Current Scholarship Opportunities

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.

Title: Stressing the superbug: Using bacterial stress sensors to understand how the antibiotic-resistant pathogen Staphylococcus aureus survives harsh environments  
Applications are welcomed for one fully funded, four-year, full-time PhD position at University College Dublin, Ireland.

PhD Project area: Microbiology and antimicrobial resistance.  
PhD supervisor: (opens in a new window)Dr Rebecca Corrigan
Proposed Start Date: Sept 2025.  
Location: School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Ireland 
Positions: 1x 4-year, Full-time PhD studentships (A University College Dublin Ad Astra PhD Studentship).  
Stipend: €25,000 per annum tax-free plus tuition fees. 
Summary of Project(s): The “superbug”, methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a major threat to global health. Bacteria, such as MRSA, can sense external stresses like nutrient deprivation or the presence of innate immune effectors, conditions that can drive antimicrobial tolerance or chronic infections. The transition from colonisation to infection is exceptionally stressful for bacteria, as is treatment with antibiotics. To cope, they activate complex regulatory circuits controlled by two “alarmone” phospho-nucleotides that signal this stress, regulating bacterial functions in ways that maximise survival. These nucleotides are produced specifically in response to stress and are responsible for coordinating cellular events that turn off growth and turn on genes for stress adaptation and survival. Whilst alarmone signalling has been linked to persistent and chronic infections, little is known about how they function to coordinate this adaptation on a molecular level in the host. 
In S. aureus, these nucleotides are synthesised by three different enzymes, however relatively little is known about the production and regulation of these proteins. This project will use molecular genetics to construct biosensors that will be used to identify environmental signals, such as antibiotics or immune responses that trigger activation of these enzymes. Additionally, this project will make use of an S. aureus mutant library to identify regulator(s) that control the production of these enzymes on a molecular level. Altogether, this project will provide key insights into the synthesis of alarmone nucleotides by these enzymes and in doing so generate important mechanistic data on the pathogenesis of S. aureus and the importance of this system for antimicrobial resistance.  
All the techniques and approaches are established in the Corrigan lab. We provide training in writing, presenting and science outreach, as well as bench science and you will work in an exciting and thriving community of like-minded scientists at the UCD AMR hub. You should possess a high 2.1 or 1st class degree or an MSc in microbiology, biochemistry or similar area. Relevant laboratory experience is not required, but passion and enthusiasm for making a difference in the field of antimicrobial resistance is a must! 

Research Team and Environment: The successful candidates will join the newly established Corrigan lab in University College Dublin’s School of Medicine. Our lab has recently relocated from the University of Sheffield. The group focuses primarily on understanding nucleotide signalling systems and their contribution to bacterial survival, infection and antimicrobial resistance. The studentship will also benefit from opportunities to contribute to other projects as well as from planned local and international collaborations that we have in the UK, Germany, USA and Peru to ensure the success of this project.  
Requirements Qualifications/Expertise: Applications are sought from inquisitive and dedicated candidates with interest in scientific methodology and discovery. Candidates should have, or expect to soon be awarded, a BSc (grade 2.1 or above), or an MSc, in the area microbiology, infection studies or biochemistry.    
To apply for these positions: Please send your CV, a cover letter, and the contact details of at least two referees to (opens in a new window)rebecca.corrigan@ucd.ie by 6th June 2025. Informal enquiries in relation to the position are welcome and encouraged.  
Relevant publications: 

1. Adedeji-Olulana AF, Wacnik K, Lafage L, Pasquina-Lemonche L, Tinajero-Trejo M, Bilyk B, Irving S, Portman-Ross C, Meacock O, Randerson S, Beattie E, Owen D, Florence J, Durham W, Hornby D, Corrigan RM, Green J, Hobbs JK, Foster SJ (2024) Two codependent routes lead to high-level MRSA. Science 386:573-580. doi
   10.1126/science.adn1369.
2. Urwin L, Savva O, Corrigan RM (2024) Microbial Primer: what is the stringent response and how does it allow bacteria to survive stress? Microbiology (Reading) 170(7). doi 10.1099/mic.0.001483
3. Irving SE, Choudhury NR, Corrigan RM (2021) The Stringent Response and Physiological roles of (pp)pGpp in bacteria. Nature Reviews Microbiology. 19(4):256-271. Invited Review. doi:10.1038/s41579-020-00470-y
4. Corrigan RM1, Bellows LE, *Wood A, Gründling A1 (2016) ppGpp negatively impacts ribosome assembly affecting growth and antimicrobial tolerance in Gram-positive bacteria. PNAS 113(12):E1710-1719. doi: 10.1073/pnas.1522179113

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