Postgraduate Research Scholarships and Bursaries

Additional Information
Projects	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.
Faculty	Education & Health Sciences
Entry Requirements	A First or Second class Honour's Grade1 Bachelors Degree in a cognate discipline
Funding/Stipend	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.).
Closing Date	16th November 2023 5pm (Irish Standard Time). We reserve the right not to make an award.
Contact & How to Apply	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)

Project

L. monocytogenes is a problem for public health as incidences of listeriosis continue to rise, and is an industry problem as presence of L. monocytogenes will lead to product recalls. L. monocytogenes is resistant to a range of preservatives and processes used to control bacterial growth in food. It commonly cross-contaminates food from environmental reservoirs and can survive and grow in foods even at cold storage temperatures.

This project will address a national risk to public health, food businesses and food producers presented by the food-borne bacterial pathogen Listeria monocytogenes. The high mortality rate associated with outbreaks means that better control measures are needed to avoid significant outbreaks from occurring. As the demand for fresh, minimally processed food increases nationally and throughout Europe the challenge of controlling food-borne pathogens continues to grow. Meeting this demand will require technological advances in detection and control of food-borne pathogens in the food chain.

This 4 year PhD project is hosted by the University of Limerick, Department of Biological Sciences. The project is part of the DETCON consortium with partners from Teagasc, UCD, UCC, NUIG, MTU and UL.

Objectives

Perform food-based challenge studies with a panel of consortium strains (strains with persistent stress tolerant phenotypes).

Evaluate bioprotective cultures as novel antimicrobial agents to replace chlorine-based dipping against L. monocytogenes on horticultural products.

Faculty

Science Engineering, 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 level in microbiological techniques, general or environmental chemistry, agricultural or biological or food sciences.
Evidence of English language competency.

Desirable:

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 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.
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.
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.

Funding/Stipend

The PhD Studentship will include a stipend €25,000pa and €6000pa EU fees for four years.

Closing Date

12 February 2024 5pm (Irish Standard Time)

Contact & How to Apply

Achim Schmalenberger achim.schmalenberger@ul.ie

Additional Information

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.