Postgraduate Research Scholarships and Bursaries

Applications are invited from excellent candidates in relation to the PhD projects described in link. 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 January 2024.

Selection for studentships will be competitive and will take place in late November 2023. Shortlisted candidates should be available for interview in late November/early December for an online interview. Note that admission to the faculty of Education and Health Sciences to undertake a PhD degree is a separate process.

A First or Second class Honour's Grade1 Bachelors  Degree  in a cognate discipline 

The PhD  Studentship will include a stipend (€11,000) and EU fees. For non-EU applicants, a non-EU fee waiver may also be available, but this cannot be guaranteed (a difference of approximately €6000p.a.).

16th November 2023  5pm (Irish Standard Time).

We reserve the right not to 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 projects can be made to the primary supervisors listed below.

PhD Studentships in Psychology 2023 at University of Limerick (jobs.ac.uk)

Position Title

PhD Scholarship  Artificial Intelligence (AI) Governance/Ethics with a Technical Focus

Project

XTREME (Mixed Reality Environment for Immersive Experience of Art and Culture”)

The successful doctoral researcher will work with the XTREME Horizon Europe funded research project focusing on a social science research approach to the design, development and deployment of virtual impact and anticipatory governance research relating to mixed-reality platforms. Particular attention is on assessing the benefits and risks of MR approaches in providing Art and Culture across immersive spaces and platforms. The overall aim of the research project is to undertake a review of the concepts, advantages, enablers, barriers and opportunities for mixed reality, immersive experiences and metaverses. The researcher will be part of a team working on developing a multi-stakeholder framework to support ethics by design, human-centric and risk governance approaches. The PhD researcher will be expected to possess a good level of technical knowledge and expertise in hardware, networking and some understanding of AI. The researcher ideally would build on technical knowledge to contribute to research in the area of Trustworthy data/AI, Technology ethics and governance.  A goal of the research is to develop a risk and ethical framework to support developers of mixed reality and metaverse applications to normalise good practices in interprofessional and multi-professional collaboration from an individual, team and network perspective. The doctoral researcher will undertake qualitative action-based and quantitative research with a range of internal and external individuals, groups and organisations involved in the MR experience of Art and Culture.

Faculty

Kemmy Business School

Entry Requirements

Min 2.1 degree in related discipline preferably with a Postgraduate qualification such as a Masters degree

Fees/Stipend

€23000 and EU level fees

Closing Date

15 March 2024 @ 5pm Irish Time

Contact

Dr Martin Cunneen (martin.cunneen@ul.ie)

Additional Information

Applications are invited from candidates with Degrees / Master’s degrees who have a knowledge base in one or more of the following areas: Art/Culture and Technology, Data/AI Governance, Trustworthy Data/AI, Technology Regulation, Digital markets, and Platform Business Models, Music and AI technology.

The scholarship will cover EU-level fees and a stipend of €23,000 per year for three years, on a full-time basis working in a research team environment on campus.  Continuation of the scholarship is dependent on the recipient successfully passing their PhD progression panels each year.  Please note that the funding will not be extended past the initial three years of registration and the student will be responsible for fees past this date.

Application Procedure

Applicants should ideally hold a minimum 2.1 first degree and preferably a Master’s qualification in a relevant music discipline area and have a strong interest in the areas outlined above for the XTREME Project. Applicants should submit the following:

• A cover letter which includes a personal statement.
• A 3,000 word research proposal following the KBS structure and sequence guidelines, fully addressing each of the headings in the template (available here).
• A full CV, including the names and addresses of two referees.

Applications should be sent by email to: Dr. Martin Cunneen, Kemmy Business School: martin.cunneen@ul.ie

Shortlisted candidates may be invited to interview.

Informal inquires may be made to Dr. Martin Cunneen.

Closing date for receipt of applications is 5 pm Friday 15 March 2024.

We reserve the right not to make an award.

Position Title

PhD Scholarship Technology Governance/Ethics with an Arts and Creative Arts focus

Project

XTREME (Mixed Reality Environment for Immersive Experience of Art and Culture”)

The successful doctoral researcher will work with the XTREME Horizon Europe funded research project focusing on a social science research approach to the design, development and deployment of virtual worlds and mixed-reality platforms, with a focus on assessing the benefits and risks of Art and Culture moving into immersive spaces and platforms. The overall aim of the research project is to undertake a review of the concepts, advantages, enablers, barriers and opportunities for mixed reality, immersive experiences and metaverses. The researcher will be part of a team working on developing a multi-stakeholder framework to support ethics by design, human-centric and risk governance approaches.

The PhD researcher will be expected to possess a good level of knowledge and expertise in creative arts, and theory and some understanding of music theory to contribute to research in the area of MR for Art and Culture, some understanding of technology ethics and governance.  A goal of the research is to develop ethical frameworks to support developers of mixed reality and metaverse applications to normalise good practices in interprofessional and multi-professional collaboration from an individual, team and network perspective. The doctoral researcher will undertake qualitative action-based and quantitative research with a range of internal and external individuals, groups and organisations involved in the experience of Art and Culture.

Faculty

Kemmy Business School

Entry Requirements

Min 2.1 degree in related discipline preferably with a Postgraduate qualification such as a Masters degree

Fees/Stipend

23000 and EU level fees

Closing Date

15 March 2024 @5pm Irish Time 

Contact

Dr Martin Cunneen (martin.cunneen@ul.ie)

Additional Information

Applications are invited from candidates with Degrees / Master’s degrees who have a knowledge base in one or more of the following areas: Art/Culture and Technology, Data/AI Governance, Trustworthy Data/AI, Technology Regulation, Digital markets, and Platform Business Models, Music and AI technology.

The scholarship will cover EU-level fees and a stipend of €23,000 per year for three years, on a full-time basis working in a research team environment on campus.  Continuation of the scholarship is dependent on the recipient successfully passing their PhD progression panels each year.  Please note that the funding will not be extended past the initial three years of registration and the student will be responsible for fees past this date.

Application Procedure

Applicants should ideally hold a minimum 2.1 first degree and preferably a Master’s qualification in a relevant music discipline area and have a strong interest in the areas outlined above for the XTREME Project. Applicants should submit the following:

• A cover letter which includes a personal statement.
• A 3,000 word research proposal following the KBS structure and sequence guidelines, fully addressing each of the headings in the template (available here).
• A full CV, including the names and addresses of two referees.

Applications should be sent by email to: Dr. Martin Cunneen, Kemmy Business School: martin.cunneen@ul.ie

Shortlisted candidates may be invited to interview.

Informal inquires may be made to Dr. Martin Cunneen.

Closing date for receipt of applications is 5 pm Friday 15 March, 2024.

We reserve the right not to make an award.

Position Title

PhD Scholarship AI and Technology Governance

Project

XTREME (Mixed Reality Environment for Immersive Experience of Art and Culture”)

The successful doctoral researcher will work with the XTREME Horizon Europe funded research project focusing on a social science research approach to the design, development and deployment of virtual worlds and mixed-reality platforms, with a focus on assessing the benefits and risks of Art and Culture moving into immersive spaces and platforms. The overall aim of the research project is to undertake a review of the concepts, advantages, enablers, barriers and opportunities for mixed reality, immersive experiences and metaverses. The researcher will be part of a team working on developing a multi-stakeholder framework to support ethics by design, human-centric and risk governance approaches. The PhD researcher will be expected to contribute to research in the area of Trustworthy data/AI, Technology ethics and governance.  A goal of the research is to develop a risk and ethical framework to support developers of mixed reality and metaverse applications to normalise good practices in interprofessional and multi-professional collaboration from an individual, team and network perspective. The doctoral researcher will undertake qualitative action-based and quantitative research with a range of internal and external individuals, groups and organisations involved in the experience of Art and Culture.

Faculty

Kemmy Business School

Entry Requirements

Min 2.1 degree in related discipline preferably with a Postgraduate qualification such as a Masters degree

Fees/Stipend

€23000 and EU level fees

Closing Date

15 March 2024 @5pm Irish Time

Contact

Dr Martin Cunneen (martin.cunneen@ul.ie)

Additional Information

Applications are invited from candidates with Degrees / Master’s degrees who have a knowledge base in one or more of the following areas: Art/Culture and Technology, Data/AI Governance, Trustworthy Data/AI, Technology Regulation, Digital markets, and Platform Business Models, Music and AI technology.

The scholarship will cover EU-level fees and a stipend of €23,000 per year for three years, on a full-time basis working in a research team environment on campus.  Continuation of the scholarship is dependent on the recipient successfully passing their PhD progression panels each year.  Please note that the funding will not be extended past the initial three years of registration and the student will be responsible for fees past this date.

Application Procedure

Applicants should ideally hold a minimum 2.1 first degree and preferably a Master’s qualification in a relevant music discipline area and have a strong interest in the areas outlined above for the XTREME Project. Applicants should submit the following:

• A cover letter which includes a personal statement.
• A 3,000 word research proposal following the KBS structure and sequence guidelines, fully addressing each of the headings in the template.
• A full CV, including the names and addresses of two referees.

Applications should be sent by email to: Dr Martin Cunneen, Kemmy Business School: martin.cunneen@ul.ie

Shortlisted candidates may be invited to interview.

Informal inquires may be made to Dr Martin Cunneen.

Closing date for receipt of applications is 5pm Friday 15 March 2024.

We reserve the right not to make an award.

Projects

Applications are invited from excellent candidates in relation to two PhD projects (2024-28). It is recommended that potential

applicants contact the principal investigator/supervisor informally prior to applying. Both projects commence in September 2024.

Selection for studentships will be competitive and will take place in late March/early April 2024. Shortlisted candidates should be available

for interview in late March/early April for an online interview.

Faculty

Education & Health Sciences 

Entry Requirements

Please see the distinct requirements for each PhD studentship in the link. Applicants are asked to indicate if they are applying for one or both projects/studentships.

Funding/Stipend

The PhD  Studentship will include a stipend (€19,000 per annum for four years and EU fees. For non-EU applicants, a non-EU fee waiver may also be available, but this cannot be guaranteed (a difference of approximately €6000p.a.).

Closing Date

Tuesday 19^th March 2024  12 noon (Irish Standard Time).

We reserve the right not to make an award.

Contact & 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: paul.conway@ul.ie 

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

Position Title

Assessing the risk of foodborne pathogen contamination in fresh fruit and vegetable productions

Project

Consumption of fresh green vegetables and fruits is encouraged for their health benefits (Healthy Ireland Framework, Goal 1), providing consumers with vitamins, antioxidants and fibre. However, consumption of unprocessed fruit and vegetables that are cultivated in the open environment such as spinach and apples pose a potential risk through contamination by foodborne pathogens. A number of outbreaks and product recalls related to spinach and apples contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes and other foodborne pathogens have highlighted these potential risks. To date, limited knowledge exists on potential sources of contamination for fresh fruit and vegetables that are grown in the open field. Likewise, contamination of storage facilities could increase the risk of consumer exposure to life threatening illnesses such as listeriosis and haemorrhagic colitis.

Objectives:

Investigate the potential sources of apple and spinach contamination by Shigatoxigenic Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella spp. on participating farms.

Conducting sampling campaigns in farm settings, utilizing cultivation dependent and independent methods for foodborne pathogen detection and characterization.

This 4-year PhD project is hosted by the University of Limerick, Department of Biological Sciences.

The project is part of a consortium with additional partners from Teagasc and UCD.

Faculty/Dept

Science and Engineering, Dept of Biological Sciences

Entry Requirements

Essential:

• BSc (Level 8 NFQ first or second honours) or MSc or equivalent or completed a level 8 degree (first or second honours) before the start date in Food Science/Microbiology, Biological/Life Sciences, Environmental/Agricultural Sciences or a related field.
• Experience at undergraduate and/or postgraduate level in cultivation dependent and/or independent microbiological techniques.
• Experience at undergraduate and/or postgraduate level in general or environmental chemistry, agricultural or biological or food sciences.
• Evidence of English language competency.

Desirable:

• MSc in food safety, microbiology, or related discipline.
• Assists the research leader and team members to conduct research as set out in the grant proposal.
• Will conduct literature and database searches and interpret and present the findings of the literature searches.
• Is capable of following experimental protocols and can modify protocols or is able to develop new protocols.
• Has experience in microbiological techniques such as media preparation, aseptic handling or working with pure cultures including class 2 pathogens.
• Has knowledge in food processing or food preservation.
• Has practical skills in extractions of DNA from soil or microorganisms.
• Has knowledge in PCR applications and DNA analysis.
• Is experienced in cultivation of bacteria using general or selective media.
• Has experience in general or food chemistry and analytics.
• Is capable to analyse and interpret results of own research with the support of the supervisor.
• Is able to learn new techniques and procedures in molecular biology and related subjects under supervision.
• Is able to work and interact with multiple stakeholders in a research consortium.
• Able to plan and manage own day-to-day research activity within the framework of the agreed project (maintain work plan and lab-book, meet agreed schedules for research).
• Conducts analysis and interpretation of results of own research.
• Keep appropriate records as directed and in line with Funder/University policy.
• Has a valid driver licence for Ireland/EU.

Stipend/Fees

25,000EUR p.a. stipend and 6,000EUR EU fees p.a. for 4 years

Closing Date

24 June 2024

Contact

 Achim Schmalenberger  email achim.schmalenberger@ul.ie

Additional Information

Please provide a CV, letter of motivation and two reference contacts to achim.schmalenberger@ul.ie

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).

An evaluation of the Sláintecare Healthy Communities Programme (SCHC) for deprived communities: A health equity-focused implementation science study, in conjunction with the Department of Health.

Project Summary
The School of Medicine and the Health Research Institute at the University of Limerick invite applications for an outstanding student to undertake a fully funded PhD. The researcher will join a team of interdisciplinary researchers and clinicians working on research in the areas of health inequalities, health services research and implementation science. This study uses a mixed methods approach to evaluate the impact of the SCHC amongst disadvantaged communities in Ireland.

The first stage of this study will involve undertaking a systematic review of existing research to understand the evidence for initiatives targeting disadvantaged communities. Secondly a mapping exercise will examine what initiatives are happening currently across Ireland. The researcher will then collect data via surveys and interviews with service providers and service users. These will report on the innovations in service delivery and any challenges faced by when delivering care, as well as the impact of SCHC on communities.

Overall, the study’s primary goal is to enhance knowledge about successful implementation strategies, that can improve how support services are delivered and ultimately reduce healthcare inequities within disadvantaged communities.

Skills Required

Essential

• An undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline, such as health or social care.

• Previous research experience at undergraduate or postgraduate level.

Desirable

• Previous research experience involving marginalised communities.

• Previous publications or presentations at conferences related to healthcare or health equality issues.

• Experience of evidence synthesis and qualitative research methods.

Supervisory team:

Supervisory team:

Dr Dervla Kelly, PI/Supervisor, School of Medicine, University of Limerick

Associate Professor Patrick O’Donnell, School of Medicine, University of Limerick

Position Title

PhD Programme

Project

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.

Faculty

EHS

Entry Requirements

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.

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

31^st July 2024

Contact

Send cover letter and CV to sara.hayes@ul.ie before 31st July 2024.

Additional Information

In addition to an annual tax-free stipend of €25,000 + PhD fees, we also support our students with funding for conference travel and offer PhD candidates opportunities to gain paid teaching experience. National and overseas research methods and networking opportunities are also provided. Some remote working is catered for.

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

Prof Deirdre O’Shea (Kemmy Business School) and Prof 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.