Research Masters: Pt and Pt/Pd Catalyst Chemistry for Butane Powered Handheld Devices

Up to 8 PhD positions in Advanced Composites Structures and their Manufacture

Studentship

Production and Manufacturing Systems for Pt and Pt/Pd Catalyst Chemistry for Butane Powered Handheld Devices

A Research Masters student in the area of Materials Science, Chemistry, or related subject area, is required for a specific industrial project, which is funded for a two year period.  The position involves the mapping of the current production process, and the implementation of changes to process. It will also involve the development of catalyst test procedures, SOP’s and the implementation of any SPC measures that are needed for process control. The student will also carry out production validation trials on actual product, develop statistical sampling plans and carry out life testing of the final product. 

Science and Engineering

Essential requirements:
 First or second class honours degree in Production or Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related subject area.
 Ability to work in a distributed team environment (within the university and the industrial partner)
 Ability to regularly report findings and make presentations on project progress to the industrial partner

Desirable requirements:
 2 – 5 year previous industrial experience
 Knowledge of Manufacturing and Production Technologies, Process Mapping and  SPC and Six Sigma
 Knowledge of QC and QC Documentation Systems
 Capability to analyse and report results / research findings

The studentship includes a stipend (approx. 1,500 per month) and fees for 2 years

Contact & How to apply

Applicants should submit a CV, a cover letter and a degree transcript to Seamus.Clifford@ul.ie  or Teresa.curtin@ul.ie

Studentship

Optimisation of Alumina Catalyst Support Materials for use in the production of Pt and Pt/Pd Catalyst for Butane Powered Handheld Devices

A Research Masters student in the area of Chemistry, Materials Science or related subject area, is required for a specific industrial project, which is funded for a two year period.  The position involves the development of the catalyst support manufacturing process (-alumina) and identification of the factors that affect the production process. The role will involve the development of new catalyst support compositions with controlled solids loadings and viscosity, testing new coating techniques such as forming followed by dipping or spraying, optimising the coating properties such as porosity level, adhesion etc. The project will involve running production trials and developing test methods for production and quality control.

Science & Engineering

Essential requirements:
 First or second class honours degree in Chemistry, Materials Science or related subject area
 Ability to work in a distributed team environment (within the university and the industrial partner)
 Ability to regularly report findings and make presentations on project progress to the industrial partner

Desirable requirements:
 2 – 5 year previous industrial experience
 Knowledge of ceramic materials and coating technologies
 Knowledge of materials analysis / characterisation techniques
 Capability to analyse and report results / research findings

The studentship includes a stipend (approx. 1,500 per month) and fees for 2 years.

Contact & How to apply

Applicants should submit a CV, a cover letter and a degree transcript to Seamus.Clifford@ul.ie  or Teresa.curtin@ul.ie

Studentship

Pt and Pt/Pd Catalyst Chemistry for Butane Powered Handheld Devices

 A Research Masters student in the area of Chemistry, Materials Science, or related subject area, is required for a specific industrial project, which is funded for a two year period.  The position involves the investigation and development of Pt and Pt/Pd catalysts and coating techniques/processes.  Catalyst development will include optimization of noble metal content to reduce catalysts costs, modification of preparation and development of new catalysts to lower the re-ignition temperature as needed for different and new products, investigate/control catalyst deactivation and develop test methods for production and quality control.

Science & Engineering

 Essential requirements:
 First or second class honours degree in Chemistry,  Materials Science or related subject area
 Ability to work in a distributed team environment (within the university and the industrial partner)
 Ability to regularly report findings and make presentations on project progress to the industrial partner

Desirable requirements:
 2 – 5 year previous industrial experience
 Knowledge of catalysis
 Knowledge of materials analysis / characterisation techniques
 Capability to analyse and report results / research findings

 The studentship includes a stipend (approx. 1,500 per month) and fees for 2 years.

Contact & How to apply

Applicants should submit a CV, a cover letter and a degree transcript to Seamus.Clifford@ul.ie  or Teresa.curtin@ul.ie

Studentship

 PhD Scholarship: Analysis of Additively Built Nickel Superalloy Structures using Blown Powder

Project funded by Rolls Royce and Lufthansa Technic Turbine Shannon

The project is aimed at understanding the fundamental elements of the blown powder process for the production of additively built Nickel Superalloy structures. Within the Aerospace industry, these structures are applied as additional features on complex components including those with single crystal substrates.  Analysis of the microstructural behaviour and modelling of these additively built structures will allow a comparative study of how the blown powder process influences design and construction of additively built control sample substrates.  The blown powder process can also allow multiple applications of the structure to production parts through the lifecycle.  Further investigation will also include the influence of the process to identify how representative and repeatable these multiple applications are to components already used by the customer. 

Science & Engineering- Bernal Indtitute

Application will be considered from exceptional students from an Engineering background with (or expecting to receive) at least a high 2.1 honours degree.

 The studentship are valued  €23.5K (18K stipend + EU fees €5,500) per annum for 4 years - commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Contact & How to apply

Dr David Tanner. Email: david.tanner@ul.ie   Please include the words: "PhD  application" in the subject field of your email

 This is a unique opportunity to work on a Rolls Royce funded PhD project in Ireland.  The successful candidate will develop skills appropriate to the metallurgy around metals additive manufacturing, which is becoming the norm across numerous industrial sectors.

Studentship

PhD Scholarship in Digitally Assisted Analog Circuits

The Circuits and Systems Research Centre (CSRC: www.csrc.ie) at the University of Limerick, Ireland is a partner in the SFI CONNECT centre for the Internet of Things and has a 4-year funded vacancy for a PhD researcher. The CSRC is a leading centre for microelectronics research with activities in data converters, power management and signal processing. The team is involved in a number of projects collaborating with industrial and research partners to develop innovative solutions in a variety of applications areas. In this role, the researcher will be responsible for the development of digital circuit blocks to improve the performance of high-speed RF D/A converters. The researcher should have an interest in pursuing a PhD in the area of digital signal processing techniques to improve the performance of D/A converters.

Role and Responsibilities:

The candidate will carry out research on the topic of RF high-speed D/A conversion and must have good knowledge of the IC cycle from algorithm development, modelling and simulation, RTL coding, design and verification. Specifically, the CSRC is looking for a candidate to carry out the following responsibilities;
• Digital Signal Processing algorithm development from specification to implementation.
• Algorithm analysis using MATLAB and Simulink.
• CMOS circuit development including modeling and test bench development.
• FPGA design and testing.
• Interface with other mixed-signal IC researchers.
• Write technical reports and Journal and Conference Publications.

Science and Engineering;

 A minimum 2.1 honours degree in Electronic Engineering or MEng/MSC qualification with a VLSI background is necessary.
The candidate will also meet the following requirements;
• Strong background in digital/mixed-signal design and signal processing.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Working knowledge of MATLAB and modeling tools such as spice simulators.
• Proficient use of digital RTL and Industry standard IC design tools.

 The funded project will cover PhD student fees and offers an attractive stipend.

Contact & How to apply

Application:  Please send your CV/Resume and a cover letter in support of these requirements to  Brendan.Mullane@ul.ie and Tony.Scanlan@ul.ie

Studentship

 PhD Scholarship: Modelling of Supply Chain Systems

Productive4.0 (Electronics and ICT as enabler for digital industry and optimized supply chain management covering the entire product lifecycle) consists of approximately 114 partners across the EU, with the project coordinated by Infineon Munich, Germany (IFAG).  The main objective of Productive4.0 is to achieve significant improvements in digitalising the European industry by means of electronics and ICT.  It will focus on three pillars digital production (DP), supply chain networks (SCN) and the entire product lifecycle management (PLM), all of which interact and influence each other in numerous ways and on different levels.
The role of the PhD will be to develop models of semiconductor supply chain systems, one based in Ireland and other companies within the project.
The project is funded by the EU and National Funding bodies.

Science and Engineering; School of Engineering

 Essential Attributes - First-class, upper second-class honours degree or equivalent in engineering, computer science.
We require persons with good expertise in programming, and good communication skills.

 The funded project will cover PhD student fees and offers an attractive stipend.

Contact & How to apply

Cathal.Heavey@ul.ie

Studentship

PhD Scholarship in Electrochemistry

 A highly-motivated PhD student is required to work on a 4-year project as part of the ambitious European Research Council (ERC) Starting Grant project SOFT-PHOTOCONVERSION (grant no. 716792), the main objective of which is to explore a new paradigm in solar energy conversion by achieving efficient charge separation at electrified liquid-liquid (or “soft”) interfaces, without solid electrodes.

The PhD student will develop expertise in:
1. Frontier Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy (SECM) experimental methodologies.
2. All commonly used electrochemical techniques (voltammetry, impedance, etc.).
3. Photochemistry and electrochemistry at electrified liquid-liquid interfaces.
4. In situ spectroscopic techniques (UV/vis, IR and Raman especially).

The SOFT-PHOTOCONVERSION project will be carried out in Dr Scanlon’s group: (https://ulris.ul.ie/live/!W_VA_CV_BUILDER.SHOW_ALL?user=micheal.scanlon@ul.ie)
in the newly established Bernal Institute (http://www.bernalinstitute.com/) at the University of Limerick.  The Bernal Institute offers state-of-the-art equipment
(potentiostats, scanning electrochemical microscope (SECM), drop-shape analysers, UV/vis and Raman spectrometers, etc.) and unrivalled working conditions

Science and Engineering; Dept of Chemical Sciences and Bernal Institute

 Essential Attributes
- First-class, upper second-class honours degree or equivalent (level 8 NFQ) in Chemistry or closely related discipline.

Desirable Attributes
- Masters degree (level 9 NFQ)  in Electrochemistry or a related discipline.
- Previous demonstrated experience with the technique of Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy (SECM).

 This European Research Council (ERC) funded project will cover PhD student fees (€24,138 over the course of the 4-year PhD) and offer an attractive stipend of €18,000 in the first year of the PhD, rising to €19,669 by year four.

Contact & How to apply

 Dr Micheál D. Scanlon, Lecturer, Department of Chemical Sciences & Bernal Institute micheal.scanlon@ul.ie

Studentship

PhD Scholarship: sheep reproductive physiology and immunology

"Ewe Breed Differences in Cervical Function following Cervical AI” PhD project on sheep reproductive physiology and immunology is available under an EU Funded ERA-Net project, Sustainable Sheep Production (SusSheP). The overall objective of this PhD project is to examine the underlying molecular mechanisms regulating sperm transport in European ewe breeds known to have divergent fertility following cervical insemination.

In Scandinavia, sheep are successfully cervically inseminated with frozen-thawed semen at farm level but elsewhere, including in Ireland, cervical insemination results in unacceptably low pregnancy rates. Our previous work over the last decade has identified a significant contribution of ewe breed, and more specifically, the failure of sperm to transverse the cervix.

This project will employ a suite of molecular biology and bioinformatic tools, including transcriptomic (next generation sequencing) and glycomics to interrogate differences between ewe breeds in cervical tissue and its secretions. This innovative project will ultimately lead towards the development of a practical and welfare friendly method for AI in sheep.

Science and Engineering, Dept of Biological Sciences

The candidates will have, or expect to obtain a high honours grade in a biological science degree (e.g., Animal Science, Biology, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Biomedical Science or Veterinary Medicine). Experience of molecular biology techniques and/or bioinformatics while not essential would be an advantage. The successful candidate will learn cutting edge, multidisciplinary skills and benefit from collaborative opportunities both in Ireland and abroad.
Award

The fellowship provides a stipend of €22,000. University fees are paid by the student from the stipend which is tenable for 4 years.

Contact & How to apply

Dr Sean Fair, Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Limerick, Ireland. Phone +353-61-202548; email: sean.fair@ul.ie

Dr Kieran Meade, Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Grange, Dunsany, Co. Meath. Phone +353 (0)469026715; Kieran.meade@teagasc.ie;

Application Procedure
Submit an electronic copy of Curriculum Vitae, including the names and addresses of at least two referees as well as a letter of interest to: Dr Sean Fair (sean.fair@ul.ie)

Studentship

PhD Scholarship: Computational Modelling of Protein-Surface Complexes

The successful applicant will join a team developing new computational tools to model the physicochemical properties of proteins as they adsorb on nanostructured surfaces.

The student training will include the acquisition of skills in scientific computing and application of computer modelling tools to design of advanced materials and bio-engineering.

The student will learn modelling techniques including quantum mechanical calculations, molecular dynamics and free energy simulations run on highly-parallelised supercomputers

Science and Engineering, Dept. of Physics / Bernal Institute

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.

EU level fees and a stipend of €18000 per annum for four years

Contact & How to apply

Dr Damien Thompson: email damien.thompson@ul.ie

Studentship

Funded PhD Scholarships in Psychology

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

Education and Health Sciences; Depatment of Psychology

Contact & How to apply

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

Studentship

 Two funded PhD Scholarships in Optical Fibre Sensor Research Centre

 2 PhD positions are available:
PhD 1: Research on the design and fabrication of optical fibre based sensors for pressure and temperature measurement. Particular research emphasis will be placed on the advancement of ultra-high sensitivity temperature measurement sensors. Previous experience in optics and/or thermal analysis and/or Labview will be advantageous.

PhD 2: Research on the design and fabrication of optical fibre based sensors for simultaneous pressure and temperature measurement. Particular research emphasis will be placed on the advancement of optical fibre based pressure sensors for use in novel applications. Previous experience in optics and/or digital signal processing and/or Labview will be advantageous

Education and Health Sceinces, Dept of Psychology

The studentship are normally valued  €23.5K (18K stipend + EU fees €5,500) per annum for 4 years - commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Contact & How to apply

 Email: gabriel.leen@ul.ie   Please include the words: "PhD  application" in the subject field of your email.

Studentship

PhD Scholarships: Up to 8 positions  in Advanced Composites Structures and their Manufacture

VARICOMP – SFI funded project 

The purpose of these studentships is to conduct structural mechanics research into composite material structures and their components with the aim of manufacturing technology demonstrators. The successful candidates will also work as part of a larger team within the SFI funded VARICOMP programme collaborating on experimental and design work.

Based in the enviable new composite laboratories at University of Limerick, VARICOMP aims to take advantage of both spatially and temporally variable composite material properties for structural applications.

Science and Engineering- Bernal Institute

We will consider exceptional students from an Engineering background with (or expecting to receive) at least a high 2.1 honours degree.

Tuition Fees and Stipend

Contact & How to apply

Professor Paul Weaver (paul.weaver@ul.ie)

Funded PhD Scholarships in Lero The Irish Software Engineering Centre

 6 PhD positions are available in the broad area of model-driven software engineering - See more details  at: http://www.lero.ie/phdposition/gb01

 1 PhD positions is in the broad area of Feature modelling and visualization - See more details at: http://www.lero.ie/phdposition/jb01

 7 PhD positions  are in the broad area of software development methods, including lean, agile and open source. - See more details  at: http://www.lero.ie/phdposition/bf01

 2 PhD positions  in the area of modelling and validation of processes and computations, within the paradigm of Continuous Software Development. -

See more  deatils at: http://www.lero.ie/phdposition/tm01

 6 PhD positions are in the broad area of software process / software quality. Among the areas of particular interest are the following:

- See more details at: http://www.lero.ie/phdposition/ir01

2 PhD positions are available in the broad area of software engineering for security, privacy and forensics - See more details at: http://www.lero.ie/phdposition/bn01

Science & Engineering, Dept Computer Science & Information Systems  

 Normally a Master's Degree in a cognate discipline, please see specific entry requirements http://www.lero.ie/phdpositions

The studentship are normally valued  €23.5K (18K stipend + EU fees €5,500) per annum for 4 years - commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Contact & How to apply

http://www.lero.ie/phdpositions

LCD –VAL A research master’s position is available on an EPA funded project entitled LCD-Val. The project involves the valorization of Critical Raw Materials from waste electronic equipment; specifically liquid crystal display TVs and associated indium content.

Science & Engineering, Design and Maufacturing Technology.

Candidates must have a degree in chemistry or materials background or relevant discipline. Knowledge and understanding of electrochemistry, hydrometallurgy and extraction techniques would be advantageous.  Previous experience with ICP-AES, mass spectrometry or other such analytical chemistry techniques would also be preferable.

31 March 2016

Contact & How to apply

Applicants should submit a CV and a  cover letter and degree transcript to lisa.odonoghue@ul.ie

Cyclic Plasticity of Additively Manufactured (AM) Metals: Experimental Investigation & Constitutive Modelling

Cyclic Plasticity of Additively Manufactured (AM) Metals: Experimental Investigation & Constitutive Modelling

This 4 year research project will investigate experimentally the elastoplastic behaviour of metallic materials produced via commonly used AM methods (e.g. selective laser sintering, selective laser melting), under cyclic loading, in the ultra-low, low and high cycle fatigue regime.

The study will cover an array of different materials, loading cases and histories, both in the uniaxial and multiaxial stress space. Moreover, the experimental results obtained will be utilised to develop and validate constitutive plasticity models capable to predict the cyclic elastoplastic behaviour and performance of the various AM metals, under ultra-low, low and high cycle fatigue loading.

The manufacturing industry in Ireland and the EU is experiencing significant expansion in the additive manufacturing (AM) domain, especially in the aerospace and biomedical engineering areas. This PhD shall equip the graduate will skills highly sought by the EU manufacturing industry.

Science & Engineering, Dept of Mechanical, Aeronautical and Biomedical Engineering (MABE)

• Meet EU Tuition Fees classification criteria (citizenship and residency);
• Highly qualified and motivated Engineers, preferably holders of a Master’s Degrees in mechanics of materials, computational mechanics, cyclic plasticity or other relevant field;
• Entry Requirements applicable to the UL Structured PhD in Engineering.

17 June 2016

Contact & How to apply

Dr Kyriakos I. Kourousis, Senior Lecturer, kyriakos.kourousis@ul.ie;

Joint Supervisors: Dr Kyriakos I. Kourousis, Senior Lecturer and  Professor Noel O’Dowd

Studentship

Three PhD Scholarships in Marine Comms, Robotics and Electrical Power in Marine Renewable Energy at MMRRC UL.

 Full deatils of the projects available from MaREI - Marine & Renewable Energy Ireland www.MaREI.ie

Science and Engineering

Essential Attributes
- First-class, upper second-class honours degree or equivalent in engineering, marine science/ technology or related discipline.
- See research post descriptions on the web link below for further requirements.

The funded project will cover PhD student fees and offers an attractive stipend.

Contact & How to apply

Daniel.toal@ul.ie or thomas.newe@ul.ie