advancing therapies for patients.

•Must be available for a September 2024 start date

Desirable candidate attributes:

•Experience in cell culture techniques and molecular biology.

•Experience in using R or Python and analysis of single cell sequencing data

Fees, Stipend amounts

The project is funded by the Health Research Institute for a student stipend of €22,000 plus €6,000 towards student fees per annum for a duration of 4 years. This will cover EU fees for PhD candidates, full details: Student Fees 24/25

Closing Date

7th June, 2024.

Contact

Amira.Mahdi@ul.ie

Additional Information

Application Process:

To apply, please submit a CV including exam results to date and technical experience, a cover letter outlining your research interests and experience, and contact details of two referees to: amira.mahdi@ul.ie by 7th June, 2024.
For informal enquires or more information, please email amira.mahdi@ul.ie

The project will be co-supervised by Prof Kieran McGourty (Department of Chemical Sciences, UL).

Development of a Core Outcome Set for cognition post-stroke.

Research Question 

What core outcomes do patient, policy, healthcare and research stakeholders agree should be included in research studies wherein cognitive function is measured among people with stroke? 

Stroke is the second leading cause of death and the third leading cause of disability worldwide. Cognitive impairment relates to challenges with memory, attention, language and perception and up to 38% of people demonstrate cognitive impairment one-year post-stroke. It is associated with poorer quality of life, reduced chance of survival, increased risk of institutionalisation, higher caregiver burden and increased costs. International consensus has highlighted it as an area of unmet need post-stroke.

However, there is a lack of agreement on ‘what to measure’ in studies addressing cognitive impairment post-stroke. This outcome heterogeneity has implications for reviewing research evidence and for generating policy implications. The development of a core outcome set (COS) is an established methodology to address issues with outcome heterogeneity in research. 

Throughout this PhD the scholar and supervisors will work with people with stroke, their families, healthcare staff, researchers and other stakeholders to reach agreement on what outcomes should be measured in all studies measuring cognition after stroke.

A 2.1 grade (or equivalent) in a relevant undergraduate or postgraduate degree.

• Contact details of two referees who will be contacted soon after the call deadline.

• The applications will be evaluated through a two-stage selection process:

An interview with the supervisory team in early August 2024.

Position Title

PhD Scholar in Psychological Science

Project

SHIELD: Strategic Health Initiatives for Effective Disease Prevention.

This PhD scholar position is associated with the Horizon Europe funded project, SHIELD: Strategic Health Initiatives for Effective Disease Prevention. This pan-European project aims to decrease premature mortality from Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) by providing personalized preventive care, stratification, and early interventions aimed at mitigating the risk and progression of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and diabetes.

SHIELD will leverage the fact that early risk identification or pre-diagnosis is sometimes referred to as a “teachable moment”, where a patient is likely to be open to behaviour changes. It will facilitate collaboration between patients and healthcare professionals for personalized digital care plans, embracing shared decision-making and increasing felt responsibility of the patient. These care plans, accessible via mobile or tablet devices, will vary from generalized to closely monitored, personalized interventions according to the risk level of patients based on a hierarchical transitional model. The provision of the care plan within SHIELD will also consider other factors such as gender, age, context, environment, with a special focus on psychological and psychosocial aspects.

Faculty

Entry Requirements

Criteria:

• Ideally, the candidate will hold a first class honours award from a MSc or MA (level 9 NFQ) in Psychology or a related discipline (although other award levels will be considered). Those who hold a first class honours bachelor’s degree (level 8 NFQ) will be considered.
• Excellent work and project management skills.
• Demonstrated experience of quantitative research and data analysis.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

Task-related Competencies

• Design and prepare research materials and conduct analyses of the research findings.
• Work collaboratively as part of a team as well as independently.
• Plan and manage day-to-day activity within the framework of the agreed project. For example, create and maintain a work plan, meet agreed schedules, milestones, deliverables and/or research outputs.
• Keep appropriate records as directed and write reports in line with funder/university policy.
• Contribute to the development and support of additional project proposals if necessary.

Desirable Criteria:

• Evidence of publications commensurate with career stage.
• Experience in behaviour change techniques, intervention design, implementation and evaluation, health risk profiling, motivation science, and/or self-regulation.
• Experience in data analytic techniques.
• Ability to work on own initiative within a team environment.

Fees, Stipend amounts

Closing Date

Contact

Additional Information

OVERALL PURPOSE OF PhD PROJECT

Professor Deirdre O’Shea (Kemmy Business School) and Professor Stephen Gallagher (Education and Health Sciences Faculty) will lead the components associated with psychological and psychosocial risk identification and the development of the behavioural interventions, in particular, focusing on behaviour change techniques, intervention design, implementation and evaluation, and experience in health risk profiling, motivation science, and self-regulation. 

DESCRIPTION:

The PhD scholar in Psychological Science will contribute to components of the SHIELD project associated with psychological and psychosocial risk identification and the development of behavioural interventions to reduce risk associated with these NCDs. They will be responsible for the day-to-day management, design, delivery/dissemination and data management of several studies.

Although the specific details of the PhD studies will be developed in conjunction with the PhD scholar, it is envisaged that the following studies will form part of the PhD studies:

1. State of the art review in the determination of risk scores for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) with a specific focus on psychosocial risks that may currently be omitted
2. A Delphi study to assess clinician and patient perspectives to assess who may be most likely to use the SHIELD platform in order to generate insights into potential opportunities and barriers to use,
3. Meta-analysis of health behaviour interventions effectiveness for NCDs with a view to integrating deeper insights from self-regulation and motivation science that can build on the COM-B model of behaviour change

Application procedure and deadline for applications:

Please e-mail your application including the components outlined below to: deirdre.oshea@ul.ie by 16:00 GMT on 13 January 2025.

Please submit the following with your application:

• Letter of Motivation outlining your fit commensurate with career stage (in terms of competencies, education, research experience) with the project, motivation for doing a PhD and any other information you deem relevant.
• Curriculum Vitae outlining your educational attainments, competencies that fit with the project, research experience including any conference presentations, publications, or awards.
• Full title of Bachelors and/or masters research dissertation and details of any other research experience
• Evidence of educational attainments (e.g., transcripts)

Selection process:

Candidate’s applications will be reviewed and subsequently, those who are shortlisted will be invited for interview.  We aim to provide at least one week’s notice to all candidates.  The interview process may take the format of a standard interview and may also include a presentation – if so, you will be provided with details of this in your invitation to interview letter. Candidates may interview in person or also via video link – Microsoft Teams.

Projects

Applications are invited from excellent candidates in relation to two PhD projects (2025-29) described within Teachers’ Professional Journeys (TPJ) Longitudinal Study: The First Decade (2024-30)  

It is recommended that potential applicants contact the principal investigator/supervisor informally prior to applying. Both projects commence in September 2025.

Selection for studentships will be competitive and will take place in March 2025. Shortlisted candidates should be available for an online interview.

Faculty

Entry Requirements

Funding/Stipend

Closing Date

Deadline extended until 10 March 2025 12 noon (Irish Standard Time).

We reserve the right not to make an award.

Contact and How to Apply

To apply, please submit your curriculum vitae, a targeted cover letter (expressing your suitability for the position vis-à-vis the essential criteria and why you wish to pursue a PhD in the area of teachers’ professional journeys), one or more samples of written work (e.g. thesis, paper, essay) and two letters of reference electronically to: tpjstudy@ul.ie

Candidates should indicate whether they wish to apply for project 1 and/or project 2.

Position Title

Project

We are seeking two highly motivated and independent doctoral researcher with a strong technical background to join the Living Lab team. The successful candidate will actively work on funded research projects such as XTREME Horizon Europe and other funded initiatives. 

The PhD research will focus on the intersection of social sciences and emerging technologies, specifically in assessing the design, development, and deployment of extended reality (XR), artificial intelligence (AI), and other emerging technologies. The researcher will critically examine the concepts, advantages, barriers, and opportunities of advanced technologies such as mixed reality, immersive experiences, AI systems, and related technologies. 

A key aspect of this role will be developing innovative Trustworthy AI frameworks and methods. The research will be informed by multi-disciplinary focus on trustworthiness by design, human-centricity, and risk governance approaches. The research will contribute to the creation of a risk and ethical framework aimed at helping AI system developers establish best practices in interprofessional and multi-professional collaboration. 

The ideal candidate must be a confident researcher and self-starter capable of conducting independent research using both qualitative and quantitative methods. A technical understanding of AI, XR, or related emerging technologies is highly desirable, along with the ability to engage with complex socio-technical challenges. 

Faculty

Entry Requirements

Min. 2.1 degree in technical or social science aspects of Data and AI innovation or related discipline.  Ideally with postgraduate qualification such as a Masters degree that includes the completion of a Masters Thesis. (Candidates near completion of a master's can apply) 

• The PhD researcher will be expected to possess a good level of technical knowledge and expertise in hardware, networking and some understanding of AI systems.  

• Good qualitative and quantitative methods of analysis. 

• It would be ideal for the PhD research to have some knowledge of the field of Trustworthy-AI, technology ethics and governance.  

Fees, Stipend amounts

Closing Date

Contact

Additional Information

Please include the following information in your application 

• Proposal 

• CV 

• Min. 2 academic or professional references 

• Full Title of the Masters Thesis (where applicable) 

• Full list of prior research (where applicable) 

Project

An overview of the two PhD projects is below.

1. How does believing in Mission compare with Compliance behaviour in terms of implementation success

This PhD project aims to explore the nuanced dynamics of policy implementation through a philosophical lens, focusing on the essence of organisational missions (the spirit) rather than top-down directives alone (the letter). By engaging with the three distinct projects the CIRcUL is currently undertaking, the research will investigate how deeply-rooted philosophies influence implementation practices, emphasising the experiential and emotional dimensions that drive success at all organisational levels

The programme of research will delve into the intangible qualities that shape implementation outcomes and explore critical questions about what it means to embody an organisational ethos in practice, clarifying the interplay between policy, implementation science, the intrinsic motivations that inspire meaningful change and the motivation to always seek to perform better, where it occurs. 

This research will contribute to a deeper understanding of how the mission of an organisation can be integrated into tangible implementation strategies, fostering a more holistic approach to striving for exceptional as opposed to acceptable policy goals.

Supervision team: Prof Audrey Tierney, Prof Seán Redmond, Dr Laura Keyes

2. Scaling up and scalability: developing a scalability implementation framework suited to diverse public practice and policy contexts.

Decision-making and success in the scale-up of innovative practices and policies may be underpinned by multiple factors and driven by diverse players. This PhD study will involve investigating existing scalability frameworks and tools, their included constructs and evidence of applicability across fields/policy areas; combined with ascertaining perspectives on scalability from key stakeholders in the three CIRcUL led large-scale projects underway. The goal of this work is to contribute an understanding and recommendations supporting the development of a novel scalability implementation framework fit for complex public policy contexts.

Supervision team: Dr Carol-Anne Murphy, Dr Johnny Connolly, Dr Liz Kingston, Dr Laura Keyes

Faculty

Entry Requirements

Fees, Stipend amounts

The scholarships will cover annual postgraduate research EU level fees (€5,750) and a stipend (€22,000 per annum) for three years.

 There is potential to extend this period through applying for additional funding with the support of the supervision team.

Closing Date

Contact and how to apply

Informal enquiries should be directed to Dr Audrey Tierney, School of Allied Health, ������ (Email: Audrey.Tierney@ul.ie) For PhD 1 and Dr Carol-Anne Murphy, School of Allied Health, ������ (Email: carol-anne.murphy@ul.ie) for PhD 2.

Please send a CV (full curriculum vitae with referee details) with a personal statement outlining why you would like to pursue one of these PhD research opportunities (maximum 500 words) and what you think you could contribute to the project (maximum 500 words) to Dr Laura Keyes (laura.keyes@ul.ie). Short-listed applicants will be required to attend for interview. Applications to both PhD opportunities by the same applicant will be accepted. 

Full details of the projects, project background and application details are available at PhD Scholarships - Two Positions | ������

Additional Information

Additional information about CIRcUL is available at /artsoc/circul 

Today, 18m worldwide die every year from Cardiovascular Diseases (CVD) which is one of the chronic diseases. When platelets aggregate at higher, than usual, rates cause the formation of thrombus. Thrombosis is the first step in the domino effect leading to the manifestation of CVD. 

On the other hand, neurological conditions are now the leading cause of ill health and disability worldwide. The overall amount of disability, illness and premature death (known as disability-adjusted life years, DALYs) caused by neurological conditions has increased by 18% since 1990. 

With this project we wish to investigate the role of lipids against these diseases.

Project title : Food lipids against thrombosis, inflammation, chronic and neurodegenerative diseases

The project includes work on these fields:

1. Platelet aggregation techniques to identify lipids with anti-thrombotic bioactivities
2. Cell cultures of neurodegenerative diseases to understand the mechanism of action
3. Structural elucidation of most active lipids. 

The suitable candidate should meet the criteria below:

Essential criteria

1^st Class (or equivalent) BSc in Food Science or Chemistry or Biochemistry or related Sciences

Desirable criteria

Relevant research experience during the undergraduate studies on biochemistry or analytical chemistry or food components.

The project is funded by a research project in collaboration with Memorial University in Canada.

The PhD grant in place covers the full stipend (€22,000 per year) and annual EU fees (€6,400 approximately).

If you are applying from a non-EU country (annual fees €15,000 approximately), you should seek support for the extra amount (i.e. €15,000 - €6,400 = €8,600). 

Dr Ioannis Zabetakis

ioannis.zabetakis@ul.ie

Apart from supporting towards with stipend and fees, we support our students for conference participations and offer opportunities for gaining experience of national and overseas research methods and also networking.

The project will be supervised as:

Principal Supervisor : Dr Ioannis Zabetakis (Department of Chemical Sciences)

Secondary supervisor: Dr Andreas Grabrucker (Department of Biological Sciences)

For informal enquiries, please contact Ioannis at

ioannis.zabetakis@ul.ie

Application Process: 

To apply, please submit your CV (including information on your BSc degree and possible research experience), a cover letter (on your research interests and experience) and contact details of two referees to the leader of this project:

ioannis.zabetakis@ul.ie

Research profile of primary supervisor:

Applications are invited from excellent candidates in relation to the PhD projects described below. It is recommended that potential applicants contact the supervisors informally prior to applying. Interested candidates may apply for PhD study throughout the year. However, fully funded PhD studentships are available for PhD study starting September 2025.

Details of the PhD projects are available from the link below 

 PhD Studentship Applications Now Open! | ������

The closing date for applications to the studentship competition is July 4th at 12pm (Irish Standard Time). 

We reserve the right to not make an award.

Applications can be made by submitting (1) a current two-page academic CV and (2) an expression of interest document to psychology@ul.ie with the subject ‘PhD Studentship Application’. 

The expression of interest document should be submitted in Word (.doc or .docx) format and should be no more than two pages. 

The applicant should describe their own suitability for one of the advertised projects (50% weighted) and how they propose to develop the project (50% weighted). Queries about the process can be made to Dr Jenny Roth Jenny.Roth@ul.ie

Project

Context

Central to securing digitally engineered systems—such as those found in Offshore Renewable Energy—is ensuring the security, trust, privacy, and traceability of digital threads. Digital threads are a foundational technology in Digital Engineering, enabling informed decision-making by integrating actionable data from diverse sources across the system lifecycle.

At the core of a digital thread lies the concept of a single authoritative source of truth—a model and database that evolves alongside the system it represents. However, implementing secure digital threads poses significant challenges, particularly around access control, authentication, and the safe interconnection of people, processes, data, and capabilities within a digitally connected enterprise.

If the integrity, confidentiality, or availability of the digital thread is compromised, the reliability and authority of the information it carries is also undermined. This research will explore how to design and enforce security mechanisms that preserve trust in digital threads throughout the lifecycle of offshore renewable systems.

Research Objectives

1. To investigate the security, privacy, and trust requirements of digital threads in digitally engineered offshore renewable energy systems.

2. To design and evaluate secure architectures and access control mechanisms that ensure the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of digital threads.

3. To develop mechanisms for ensuring the traceability and auditability of data across digital threads in compliance with cybersecurity and regulatory standards (e.g., NIS2, CRA).

4. To assess the scalability, performance, and resilience of secured digital thread implementations under realistic operational conditions

Faculty

Entry Requirements

Fees, Stipend amounts

€25,000 per annum, duration of PhD is 4 years

EU Fees fully covered (International students may be subject to additional non-EU fees)

Closing Date

Contact

Professor Donna O’Shea (Donna.C.OShea@ul.ie)

Please ensure you insert subject headers “Securing Digital Threads” in email

Additional Information

To apply

Please provide the following information emailing Donna.C.Oshea@ul.ie with the subject header: Securing Digital Threads.

• CV

• Motivation letter

• Three references

• Full academic and certified transcripts of undergraduate and postgraduate awards

• English language certification

Candidates will be shortlisted based on the above information. If you do not provide the information above then the applicant will be automatically eliminated from the process.