Folúntais

No. Positions Available: 3 positions  Job Title: Doctoral Candidate (First Stage Researcher, R1)  Application Deadline: 30 March 2026 (23:59 GMT)

Duration: 36 months (full-time)  Start Date: September 2026

EDICT (Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in Clinical Trials) is a Horizon Europe Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Network (MSCA-DN). The network brings together leading academic institutions, industry partners, and clinical trial networks across Europe to train the next generation of researchers who will transform how clinical trials are designed, conducted, and reported. 

EDICT is recruiting 16 Doctoral Candidates across seven European institutions, with research organised around four interconnected work packages: 

• Measurement: Developing and validating standardised EDI metrics and assessment tools 

• Methodologies: Creating innovative, patient-centric, and culturally competent methodologies for clinical trials 

• Implementation: Translating EDI principles into practical tools, frameworks, and guidelines 

• Systemic Change: Developing evidence-based policies and fostering cross-sector collaboration 

*Please review full job description for further details and essential requirement  

 

 

 

ROSETTA - Marie Skłodowksa-Curie Fellowship Programme 2024 

J.E. Cairnes School of Business & Economics, University of Galway 

Ref. No. University of Galway 002-25 

 

2nd Call – ROSETTA Marie Sklodowska-Curie Postdoc Fellowships 

 

ROSETTA is an innovative fellowship programme co-ordinated by the University of Galway and will involve four other universities (Implementing Partners): University College Cork, University College Dublin, University of Limerick and Trinity College Dublin. The programme is co-funded by LERO, the Science Foundation Ireland Research Centre for Software, the Horizon Europe Marie Sklodowska Curie Actions programme and the University of Galway. ROSETTA fellows will be provided with the highest quality research environment and a training programme where they will critically examine the development, use and regulation of technology from a time perspective across all aspects of life from children, people with disabilities, people in the workplace, to healthcare and social inclusion for older people. 

 

ROSETTA will be recruiting 19 fellowships, each with a duration of 2 years, providing an unparalleled opportunity for Postdoctoral Researchers to delve into the critical intersection of time and technology in our rapidly evolving digital landscape.   
 
We are seeking fellows with an interest in the broad research area of ‘the true impact of technology on our time’ to bring fresh perspectives and innovative approaches to this research. Whether you're passionate about information systems, business, law, computer science, medicine, sociology, biomedical engineering, psychology, or any other related discipline, we want to hear from you! 

 

Applications are invited from suitable candidates for 19 full-time fixed term Marie Skłodowska-Curie postdoctoral Fellows (PFs) at University of Galway. Up to 9 fellowships may be awarded on the 2nd Call. 

 

ROSETTA Fellowships are open to applicants who have a PhD degree and comply with the programme’s eligibility criteria and mobility rule. Researchers at Risk are encouraged to apply. All candidates must discuss their research idea and proposal and seek the support of an eligible ROSETTA supervisor for their application. 

 

All fellowships will be based in Ireland where fellows will be hosted by their ROSETTA supervisor’s host institution. 

 

The programme aims to provide exceptional training and career development opportunities to postdoctoral researchers, fostering international mobility, intersectoral collaboration, and interdisciplinary exposure.  

 

Further information can be found in the Guide for Applicants to ROSETTA at https://rosetta.lero.ie/call-for-proposals/  

This project has received co-funding from Horizon Europe’s Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, Grant Agreement No:101126578. 

 

 

Essential Criteria: 

As per the MSCA definition: 

• ROSETTA is open to applicants who have a PhD degree at the call deadline. Applicants who have successfully defended their doctoral thesis but have not formally been awarded the doctoral degree will also be considered eligible to apply. The successful defence must take place before the call deadline. 

• Applicants must comply with the MSCA mobility rule: have not resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Ireland for more than 12 months in the three years immediately before the call deadline. Compulsory national service and short stays such as holidays are not considered. 

• Applicants must have working proficiency in English or be fluent in English. Applicants whose first language is not English may be required to provide evidence of their English proficiency. 

 

Please note: 

• ROSETTA Fellowships are open to candidates who meet the required criteria.  Please see Employment Permits - University of Galway for further information.  

• ROSETTA will support applications from those displaced by conflict or whose situation makes it difficult to pursue research careers. Researchers at Risk are encouraged to apply. Please see: Guidelines for Inclusion of Researchers at Risk | Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (europa.eu) for further information.  

 

Gross Salary: 

Remuneration is in line with EC rules for Marie Sklodowska-Curie COFUND grants. 

 

Level 1: €50,124 gross salary* per annum (excluding family allowance) or €57,252 gross salary* per annum (if conditions for family allowance are met). 

 

*Gross salary is inclusive of a mobility allowance of €6,480 annually payable as part of their gross salary which shall be fixed for 24 months during the fellowship period. 

 

Salaries are subject to taxes and deductions, e.g., deduction of PRSI (employee social security), and income taxes. For more information about tax entitlements, please go to https://www.revenue.ie/ 

 

The Fellowship includes an additional budget allocation for research and travel costs. 

 

Training and Career Development 

Fellows are encouraged to avail of training and development opportunities to support their career development plans. All fellowships will include a secondment period. Fellows will have the flexibility to select a secondment with the non-academic or academic sector to suit their research and career development. Researchers are encouraged to engage with our Researcher Development Centre (RDC) upon employment. The RDC is an initiative of the offices of the VPR and Graduate Studies to support the continuing professional development of all our researchers at University of Galway. 

 

 

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion 

The University of Galway is committed to principles of equality and encouraging diversity and inclusion. Several of the participating academic Institutions and Schools are holders of Athena SWAN awards. We celebrate the diversity of our staff and students and work to support an inclusive environment free from discrimination and harassment.  

 

 

To Apply: The application process should include an Online application + Administrative Proposal as follows:  

 

• Part A: Administrative Proposal: Max 2000 characters 

• Part B: Research Proposal (max. 10 pages)  

• Part C: Academic CV: Max 5 pages (With three references) 

• Part D: Ethics Issues Table and Self-Assessment Form 

 

Candidates must develop a project proposal in line with ROSETTA Research Themes and submit their complete application via the online application system. The system will remain open for applications until 23.59 (UTC) on the call deadline of 25th July 2025. 

 

See Guidance Documents, Terms & Conditions and https://rosetta.lero.ie/ for more information. 

 

For informal enquiries, contact the University of Galway programme manager at rosetta@lero.ie.  Please put reference number University of Galway 002-25 in subject line of all queries related to this post. 

 

The closing date for receipt of completed applications is 25th July 2025 at 23.59 UTC. 

 

University’s Strategic Plan 

 

Working in Research at University of Galway 

 

Moving to Ireland (Euraxess) 

 

We reserve the right to re-advertise or extend the closing date for this post.  

 

The University of Galway is an equal opportunities employer.  

 

All positions are recruited via an internationally advertised open call for proposals. The evaluation and selection process will follow an Open, Transparent, Merit (OTM) and Competency-based Recruitment process and will include an international peer review followed by an interview stage. 

Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for a full-time funded PhD scholarship starting in September/October 2026. 

University of Galway 

Located in the vibrant cultural city of Galway in the west of Ireland, the University of Galway has a distinguished reputation for teaching and research excellence  

For information on moving to Ireland please see www.euraxess.ie  

Detailed Project Description: 

The relentless rise of antimicrobial resistant (AMR) infections constitutes a leading threat to public health that must be counteracted by the development of novel antibacterial agents and alternative approaches. While genetic determinants of resistance are extensively studied, the contribution of bacterial metabolism to the emergence, persistence and evolution of AMR remains poorly understood. Infections by ESKAPE pathogens are a significant cause of both morbidity and mortality worldwide responsible for antibiotic resistant infections in a wide variety of organ systems. Understanding, identification and exploitation of new targets to improve the treatment options for AMR infections is therefore a necessity. This 4-year funded PhD project will focus on investigating how metabolic pathways influence antibiotic susceptibility and tolerance in bacterial pathogens from the World Health Organisation’s list of priority pathogens. The successful candidate will contribute to advancing our understanding of metabolic adaptations in bacteria, and how these processes shape resistance phenotypes under clinically relevant conditions. 

We are looking for a highly motivated, enthusiastic, and ambitious applicant with curiosity and passion for science. Applicants must have completed a BSc (Hons) or equivalent degree in Microbiology, Biochemistry, Genetics and Genomics, Biotechnology, Chemistry or a related discipline. Previous experience in molecular biology or biochemistry, and a strong interest into the topic is desirable. MSc/MRes in Microbiology or a related discipline would be preferable but is not essential. 

Living allowance (Stipend): €25,000 per annum, [tax-exempt scholarship award]  

University fees: €5,750 (covered by scholarship) 

Start date: 01 September 2026 or 01 October 2026 

Academic Entry Requirements: A minimum of an upper 2nd class (2-1) honours BSc degree, or equivalent, in Microbiology, Biochemistry, Genetics and Genomics, Biotechnology, Chemistry or a related discipline is essential. MSc/MRes in Microbiology or a related discipline would be preferable but is not essential. 

To Apply for the Scholarship: Expressions of interest should include a one-page cover letter explaining your motivation to pursue a PhD in this area and highlighting the reasons for your suitability, as well as your 2-page CV summarising your qualifications and relevant experience. Please also include the contact details of two referees at the bottom of your CV.  

Applications to be submitted via e-mail to: TheZedenLab@gmail.com 

Contact Name: Dr Merve Suzan Zeden 

Contact Email: TheZedenLab@gmail.com 

Application Deadline: 7th July 2026 at 17:00 

Primary Supervisor name: Dr Merve Suzan Zeden 

Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for a full-time funded PhD scholarship starting in September 2026 affiliated to the Timber Engineering Research Group (TERG) in the School of Engineering at the University of Galway.  

University of Galway 

Located in the vibrant cultural city of Galway in the west of Ireland, the University of Galway has a distinguished reputation for teaching and research excellence  

For information on moving to Ireland please see www.euraxess.ie  

Detailed Project Description 

This position is part of the BIOFABRICATE project (Integrated BIO-based Innovations for Sustainable Manufacturing, Construction, and Pharmaceutical Applications from Irish Forest Biomass), funded by the Irish Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) under the 2025 Thematic Research Call (Project Ref: 2025R_544). The project is led by University of Galway and involves collaboration with Trinity College Dublin, Technological University Dublin, Atlantic Technological University Galway, Dublin City University and Teagasc, and six industry partners. 

BIOFABRICATE aims to develop and validate advanced bio-based materials, products and technologies from the growing supply of Irish forest biomass, for applications in engineered timber construction, manufacturing, food packaging and pharmaceuticals. Key project areas include: 

• Low-emission pulping to produce micro- and nanocrystalline cellulose 

• Development of bio-based adhesives and coatings from lignin, tannin, proteins, and microbial processes 

• Enhancement of material performance (durability, fire resistance, moisture resistance), including prototyping and testing engineered wood product (EWP) applications 

• Investigation of fungal-derived biocoatings with fire-retardant and antimicrobial properties 

• Adhesive-free design approaches for disassembly and reuse,  

• Lifecycle assessment to evaluate environmental, technical, and economic performance 

This PhD will focus on the structural design, fabrication and large-scale experimental performance validation of engineered wood products (EWPs) using native Irish hardwoods and biobased materials. This research will include: 

• Mechanical characterisation of Irish timber species  

• Development and testing of timber elements and assemblies  

• Application in the built environment in Ireland, with consideration for deconstruction and reuse 

The successful candidate will work within a multidisciplinary team, collaborate with industry partners and will have access to state-of-the-art testing facilities at University of Galway.  

Specific Requirements: 

• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills 

• Excellent English communication skills, in particular, report writing and presentation skills 

• High attention to detail and strong organisational ability 

• Ability to manage a complex workload and meet deadlines 

• Excellent interpersonal skills 

Living allowance (Stipend): €25,000 per annum, [tax-exempt scholarship award] 

University fees: ​EU tuition fees covered for 4 years maximum (2026-2030)​ 

Start date: 1 September 2026 

Academic Entry Requirements:  

• Bachelor's or master's degree (minimum 2.1 grade or equivalent) in Civil, Structural or Timber Engineering (or a closely related discipline) 

• Knowledge of structural design principles 

• Experience in technical report writing 

• Experience in experimental testing of materials or structures  

To Apply for the Scholarship:  

Please submit a single PDF containing a CV and cover letter (outlining why this project interests you) to Dr Patrick McGetrick: patrick.mcgetrick@universityofgalway.ie   

Email subject line: PhD Application – BIOFABRICATE 

(N.B.: Applications without this subject line may not be recorded) 

Contact Name: Dr Patrick McGetrick 

Contact Email: patrick.mcgetrick@universityofgalway.ie   

Application Deadline: 10/07/2026 at time 17:00 

Primary Supervisor name: Dr Patrick McGetrick 

Applications are invited for a cohort of 9 PhD studentships in University of Galway as part of a multi-institutional interdisciplinary national centre for data science and AI funded by Research Ireland. These studentships are available through a cohort-based PhD training programme across a suite of research themes: foundational methods, translational methods, data & processing, people-centred AI, democratic governance, society & culture and health. Applications are sought from a broad range of graduates in arts & humanities, business and education, computer science, engineering, health sciences, life science & environment, mathematics & statistics and social science & law. 

Alongside their individual PhD research, students will benefit from a structured, cohort-based PhD training programme. This programme will include transferable skills training (e.g., communication skills, ethics, and entrepreneurship), group activities (e.g., hackathons and spin-out sprints), training on domain-specific topics (e.g., machine learning, statistics, data management, programming, qualitative and digital policy methods), and peer-led learning opportunities (e.g., research seminars, peer-designed workshops, and reading groups). Dedicated career and skills development activities will also be offered.  

Students will benefit from extensive engagement with industry and public service partners and from an enrichment experience e.g., industry training placements, an academic research visit to an internationally renowned collaborating institution, or other similar activities. This experience will equip graduates with the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in academia, industry, and public service.   

Funding: 

Studentships provide a stipend of €25,000 per year for four years (tax free) with additional funds available to support e.g., conference attendance and training activities. Fees for EU students will be covered automatically, while non-EU students may apply for an international fee waiver.  

Application process: 

We are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) and particularly encourage applications from under-represented groups. 

We are currently recruiting for the September 2026 intake. Applications, which should be submitted here, is now open until all positions are filled. Interviews are provisionally scheduled to take place in June/July/August with decisions soon after. 

Due to the large number of applications received, only applicants invited to interview will receive an email response. 

Please note that applicants who are invited to interview and are successful, will have to subsequently apply to and be admitted to the relevant PhD programme, please consult https://www.universityofgalway.ie/courses/research-postgraduate-programmes/research-phd/ 

For further information please contact edward.curry@universityofgalway.ie 

University of Galway 

Located in the vibrant cultural city of Galway in the west of Ireland, the University of Galway has a distinguished reputation for teaching and research excellence  

For information on moving to Ireland please see www.euraxess.ie  

University fees:  4 Years covered by Scholarship 

Start date: Autumn 2026  

Contact Name: Prof. Edward Curry 

Contact Email: edward.curry@universityofgalway.ie 

Application Deadline: Open until filled 

Primary Supervisor name: Prof. Edward Curry 

Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for full-time funded PhD scholarship(s) starting immediately affiliated to the Combustion Chemistry Centre at the University of Galway.  

University of Galway 

Located in the vibrant cultural city of Galway in the west of Ireland, the University of Galway has a distinguished reputation for teaching and research excellence  

For information on moving to Ireland please see www.euraxess.ie  

Detailed Project Description:  

• Carry out experimental measurements on shock tubes and rapid compression machine.  

• Write and publish international peer-reviewed journal articles. 
• Supervise and mentor undergraduate students in experimental measurements. 
• Day to day responsibility for the performance of all duties associated with the research project, in recording, interpretation and validation of experimental data, and in dissemination of project results and outcomes. 
• The post holder will ensure research programme requirements in terms of documentation of the project activities, milestones and major key deliverables are implemented and adhered to.
• The post holder will assist in the preparation of periodic scientific reports for this project, maintain confidentiality of background IP, foreground IP and research results, liaise with the members of the group, industry partners and TTO office on the identification of and patent protection of intellectual property generated in the work programme. 
• The successful candidate will alsorepresentthe research activities of the C3 research group as required at local, national and international events (including talks, panel discussions and meetings with funding agencies, industry representatives etc 

Living allowance (Stipend): €25,000 per annum, [tax-exempt scholarship award]  

University fees: ​€5,500​ 

Start date: Immediately 

Academic Entry Requirements: Candidates must have a good primary degree (First or Second Class Honours), or M.Sc. in an appropriate discipline.     

Good writing and excellent communication skills are essential for this project, which will involve close collaboration with other members of C3.  

An interest in combustion 

Ability to work independently and as part of a team  

Self-motivated, high level of initiative and excellent attention to detail 

To Apply for the Scholarship: ​Applications to include a covering letter, CV, and the contact details of three referees should be sent, via e-mail (in word or PDF only) to: grainne.morahan@universityofgalway.ie​ 

Contact Name: Dr Chong-Wen Zhou 

Contact Email: chongwen.zhou@universityofgalway.ie 

Application Deadline: 1/8/2026 at 17:00 

Primary Supervisor name: Dr Chong-Wen Zhou 

Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for full-time funded PhD scholarship starting in autumn 2026 affiliated to the Irish Centre for High-End Computing (ICHEC) and the School of Computer Science at the University of Galway.  

University of Galway 

Located in the vibrant cultural city of Galway in the west of Ireland, the University of Galway has a distinguished reputation for teaching and research excellence  

For information on moving to Ireland please see www.euraxess.ie  

Detailed Project Description 

Ireland’s first Innovate for Ireland National Centre “Decarb-AI: AI-Powered Pathways to Climate Resilience” is a €5.7 million national centre funded jointly by AIB and Research Ireland. The centre will host 30 iScholars between 2025 and 2031 across three intakes. 

iScholars will undertake fully-funded, four-year PhDs under the supervision of leading researchers from University College Dublin, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin City University, Technological University Dublin, University of Limerick, University of Galway (via ICHEC – Irish Centre for High-End Computing) and University College Cork. 

You will be placed at the Irish Centre for High-End Computing (ICHEC in Dublin or Galway) and supervised by Dr. Paul Nolan, with co-supervision at the School of Computer Science and potentially at Decarb-AI partner institutions. 

As an iScholar, you will contribute to the development of a cutting-edge Machine Learning (ML) weather forecasting system for Ireland, trained using high-resolution historical climate datasets. The project combines advanced numerical weather prediction, regional climate modelling, and state-of-the-art AI methodologies to improve forecasting capability for the Irish domain. The research will support Ireland’s transition to a low-carbon and climate-resilient future by enabling more accurate forecasting of weather and renewable energy resources, supporting grid stability, and improving decision-making for climate adaptation and sustainable infrastructure planning. 

The research will comprise two interconnected strands: 

• Assessment of high-resolution climate data for training ML weather forecast models: Investigate the use of high-resolution historical climate datasets for ML model training. This will include the assessment of dynamical downscalings of ECMWF ERA5/6 reanalysis data using regional climate models such as WRF, COSMO-CLM, and ICON. The project will also examine the added value of advanced data assimilation techniques, including WRF-3DVar, in enhancing the quality and representativeness of training datasets. 

• Development of an ML-based weather forecasting system for Ireland 

Develop a machine learning weather forecasting model for Ireland using Anemoi, ECMWF’s Python-based framework for building next-generation ML weather forecasting systems. The research will focus on designing, training, and evaluating ML models tailored to Ireland’s complex weather and climate conditions. 

Living allowance (Stipend): €31,000 per annum, [tax-exempt scholarship award]  

University fees: ​fully covered​ 

Start date: Autumn 2026 

Academic Entry Requirements: We welcome applicants with a strong MSc/MA from a high-ranking university in computer science, physics, mathematics, environmental/climate science, or related fields. You should be ambitious, creative, and motivated to lead climate solutions using deep tech and interdisciplinary research.  

To Apply for the Scholarship: Please send the following (with subject title “Decarb-AI PhD application 2026 - your name”)  

• A 1-page research proposal articulating your understanding and ideas on the PhD topic (see “What will be your focus?”) 

• Your transcripts 

• Your Curriculum Vitae 

A 1-page cover letter including names and contact details of two referees 

Contact Name: Dr. Paul Nolan 

Contact Email: paul.nolan@ichec.ie  

Application Deadline: July 25, 2026 at 23:00 

Primary Supervisor name: Dr. Paul Nolan, ICHEC 

Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for full-time funded PhD scholarship starting in October 2026, affiliated to the Ryan Institute at the University of Galway and Teagasc.  

University of Galway 

Located in the vibrant cultural city of Galway in the west of Ireland, the University of Galway has a distinguished reputation for teaching and research excellence  

For information on moving to Ireland please see www.euraxess.ie  

Detailed Project Description  

Mushroom production in Ireland supports approximately 3,500 jobs, valued at €158 million in 2024. The integration of automation technologies in the form of robotics (automated picking) and AI vision systems is being widely adopted to address labour shortages and rising production costs. Meanwhile, the commercial production of Agaricus bisporus (button mushrooms) is heavily dependent upon use of peat, which needs to be phased out to reduce degradation of peatlands. There is high potential for circular use of by-products to replace peat. These two shifts (technology adoption and peat replacement) represent major changes to mushroom production. There is a need to evaluate the competitiveness, sustainability and resilience of high-tech, low-peat models of mushroom farming.  

This project aims to support the transition towards technology adoption in the mushroom sector through an environmental, social and competitiveness assessment. The main tasks will be to develop models to assess life cycle cost, environmental and social impacts of mushroom production – underpinning expansion of the Agnav.ie platform to evaluate mushroom sector sustainability. The project will work closely with mushroom advisors, scientists, growers and technology developers, and will have relevance to policy makers, retailers, scientists and the broader mushroom industry. 

The successful candidate will be jointly supervised by Dr Lael Walsh who leads the horticulture sustainability research programme at Teagasc, and Professor David Styles in the School of Biological and Chemical Sciences at University of Galway. The PhD candidate will be based at Teagasc Ashtown Food Research Centre for the duration of the 4-year PhD, with travel to University of Galway for coursework and academic engagement. Dr Galina Brychkova, School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Professor Karyn Morrissey, J.E. Cairnes School of Business and Economics and Dr. Joy Clarke, Mushroom research programme at Teagasc will be co-supervisors.  

The successful candidate will be a registered student in the School of Biological and Chemical Sciences at University of Galway, and affiliated with the University’s Ryan Institute, a world-class centre for sustainability research. Through a multi-disciplinary supervisory team and their research groups, the successful candidate will have access to the breadth of expertise necessary to apply state-of-the-art sustainability and resilience assessment. The student will have access to data, software and expertise needed to build a mushroom life cycle assessment (LCA) model, building on recent horticultural LCA templates. They can also available of postgraduate training and skills modules available across the College of Science and Engineering.        

The successful candidate will be based at Teagasc Ashtown Food Research Centre in Ashtown, Dublin 15, a national centre of research excellence for food, horticulture and applied agricultural research, for the four–year duration of the PhD. A key strength of this research environment is access to the commercial style mushroom production unit and state-of-the-art glasshouse facilities, and the opportunity to engage with leading scientists and advisors in food, horticulture and mushroom science. This PhD therefore represents an exciting opportunity to leverage leading academic, technical and industry expertise to generate new knowledge and impact.    

The Teagasc Walsh Scholars Programme provides a structured four-year training and development framework designed to support both academic excellence and long-term career readiness. Scholars develop advanced scientific and analytical expertise alongside transferable skills in communication, project management, and stakeholder engagement through expert-led training, workshops, and tailored professional development. 

Opportunities are provided to present research at national and international conferences, supporting professional networking and active engagement with the wider research community. Dedicated final-year career supports focus on preparing scholars for impactful roles across research, industry, advisory services, and policy, in Ireland and internationally. 

Through the Teagasc International Training Awards, scholars may undertake an international research placement of up to 12 weeks aligned with their PhD project. Outstanding achievement may also be recognised through the Walsh Scholars of the Year and Gold Medal Awards. 

Candidate Profile and Eligibility 

Candidates should be able to demonstrate the following: 

• Hold afirst or second classhonours degree (2.1 equivalent) or a masters degree in environmental science, mushroom science, engineering, agriculture sustainability or a related and relevant discipline 
• Experience with life cycle assessment or systems modelling 
• A strong interest in the topic of mushroom automation or sustainability evaluation
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills (in the language of English)
• Capacity to work as part of a research team
• Willingness to travel to mushroom farms, industryeventsand conferences 
• Hold a full, clean Irish or EU driving licence or a foreign driving licence from a recognised state as per National Driver Licence Service of Ireland guidelines (see: NDLS) 

Living allowance (Stipend): €25,000 per annum, [tax-exempt scholarship award] 

University fees: ​up to €6000 per annum (covered by scholarship) ​

Start date: 01.10.2026 (or soon after)

Academic Entry Requirements: First or good Second Class (2:1) primary degree or MSc in a related discipline (Science, Engineering, Agriculture)

To Apply for the Scholarship:  

Applicants should submit the following to Dr Lael Walsh (lael.walsh@teagasc.ie) and Prof. David Styles (david.styles@universityofgalway.ie) - with the subject line: “PhD Application – Walsh Scholars Reference: 2026041”. Required documents:  

• CV (including two referees)   

• 1–2 page personal statement outlining: Why you are interested in this project; Why you are a strong candidate for this PhD

Contact Name: Professor David Styles & Dr Lael Walsh

Contact Email: david.styles@universityofgalway.ie

Application Deadline: 24/07/2026 by 17:00 

Primary Supervisor name: David Styles 

Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for full-time funded PhD scholarship starting in February 2027, affiliated to the Ryan Institute at the University of Galway and Teagasc. 

University of Galway 

Located in the vibrant cultural city of Galway in the west of Ireland, the University of Galway has a distinguished reputation for teaching and research excellence 

For information on moving to Ireland please see www.euraxess.ie 

Project Description  

Grass4Value aims to deliver diverse and sustainable circular bioeconomy pathways for management of Ireland’s most abundant agricultural resource, grassland. Ireland faces key sustainability challenges in areas such as climate change, biodiversity and water quality. Diversification of Ireland’s 4.5 million hctares of grassland could make a substantial contribution to achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions whilst reducing pressure on water quality and biodiversity associated with livestock farming. Cascading use of grass can deliver low-emission feed, food, energy, material and fertiliser products with potential for displacement of less sustainable alternatives (e.g., soy and fossil energy), while also conferring resilience to rural economies. The Grass4Value project will build on the demonstration biorefinery plant at Farm Zero C, centred on anaerobic digestion (AD). The advertised PhD will apply prospective life cycle assessment (LCA) and foresight analyses to evaluate the sustainability and resilience of grass biorefinery value chains in a future context.  

The successful candidate will be jointly supervised by Professor David Styles in the School of Biological and Chemical Sciences at University of Galway and Professor James Gaffey, co-Director of the CircBio research group in Munster Technological University.  

The PhD student will be registered in the School of Biological and Chemical Sciences at University of Galway, and affiliated with the University’s Ryan Institute, a world-class centre for sustainability research. Through a multi-disciplinary supervisory team and their research groups, the successful candidate will have access to the breadth of expertise necessary to apply cutting-edge sustainability and resilience assessment. The student will apply, and if necessary adapt, a state-of-the-art AD-biorefinery LCA model (LCAD2.0) to evaluate the environmental sustainability of various feed, food, material and energy value chains derived from grass. They will explore these value chains under various scale-out scenarios and future contexts, considering key performance indicators pertinent to Ireland’s sustainability and resilience under uncertain futures. The student will join a dynamic, world-class group of sustainability researchers, and will have access to postgraduate training and skills modules available across the College of Science and Engineering. They may avail of opportunities to present research at national and international conferences.  

Candidate Profile and Eligibility 

Candidates should be able to demonstrate the following: 

• Hold afirst or second classhonours degree (2.1 equivalent) or a masters degree in environmental science, engineering, agriculture, sustainability or a related and relevant discipline 
• Experience with life cycle assessment or systems modelling 
• A strong interest inbiorefineries and/orsustainability evaluation 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills (in the language of English)
• Capacity to work as part of a research team
• Willingness to travel tonational and international meetings

Living allowance (Stipend): €25,000 per annum, [tax-exempt scholarship award]  

University fees: ​up to €6000 per annum (covered by scholarship) ​

Start date: 01.02.2027 (or soon after)

Academic Entry Requirements: First or good Second Class (2:1) primary degree or MSc in a related discipline (Science, Engineering, Agriculture)

To Apply for the Scholarship:  

Applicants should submit the following to Prof. David Styles (david.styles@universityofgalway.ie) - with the subject line: “PhD Application – Grass4Value”, including the following required documents:  

• CV (including two referees)   

• 1–2 page personal statement outlining: Why you are interested in this project; Why you are a strong candidate for this PhD

Contact Name: Professor David Styles 

Contact Email: david.styles@universityofgalway.ie

Application Deadline: 28/08/2026 by 17:00

Primary Supervisor name: David Styles