Project Description: Coastal wetland ecosystems are critical to maintaining human well-being and global carbon cycling. For example, tidal saltmarshes provide multiple ecosystem services, including protection from storms and sea-level rise, nutrient cycling, and habitat provision - all important components of climate adaptation. Saltmarshes also remove large amounts of carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the atmosphere and bury it in soils for centuries to millennia. However, little is known about carbon dynamics in coastal wetlands in Ireland. For example, comparatively small fluxes of methane and nitrous oxide (which have disproportionately large effects on climate warming) could potentially offset the uptake of CO₂ in Irish saltmarshes, although experimental evidence is lacking.

The PhD candidate will work on the BlueCarbon project led by Dr Grace Cott and funded by Science Foundation Ireland. This project aims to understand how coastal wetlands can contribute to climate mitigation and adaptation. Specifically, this PhD project will examine greenhouse gas (GHG) fluxes from coastal wetland ecosystems such as tidal saltmarshes and coastal reed swamps.

Using a combination of gas sampling techniques (static chamber method and eddy covariance method) the candidate will measure CO₂, methane (CH₄) and nitrous oxide (N₂O) fluxes at coastal wetland sites across Ireland and investigate drivers of these fluxes. This work will enhance our understanding of how Irish coastal wetlands can contribute to climate mitigation.

Qualifications: Minimum educational background: BSc or MSc degree (2.1 grade or above) in Environmental Science/Biological Sciences/Plant Biology/Soil Science/Ecology/Environmental Chemistry or related discipline.

Desirable: prior field work experience in wetland sites, experience in greenhouse gas sampling and experience in using R for statistical analysis.The successful candidate should be enthusiastic, self-motivated and willing to learn new tools and technologies. As part of this PhD the candidate will be expected to demonstrate/assist in undergraduate practicals for the academic session.

Stipend: The student will receive a tax-free stipend of €18,500 per year, full coverage of EU tuition fees and funds for conference travel.

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 16^th of September, 2020 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.

Systems Biology Ireland (SBI) is seeking a highly enthusiastic PhD student to conduct research in neuroblastoma, a childhood cancer as part of the Precision Oncology Ireland initiative.

Project Description & Background:

Systems Biology Ireland, established in 2009, has successfully developed an integrated mathematical modelling and experimental research programme focusing on the design of new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to diseases, primarily cancer, based on a systems level, mechanistic understanding of cellular signal transduction networks. To accomplish these goals, SBI uses mathematical and computational modelling approaches in combination with cutting edge experimental technologies in proteomics, genomics, advanced microscopy and flow cytometry as well as cell biology and molecular biology methods.

Precision Oncology Ireland is a consortium of 5 Irish Universities, 6 Irish Cancer Research Charities (including the National Children's Research Centre), and 9 international companies aiming to develop new diagnostics and therapeutics for personalised cancer treatment. The Consortium is part-funded by Science Foundation Ireland under their Strategic Partnership Programme.

Neuroblastoma is one of the deadliest childhood cancers. One of the key drivers of the aggressive forms of this disease is MYCN. The prospective candidate will focus on investigating the role of MYCN amplification in the pathogenesis of neuroblastoma and validate new drug targets through global omics approaches for the therapy of high-risk MYCN-amplified neuroblastoma. The student will gain valuable knowledge in the analysis of signal transduction networks in neuroblastoma, network biology, omics techniques, and standard methods used in cell and molecular biology. The student will be enrolled in a structured PhD programme in the UCD School of Medicine which includes some taught elements and transferable skills training providing an excellent foundation for a research career in academia or industry.

Supervisors: Dr Melinda Halasz, Professor Walter Kolch

Location: Systems Biology Ireland, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland

Applicant Requirements: We are seeking a highly enthusiastic PhD candidate with the ability to independently plan and conduct the research project while integrating into an interdisciplinary research environment. Applicants should have a first or upper second-class honours Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a relevant field. Excellent written, oral communication skills and a high level of competence in the English language are essential. (See UCD’s policy on minimum English language requirements here.)

Stipend & fees: The successful candidate will receive a stipend of €18,500 per annum. €5,500 will be made available towards registration fees per annum. The position is funded for four years, and subject to satisfactory progress.

Application procedure: Applicants should submit their CV, a cover letter and names and contact details of two academic referees, as a single .pdf document to melinda.halasz@ucd.ie.

Application deadline: 31 July 2020