Current Scholarship Opportunities

Project Title: Nanoscale tissue imaging: Understanding the pathology of hepatitis E virus infection
Project Description: Successful treatment of diseases often rely on restoring the normal structure and function of cells within tissues and organs. However, it is currently challenging to visualise detailed cellular changes within whole tissues in response to disease. Soft x-ray microscopy is a novel, exciting imaging technique which visualises cells in exquisite detail, but it has yet to be applied to imaging whole tissues. This PhD project, which will be part of ERC Synergy Project NanoX, will develop techniques for CT-like imaging of 3D models of the liver and other organs. It will focus on hepatitis E virus, an emerging zoonotic disease with no specific treatments and no vaccine. This will allow us to visualise tissues at a level of detail not previously possible, a crucial step for understanding the mechanisms of disease. The project will benefit from the skillsets of international experts in infectious disease, physics and structural biology, with partners based at the University of Heidelberg, Germany, and the University of Warwick, UK. See https://www.ucd.ie/research/news/2024/ercsynergygrantfordevelopmentofnoveltechnologythatcouldrevolutioniseclinicaldiagnostics/body,782631,en.html for further details.

The student will work with an interdisciplinary team at UCD, based at the Veterinary Sciences Centre, and will have the opportunity to develop their research skills in One Health and zoonotic disease. This is a truly interdisciplinary project, working on an important and poorly understood viral infection.

We are searching for an enthusiastic individual, with a first or upper second class degree in a relevant subject, to work on this exciting and novel project. Ideally, the candidate should have laboratory experience, and previous experience in cell culture, biological imaging or virology expertise would be an advantage.

Funding Notes:  Applications and enquiries should be directed to (opens in a new window)Dr. Nicola Fletcher at the Veterinary Sciences Centre, University College Dublin, Ireland ((opens in a new window)nicola.fletcher@ucd.ie). Please submit a CV and letter of motivation with applications. The stipend for this position will be €25,000 per annum tax free plus fees paid for four years. The project will begin in September 2025.

Project title: Surfactant Metabolism and Airway Macrophage Function: Implications for Lung Health and Disease

PhD supervisors: Dr Cormac McCarthy, University College Dublin (UCD) & Dr Claire Healy Trinity College Dublin (TCD), Ireland

Start date:  September 2025 – 4 year project

Locations: Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research, UCD

Stipend: €22,000 per annum

Application deadline: 30 June 2025

Project Summary: Airway macrophages (AMs) are innate immune cells that play a fundamental role in lung defence and homeostasis. These tissue-resident cells protect the lungs by patrolling and responding to inhaled microorganisms, allergens, and pollutants. Critically, AMs are essential for the recycling and catabolism of pulmonary surfactant—a complex, lipid-rich complex that lines the lower airways and is crucial for lung function. The precise composition of surfactant is tightly regulated, and any disruption to AM surfactant metabolism can have significant consequences. Such dysregulation can lead to serious lung pathologies and increase susceptibility to respiratory infections. Recognizing that macrophage phenotype and function is heavily influenced by their local environment, including the nutrients available to fuel their response to infection or insult, this project aims to comprehensively explore the role of surfactant metabolism on AM biology in the context of both health and disease.

This 4-year interdisciplinary PhD project will be based between two research groups: The Respiratory Research Group at UCD and Mycobacterial Pathogenesis and Host Interactions group at TCD. This will provide an interdisciplinary and dynamic environment for the PhD candidate to interrogate the impact of surfactant metabolism on AM function in the context of health and bacterial infection. The research will employ a multifaceted approach to interrogate AM biology, including: in vitro and ex vivo alveolar macrophage models, flow cytometry, gene expression analysis, animal infection models and translational studies using human primary airway macrophages.  

Knowledge and Experience to be gained: The PhD researcher will be trained by both research groups at UCD and TCD to perform the laboratory techniques and data analyses required to achieve the goals of the project. The student will participate in written and oral presentations of their research at group lab meetings, journal clubs, local seminars and at conferences. The PhD researcher will also complete taught modules, provided by UCD, during the course of the PhD project (https://www.ucd.ie/graduatestudies/researchstudenthub/researchprogrammes/phdinanutshell/). There also will be opportunities for teaching in undergraduate laboratory-based practical classes.

Candidate attributes: The PhD candidate should:

• Have/or expect to obtain a 2.1 grade (or equivalent) in an undergraduate or postgraduate degree in Biomedical Sciences, Microbiology, Immunology, Biochemistry, or related discipline.
• Be highly self-motivated and resilient
• Be comfortable with working independently and as part of a team
• Have strong communication skills – written and oral

How to Apply: Please send a cover letter (1 page max), CV and academic transcripts to Assoc Professor Cormac McCarthy (Cormac.mccarthy@ucd.ie)

Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for a full-time PhD (Structured PhD programme) in Biology and Environmental Science to complete a PhD on examining greenhouse gas fluxes in degraded and intact saltmarsh ecosystems, as part of a larger project on saltmarsh restoration (SOS project) funded by the Environmental Protection Agency. We seek to recruit a motivated early stage researcher with a keen interest in greenhouse gas fluxes and restoration ecology. This PhD position will be based in the School of Biology and Environmental Sciences, University College Dublin and contribute to the multi-institutional SOS project in collaboration with South Eastern Technological University (SETU), the Scientific Advice and Research Directorate National Parks and Wildlife Service and the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC) for 48 months. Anticipated start date: 1 September 2025.

SOS Project background: Saltmarshes provide highly valued ecosystem services, such as coastal protection from storm surge, carbon storage, nutrient cycling, and habitat provision. However, a combination of anthropogenic pressures and climate change has led to a steep decline in saltmarsh habitat. Improved management and restoration of saltmarsh habitats is therefore poised to contribute to enhanced climate mitigation and adaptation and increased biodiversity. Through fine-scale monitoring this project aims to understand how degradation impacts saltmarsh functions and services and to use this knowledge to develop and implement restoration solutions for these habitats in Ireland. Cross-cutting work packages will be carried out by the multidisciplinary team focusing on hydrological and water quality parameters, greenhouse gas fluxes and vegetation dynamics and remote sensing of physical extent and condition at degraded and reference sites. Engagement with stakeholders will be a key goal throughout this project. The project will deliver solutions for restoration and a toolbox for managers and restoration practitioners.

This PhD project will focus on quantifying greenhouse gas emissions and vegetation dynamics in degraded and intact saltmarsh habitats through fine-scale monitoring. Microbial respiration of CO₂, and CH₄ and N₂O production and emission have the capacity to offset gains in carbon accumulation from plant photosynthetic inputs and allochthonous carbon inputs. To date, accurate quantification of the potential offsets of carbon sequestration at degraded saltmarsh sites is lacking globally. It is anticipated the PhD candidate will carry out the following broad tasks to fulfil the projects research aims:

• Monitor GHG fluxes at degraded sites and intact reference site.
• Continue to run an Eddy Covariance tower situated at reference site for full understanding of CO2 sequestration at reference site and variability over yearly timescales.
• Monitor vegetation dynamics including coverage, condition, biomass and height parameters to understand plant mediated GHG emissions.
• Integrate results with other PhD projects to inform best conservation and restoration management.

The successful candidate will undertake extensive fieldwork in remote saltmarshes across Ireland, employ a wide range of field and lab-based techniques, assist with the running of an eddy covariance tower, and interact with the wider project team, whereby some travel to partner laboratories (SETU) may be required.

Requirements: Applicants should have a good primary degree (First or Second Class Honours) in an appropriate discipline (Marine Science/Biology, Botany/Plant Science, Marine Biogeochemistry).

The successful candidate should be highly self-motivated and have some background and particular interest in saltmarsh biology, biogeochemistry and ecology. In addition to a relevant degree(s), the successful candidate will ideally have some additional research experience (e.g. MSc) in marine/coastal fieldwork, greenhouse gas monitoring, habitat mapping and GIS. The successful candidates will be very strong communicators. In addition, a driving licence valid in Ireland is essential to access remote field sites.

Award: The successful candidates will be enrolled for a 48-month Structured PhD programme.

Stipend: The student will receive a tax-free stipend of €25,000 per year, full coverage of tuition fees (EU or Non-EU) and funds for conference travel. In addition, the School of Biology and Environmental Science (SBES) requests that all postgraduate research students act as demonstrators in undergraduate practical classes, for at least one module per Autumn and Spring trimester. Remuneration is provided and the UCD HR pay rates can be found here.

Equality and diversity: UCD is committed to creating an environment where diversity is celebrated and everyone is treated fairly regardless of gender, age, race, disability, ethnic origin, religion, sexual orientation, civil status, family status, or membership of the travelling community (https://www.ucd.ie/equality/). Applications from all suitably qualified candidates will be considered.

Informal enquiries are welcome and should be made to Dr Grace Cott (grace.cott@ucd.ie).

To apply please e-mail grace.cott@ucd.ie by June 19^th, 2025  a single pdf document with a detailed curriculum vitae describing any previous research experience, a cover letter detailing your research interests and goals, and the contact details (e-mail and phone number) of at least two academic referees.

Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for a full-time PhD (Structured PhD programme) in Biology and Environmental Science to complete a PhD on examining the hydrology, hydrogeology and hydro-chemical dynamics of degraded and intact saltmarsh ecosystems. This project forms part of a larger project, Solutions for Optimum restoration of Saltmarshes (SOS project), funded by the Environmental Protection Agency. This project will also study remote-sensing based mapping of key saltmarsh habitats and their carbon flux exchange and ecological dynamics.

We seek to recruit a motivated early stage researcher with a keen interest in hydrology, geoscience and/or environmental engineering. This PhD position will be based in the School of Biology and Environmental Sciences, University College Dublin and contribute to the multi-institutional SOS project in collaboration with South Eastern Technological University (SETU), the Scientific Advice and Research Directorate in National Parks and Wildlife Service and the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC) for 48 months. Anticipated start date: 1 September 2025.

SOS Project background: Saltmarshes provide highly valued ecosystem services, such as coastal protection from storm surge, carbon storage, nutrient cycling, and habitat provision. However, a combination of anthropogenic pressures and climate change has led to a steep decline in saltmarsh habitat. Improved management and restoration of saltmarsh habitats is therefore poised to contribute to enhanced climate mitigation and adaptation and increased biodiversity. Through fine-scale monitoring this project aims to understand how degradation impacts saltmarsh functions and services and to use this knowledge to develop and implement restoration solutions for these habitats in Ireland. Cross-cutting work packages will be carried out by the multidisciplinary team focusing on hydrological and water quality parameters, greenhouse gas fluxes and vegetation dynamics and remote sensing of physical extent and condition at degraded and reference sites. Engagement with stakeholders will be a key goal throughout this project. The project will deliver solutions for restoration and a toolbox for managers and restoration practitioners.

The aim of this PhD project is to better understand the hydrological, hydrogeological and hydro-chemical dynamics of degraded and intact saltmarsh systems. This is recognised as a crucial knowledge gap that needs to be addressed in order to aid the conservation and restoration of coastal ecosystems, both nationally and internationally. Accordingly, a field hydrological monitoring programme will be carried out at observation reference sites, and be coupled with the complimentary PhD studies on remote sensing and GHG fluxes. It is anticipated the PhD candidate will carry out the following broad tasks to fulfil the projects research aims:

• Monitor groundwater levels, surface water flows and tidal levels and develop site specific water balances.
• Develop conceptual hydrological and hydrogeological models for saltmarshes over a range of management conditions.
• Monitor hydrochemistry at flux chamber monitoring locations using in-situ field sensors and regular sampling for laboratory analysis.
• Carry out detailed hydrograph analysis to establish relative groundwater – surface water interactions.
• Integrate results with other PhD projects to inform best conservation and restoration management.

Requirements: Applicants should have a good primary degree (First or Second Class Honours) in an appropriate discipline (Geoscience, Environmental Science, Environmental/Civil Engineering).

The successful candidate should be highly self-motivated and have some background and particular interest in hydrology, hydrochemistry and ecosystems. In addition to a relevant degree(s), the successful candidate will ideally have some additional research experience (e.g. MSc) in conducting fieldwork, hydrometric and environmental monitoring, and data analysis. The successful candidates will be very strong communicators. In addition, a driving licence valid in Ireland is essential to access remote field sites.

Award: The successful candidates will be enrolled for a 48-month Structured PhD programme.

Stipend: The student will receive a tax-free stipend of €25,000 per year, full coverage of tuition fees (EU or Non-EU) and funds for conference travel. In addition, the School of Biology and Environmental Science (SBES) requests that all postgraduate research students act as demonstrators in undergraduate practical classes, for at least one module per Autumn and Spring trimester. Remuneration is provided and the UCD HR pay rates can be found here.

Equality and diversity: UCD is committed to creating an environment where diversity is celebrated and everyone is treated fairly regardless of gender, age, race, disability, ethnic origin, religion, sexual orientation, civil status, family status, or membership of the travelling community (https://www.ucd.ie/equality/). Applications from all suitably qualified candidates will be considered.

Informal enquiries are welcome and should be made to Dr Grace Cott (grace.cott@ucd.ie).

To apply please e-mail grace.cott@ucd.ie by June 19^th, 2025  a single pdf document with a detailed curriculum vitae describing any previous research experience, a cover letter detailing your research interests and goals, and the contact details (e-mail and phone number) of at least two academic referees.

We invite applications from graduates for four fulltime funded research scholarships of up to 4 years duration. The positions combine cutting edge biomedical research training with immersive involvement in the teaching of anatomy at the UCD School of Medicine.

Successful applicants will have the opportunity to:

• Complete a higher research degree. Applications for PhD (4 years) are preferred, although applications for MSc (1-2 years) and MD (2 years) will also be considered.
• Build a strong portfolio showcasing experience in the teaching of human anatomy to medical, biomedical science and allied health students.

Desirable qualities include strong academic skills, competency in anatomy, and proficient communication skills.

The following higher degree research projects are available:

• Targeting the neuroinflammatory response after spinal cord injury – (opens in a new window)Dr Dearbhaile Dooley
• Easy to Fallot: Functional Models to Unlock Understanding of Congenital Heart Defects – (opens in a new window)Dr Tom Flanagan
• Overcoming Differentiation Block in Colorectal Cancer: Targeting Molecular Pathways to Enhance Therapeutic Response – (opens in a new window)Dr Aleksandar Krstic
• Clonal Evolution in Colorectal Cancer: Adaptive Resistance Mechanisms to Chemotherapy and Targeted Therapy – (opens in a new window)Dr Aleksandar Krstic
• Community co-development of accessible imaging tools – (opens in a new window)Dr Mark Pickering
• Exploring the rules of neuroanatomical and behavioural organization in the early nervous system – (opens in a new window)Dr Mark Pickering

The Scholarship includes the following each year:

• €25,000 annual tax-free stipend, paid monthly with income supplementation via paid teaching.
• Research training and consumable costs.
• EU rate tuition fees (€8,020).

Subject to satisfactory progression in teaching and research at annual review, scholarships can be extended for up to 4 years for the completion of higher degree studies.
For information on anatomy at University College Dublin: https://www.ucd.ie/medicine/studywithus/specialityunits/anatomy/ 
For further information and to apply: (opens in a new window)https://forms.gle/5exJzE41gfyhB894A 
SUBMISSION DEADLINE: 17:00 IST Sunday 27 April 2025