Funded Postgraduate Research Scholarships

Macroalgal proteins represent interesting, but as yet, relatively unexplored sources of high quality plant-derived proteins with significant bio- and technofunctional potential. The BioDulse project, which is funded by Enterprise Ireland through the Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund consists of a multidisciplinary team of academic and industry partners. This project is focused on extracting, characterising and ultimately developing food ingredient applications for the proteins from the red seaweed species, Palmaria palmata.  A detailed understanding of the physicochemical, and both the bio- and technofunctional characteristics of P. palmata proteins and their enzymatic hydrolysates is required in order to optimise their food ingredient potential. This project aims to study the bio- and technofunctional properties of P. palmata proteins and their hydrolysates. The project will involve exposure to a range of protein science/chemistry, technofunctional and in vitro bioactivity assessment techniques during the extraction and characterisation of macroalgal proteins and their hydrolysates.The increasing consumer demand and a rapidly growing global population highlights the need to find sustainable alternative food protein sources. Macroalgae, or seaweed, has been consumed throughout the world for centuries.

Minimum 2.1 hons degree in Food Science, Food Chemistry, Biotechnology, Bioscience, Biochemistry or closely related discipline

Prof. Dick. FitzGerald, Biological Sciences Department, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland. Tel: 00353 061 202598: E-mail:dick.fitzgerald@ul.ie dick.fitzgerald@ul.ie

Applicants are invited to submit a cover letter, recent CV and two academic references to Prof. FitzGerald

The successful candidate will support a project funded by the Lifes2good Foundation in conjunction with Connacht Rugby.

Data on youth rugby players in the province of Connacht suggest that dropout is particularly severe between the ages of 16 and 20 years. Continued participation in sport at this age is viewed as an important avenue to promote physical, mental and social health. Decisions about sport participation arise from the complex interaction of a broad range of factors. Although some of these factors are likely to underpin continued participation irrespective of context (e.g., enjoyment; quality relationships), context-specific investigations are required to identify the specific barriers to and sources of support for continued participation. The project will examine ways in which Connacht Rugby could support the underage player pathway to better facilitate the playing experience, reduce drop out and ultimately see more players continuing to adulthood as participants in rugby at all levels.

Essential Criteria

•Bachelor’s degree in a health science field (2.1 award or higher).

•Evidence of excellent communication skills. 

•Evidence of excellent organisational skills.

•Evidence of excellent IT skills.

•Car owner and full driving license.

Desirable Criteria

•Evidence of research report writing.

•Evidence of experience using qualitative research methods, particularly in relation to focus groups.

•Coaching experience within a youth sport context.

•Demonstrated experience of working effectively in a research team as well as independently.

For further information please contact Dr Philip Kearney, email philip.kearney@ul.ie

Additional information on the project, including a detailed description, the terms of the award, and guidance on how to apply, is available here

Energy systems around the world are currently undergoing two simultaneous and radical transformations; the electrification of transport and the decarbonisation of the electricity grids. Likewise, there are highly ambitious aspirations at a policy level to transition from a linear economy to a circular economy and in particular in the area of critical raw materials where recycling rates are very low and for which Europe is dependent on largely single sources which are considered to be a supply risk. This project is at the nexus of these challenges. It will undertake a detailed scientific, technical and economic analysis into how the batteries of end-of-life electric vehicles can be repurposed as stationary batteries to support the greater integration of renewable electricity in electric grids. This incorporates forecasting the availability of storage capacity based on quantitative projections of electric vehicles reaching end of life, testing of business models for their use in grid applications, a physical model as to how the batteries will perform over the necessary extended lifecycles in these business models, and recommendations on ELV treatment standards to facilitate the opportunity. The project will deliver an evidential basis for policy makers to support their planning for the coming energy, transport and circular economy transitions that are necessary in the pursuit of EU targets and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Candidate Requirements Essential Attributes: A Bachelors degree in Electronic/Electrical/Computer Engineering or equivalent. A strong interest/experience in data analytics. Desirable Attributes: A Masters degree in Electronic/Electrical/Computer Engineering or equivalent. Publication in conference and/or peer-reviewed journal. Experience in analysis of electric grids.

For further information please contact Colin.Fitzpatrick@ul.ie. To apply please send a cv and application letter to Colin.Fitzpatrick@ul.ie

Various PhD scholarships available for academic and industry-focused research projects.

https://confirm.ie/category/vacancies

https://confirm.ie/category/vacancies

CONFIRM Centre for Smart Manufacturing is a Science Foundation Ireland (SFI)-funded national research centre that benefits from the expertise across 8 core research performing organisations in Ireland, 16 international collaborations, and over 40 Industry partners across multinational companies and Small and medium enterprises in many sectors. Smart Manufacturing has been defined as fully-integrated, collaborative manufacturing systems that respond intelligently and in real-time to meet changing physical, digital and business process demands and conditions within the factory and along its entire value chain (e.g. supply network and customer needs). CONFIRM’s vision is to transform the Irish industry to become world-leaders in smart manufacturing. https://confirm.ie/

This project will develop a chemical process for producing a bio-solvent, known as nonanone, from levulinic acid. Nonane will replace petroleum-derived solvents such as hexane and octane in chemical process industries. Under conventional chemistry the production of nonanone from levulinic acid would involve the consumption of fossil fuel derived hydrogen, however, a key novel aspect of this project will be the use of our biomass-derived formic acid as a hydrogen donor to substitute for molecular hydrogen enhancing the sustainability of the process.

This work will initially involve catalyst identification and selection. This will require an initial screening of a wide range of catalytic materials including metal oxides by testing them under the standard condition for levulinic acid hydrogenation to both gVL and pentanoic acid using HCOOH as the hydrogen donor. The reactions will be undertaken in high-pressure Parr reactors and the products quantified using ion-chromatography for conversion and selectivity. The best catalysts will be characterised for their chemical composition and structural morphology (XRD, XPS, TEM). The optimum catalyst will undergo a series of tests where the reaction variable such as temperature, pressure, catalyst loading and the ratio of formic acid: levulinic acid will be varied. The reaction profiles will be monitored continuously with time and kinetic modelling of the data obtained will be used to identify the reaction mechanism. The catalyst will be tested in both aqueous and biphasic media incorporating an aqueous and organic phase. The influence of the acidity of the catalyst and solvent will be determined.

The cerium zirconia catalysts will be prepared by both wet impregnation and co-precipitation methods. The Ce loading and calcination temperature will be varied and the catalysts tested for vapour phase ketonisation. The catalysts will be characterised pre-testing using XRD, BET, and XPS while post tested catalysts will also undergo FT-Raman spectroscopy to identify residual organic contaminants. The catalysts will be tested in a PID high-pressure gas flow reactor with in-line gas chromatography to analyse for pentanoic acid consumption and product formation. The reaction condition that will be investigated includes catalyst loading, H2 concentration, temperature and pressure. The conversion and selectivity of the catalyst will be determined. Catalyst reuse will be assessed for deactivation.

BSc (2.1 minimum) or preferably MSc in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering

Professor J J Leahy, Dept of Chemical Sciences, University of Limerick email: j.j.leahy@ul.ie

The pharmaceutical and fine chemical industry recognises that solvents account for the majority of the waste produced in a typical batch process. There are also regulatory and compliance issues regarding safe solvent use and disposal. There is an established acknowledged need to reduce hazardous solvent use and find benign substitutes, and this is the focus of this proposal. The proposal aims to develop a process for the production of a sustainable bio-based solvent from biomass to substitute for conventional organic solvents, reducing the environmental impact of industrial processes as well as making them safer. Biomass such as wood or straw comprises three main chemical components, cellulose, lignin and hemicellulose. Under relatively mild conditions the cellulose can be converted into levulinic acid and formic acid which are known as platform chemical molecules. Platform chemicals are molecules which can be used to manufacture a very wide range of commodity chemicals such as pharmaceutical active ingredients or agrochemicals. Levulinic acid is a key chemical bridge connecting biomass and petroleum processing and is listed amongst the ten most important target chemicals by the US-DOE biomass programme.

The contribution of the oncogenic Epstein-Barr virus to the pathogenesis of B cell malignancies.

An appropriate Masters Degree or Primary Degree Level (first class hons or 2.1 hons) in a relevant discipline.

A CV, University transcripts, 2 academic references and a letter of application indicating why you think your skills and experience meet the requirement for the project. For Further Details, please contact via email Professor Paul Murray paul.murray@ul.i

The majority of B cell malignancies arise within the germinal centre, a stage of B cell differentiation associated with significant genetic instability. The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a human herpesvirus that can colonise germinal centre B cells as part of its natural life cycle in the asymptomatic host. However, EBV is associated with the development of germinal centre derived B cell malignancies.

This project seeks to unravel the contribution of EBV and its latent genes to the pathogenesis of germinal centre derived tumours using new models of disease to understand how EBV co-operates with other cellular mutations. There will be opportunities for study in other laboratories abroad as part of this studentship, including research groups at the University of Birmingham and the University of Cambridge.

For further reading see:

Young LS, Yap LF Murray PG. Nat Rev Cancer 2016 12: 789-802

Shannon-Lowe et al Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2017 372:1732

The contribution of CAMK1D to the pathogenesis of Hodgkin lymphoma

An appropriate Masters Degree or Primary Degree Level (first class hons or 2.1 hons) in a relevant discipline

A CV, University transcripts, 2 academic references and a letter of application indicating why you think your skills and experience meet the requirement for the project. For Further Details, please contact via email Professor Paul Murray paul.murray@ul.ie

New approaches to the treatment of Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) are needed to increase survival for patients with resistant or relapsed disease and to reduce the acute and long-term side effects of current therapies that adversely impact on the health and well-being of survivors.
We have shown that Ca+/calmodulin-dependent kinase 1D (CaMK1D), a member of a sub-family of Ca+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinases, is over-expressed in HL. We have generated a series of highly specific CaMK1D inhibitors that inhibit activation of CaMK1D in a dose-dependent manner and we have demonstrated a dose-dependent cytotoxic effect in HL in CAMK1D-overexpressing HL cell lines.

In this project, we will measure the expression and activation of CaMK1D in relation to disease outcomes in HL patients. We will also explore the impact of CaMK1D inhibition on the phenotype of HL cells, including aberrant cellular signalling, in vitro and evaluate the potential therapeutic effects of CaMK1D inhibitors alone and in combination with standard chemo-therapeutics in xenograft models.

The student will receive a broad range of training and there will be opportunities to spend part of the studentship working in the University of Birmingham Cancer Research Centre.

Do you want to learn how to design highly effective drug treatments from scratch, using computers to build the right molecules' atom by atom? If you do and have or expect to obtain this year a good honours degree in Chemistry, Physics or related discipline then we’d want to hear from you! We currently have several PhD positions fully funded for four years starting September 2019 in computational design of novel pharmaceuticals based on controlled self-assembly of crystal and co-crystal formulations. Working in collaboration with the best experimental and industry teams in Ireland, the selected candidates will learn how to develop and apply state of the art computational chemistry and physics software to drastically reduce the amount of trial and error required in designing and refining potential drugs for a wide variety of conditions including neurodegenerative disorders, AIDS and cancers. You will join a world-leading team of highly motivated, creative and expert PhD students and postdoctoral researchers all working on game-changing solutions for “bottom up” assembly of functional materials

The candidate must have or expect to obtain a first or 2.1 Hons degree in physics/chemistry or equivalent degree and have a strong interest in molecular modelling.

For more information please send your CV and motivation letter to damien.thompson@ul.ie.

The starting date is September 2nd 2019 or as soon as possible thereafter.

Project Background: Blockchain is an example of a distributed ledger. This means that data is stored not in a single location, but rather on a system of ‘nodes’. A node, in this case, represents an actor in the system that is online in said system. There is an emerging interest in the use of blockchains in supply chains. This is because blockchain technology has the potential to allow one to more securely and transparently track all types of transactions in a supply chain. Early research has shown that the applications can be found in smart contracts, recording of assets, tracking of trade-related documents and are an important aspect is the link between the physical and digital item.

Objectives: The objective of this work is to carry out research into understanding the possible use of blockchain in supply chains, and the implementation of these scenario(s), (using representative data from companies within CONFIRM) in a test-bed to illustrate the advantages/disadvantages of such an approach.

Research Work: The steps of the research are: (i) research and understand blockchain; (ii) research the literature and understand the possible benefits of blockchain within supply chains (iii) Review a number of companies supply chain systems; (iv) develop knowledge of tools (e.g., Ethereum, Hyperledger, Multichain, etc) to implement blockchains within supply chains; (v) Propose an overall architecture for selected scenarios from supply chains and implement these scenarios(s); (vi) Document the advantages/disadvantages of each scenario.

Novelty of Work: The adoption of blockchain in the supply chain and logistics is slow at present because of associated risks and the lack of demonstrable examples. However, companies are very interested to understand the advantages or disadvantages of blockchains in supply chains.

Essential Attributes Honours undergraduate (level 8) degree, Master’s degree, or equivalent, in a field related to the project, such as computer science, engineering.

We require persons with good expertise in programming and good communication skills.

Please send your CV/Resume with the ID REF# PhD-15 shown above and a cover letter in support of these requirements to cathal.heavey@ul.ie

Death and Burial Data: Ireland 1864-1922. Funded under the Irish Research Council Laureate Award 2017-18.

Min 2H1 BA or MA Degree in the Historical Sciences or related discipline.

A CV, University transcripts, 2 academic references and a letter of application. In your letter state which position you wish to apply for, and provide 1,200 words on why you think your skills and experience meets the demands of the post. You may also dis

Using data from the General Registrar Office of Ireland and Coroners’ inquests held at the National Archives of Ireland this project aims to train and produce two PhDs in the fields of medical and digital humanities. Both topics have been defined in the overarching project aims as follows: PhD 1. Tuberculosis, digital humanities and disease mapping, Ireland 1864-1922 PhD 2: The Irish coroners’ courts as spectacle. For more information contact Main Principal Investigator Dr Ciara Breathnach Ciara.breathnach@ul.ie

The Confirm Centre for Smart Manufacturing is a new Science Foundation Ireland and industry-funded research centre headquartered at the University of Limerick with partner institutions Tyndall National Institute, University College Cork, Cork Institute of Technology, NUI Galway, Maynooth University, Athlone Institute of Technology and Limerick Institute of Technology. The Centre, which is funded by Science Foundation Ireland with co-funding from industry, brings together 42 industry partners and partners with 16 international manufacturing centres from around the globe to focus on the development of smart manufacturing for applications across Ireland’s leading industrial sectors. Confirm’s ambition is to become a world leader in smart manufacturing research and to enable Irish industry to fundamentally transform to a smart manufacturing ecosystem, delivering measurable and visible economic impact to Ireland. The successful candidate will work with a world-class team of academics, researchers and industry partners in a highly innovative and motivated environment.

Traditionally, systems-engineering practice has been dominated by paper (or paper-equivalent electronic files) documents. Such documents are read only by human beings, who comprehend the document and take further action. This practice is being replaced by a systems-engineering discipline that is based on information models that can be read by machines (in addition to being read by humans). Machine-readability is a prerequisite for automation, which improves both the quality and speed of information processing in systems engineering. Engineering complex systems, such as manufacturing and supply chains, has been moving steadily away from document-based practice to a model-based discipline. In fact, success in engineering complex systems strongly depends on the proper application of model-based systems engineering (MBSE) to allow sharing of requirements across different disciplines.

The objective of this thesis is to carry out research into Model-Based-System-Engineering (MBSE) methods to support requirements gathering in manufacturing and supply chains to support the use of advanced analytical models.

The steps of the research are: (i) research the literature on MBSE and its wider importance to support quantitative methods in the implementation of Industry 4.0 (ii) This research work will be carried out within the SFI CONFIRM project from which user requirements will be gathered from a number of companies in this project; (iii) have knowledge of and be able to evaluate a number of methods available within the MBSE topic, that differ in degree of formality and check of system and design properties, with particular focus on Cinco (https://cinco.scce.info/) and DIME (http://dime.scce.info/), standards Systems Modeling Language (SysML) and Business process modeling notation (BPMN); (iv) Carry out research into integration of MBSE tools and quantitative tools; (v) Propose an overall architecture for integration of an MBSE tool and quantitative tools; (vi) develop test bed to validate the overall proposed architecture.

Essential Attributes

First class honours undergraduate degree, Master’s degree, or equivalent, in a field related to the project, such as computer science, engineering.

We require persons with good expertise in programming, and good communication skills.

Please send your CV/Resume with the ID REF# PhD-09 shown above and a cover letter in support of these requirements to cathal.heavey@ul.ie tiziana.magaria@lero.ie

The School of Design (Design Factors Research Group) at the University of Limerick with a track record in User Centred Design in partnership with Johnson & Johnson (J&J), are providing four Postgraduate Scholarships.

Johnson & Johnson is the world’s largest and most broadly based healthcare company. For more than 130 years, J&J have aimed to keep people well at every age and every stage of life, improve access and affordability, create healthier communities, and put a healthy mind, body and environment within reach of everyone, everywhere. The global environment for Healthcare delivery and Wellbeing are of key strategic interest for J&J. The development of innovative Products and Product Service Systems (PSS) for the growing demands of digitally native users and ageing populations is one of the strategic goals of the School of Design at UL.

Students will have the opportunity to closely interact with and gain valuable transferrable skills and insights from the commercial/organisational arena while conducting excellent research. They will gain access to expertise and the latest advances in technology and thinking within the area of health. The scholarship offers the opportunity for suitably qualified, excellent individuals, with novel research ideas, to take the first step and to attain the skills and competencies of a successful researcher and innovator.

An appropriate Masters Degree or Primary Degree Level (first class hons or 2.1 hons) in a relevant discipline

1. Current CV. 2. An expression of interest document. This should be submitted in Word (.doc or .docx) format, and should be no more than 500 words long. The applicant should describe their own suitability for the project (50% weighted) and how they would

For further information and queries, please email caroline.grogan@ul.ie

Further detailed information in relation to the project is available here

Liquid Cooling and the Future of 5G

1st class honours, 2.1 or equivalent in Mechanical Engineering or closely related discipline.

Dr Vanessa Egan, vanessa.egan@ul.ie

Project is funded CONNECT, an SFI centre. The student will enrol on UL’s structured PhD programme. Further information is available at :https://connectcentre.ie/news/connect-phd-programme/

The School of Allied Health is delighted to offer two funded structured PhD scholarships,

one led by the ANCIR (Acquired Neurological Conditions Integrated Research) group and

one led by the SLCN (Speech, Language and Communication Needs) research group.

https://www.ul.ie/schoolalliedhealth

Full details available http://www.ul.ie/psychology/phd-studentships

Further Details http://www.ul.ie/psychology/phd-studentships