Postgraduate Research Scholarships and Bursaries

Applicants should have, or expect to attain (prior to project start), at least a 2.1 honours degree or equivalent in the areas of mathematics, applied mathematics, physics or engineering. 

Applicants with other relevant qualifications or experience who can show evidence of proficiency in high-level mathematics may also apply. 

Applicants for whom English is a second language will be required to demonstrate their competence in English language in line with University of Limerick requirements.

Dr. Kevin Moroney, Lecturer in Industrial and Applied Mathematics
MACSI, Department of Mathematics and Statistics
University of Limerick. Email: kevin.moroney@ul.ie

Applications should be submitted in PDF format only.

The research will be conducted within the Mathematics Applications Consortium for Science and Industry (MACSI) research centre, Ireland’s foremost applied and industrial mathematics and statistics group. 

The supervision team will consist of Dr. Kevin Moroney (Profile, Google Scholar), Dr. Doireann O’Kiely (Profile, Google Scholar) and Professor Michael Vynnycky (Profile, Google Scholar).

The funding is conditional on the successful applicant being registered before 31^st December 2022.

Prospective applicants should email their applications to Dr. Kevin Moroney (kevin.moroney@ul.ie) before 30^th June 2022. Applications must include the following: 

• 2-page Curriculum Vitae including at a minimum the applicants name, education institution, qualification stating overall grade/percentage (predicted grades are acceptable for those still studying)
• Short cover letter/statement of purpose (maximum 2-pages) indicating their motivation and interest in the position. 
• Please include “PhD Application” followed by your name in the subject line. 
• 2 referees

Applications should be submitted in PDF format only.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s (BE/BSc) or a Master’s (ME/MSc) Degree in Electronic Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related numerate/STEM discipline.

Good knowledge of/Interest in SDN would be of benefit. 

This project is co-funded between the SFI Advance CRT and the SFI Confirm Research Centre. The supervision team will consist of: Prof Donna O’Shea (Linkedin) (MTU@Cork), Dr Tom Newe (UL-Profile, Linkedin) (UL) and Dr Mubashir Rehmani (Linkedin) (MTU@Cork).

Please submit your CV to Thomas.newe@ul.ie including details of at least two referees. Shortlisted applicants may be invited to interview. On receiving an offer, the successful applicant will be required to submit supporting documentation (e.g., Copies of degree certificates and English language competency where required).

The successful student can be based in either Limerick or Cork but will need to spend time in both campuses, MTU and UL over the four years for different aspects of the work.

The Data-driven Intelligent Computational Engineering (D2ICE) Group at the UL Dept of Electronic and Computer Engineering, in collaboration with Provizio and Lero, the SFI Research Centre for Software, are seeking a PhD candidate to work on an exciting project in the application of machine learning in radar and visual sensing for the prevention of road accidents. Given the wealth of information that is potentially available in radar-fusion sensing, there is a strong potential for machine learning algorithms to provide recognition, tracking, and prediction tasks for driver assistance and automated driving systems. For example, the position and trajectory of a pedestrian, vehicle or cyclist can be tracked and predicted, enabling a safer reaction of the host vehicle.

The project will be in collaboration with Provizio, who are headquartered in Limerick City. The Provizio team is made up of experts in robotics, artificial intelligence, computer vision and radar sensor development and are building an augmented, ‘guardian angel’ platform that could prevent road accidents. The candidate will work on AI solutions for automotive accident prevention using Provizio 5D radars with AI on-the-edge.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s (BE/BSc) or a Master’s (ME/MSc) Degree in Electronic Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Computational Mathematics, or a related numerate discipline.

Skills and Competencies:

The successful candidate will…

• Be passionate about artificial intelligence and machine learning
• Be enthused by the opportunity to work closely with industry collaborators
• Have strong computational skills (e.g., Python, MATLAB, C/C++, etc.)
• Have experience with machine learning tools (e.g., Scikit-learn, Tensorflow, PyTorch, etc.)
• Be comfortable with managing and curating large datasets
• Be self-motivated, output driven, and have good communication and presentation skills

The following attributes are desirable, but not required:

• Knowledge of radar systems or processing of radar data
• Industrial experience
• Experience in the use of neural networks, particularly CNNs
• Track record in publication of research

The successful candidate will work within the Data-driven Intelligent Computational Engineering Group in UL, under the supervision of Dr. Ciarán Eising (link, link) and Dr. Pepijn Van De Ven (link). This is a dynamic group of like-minded researchers investigating many applications of machine learning and computer vision, in areas such as automotive, robotics, medical, health and municipal, among others. The post is available on the 1st of January 2022 (or as soon as possible after that date).

To apply, please submit your CV to ciaran.eising@ul.ie, including details of at least two referees. Shortlisted applicants may be invited to interview. On receiving an offer, the successful applicant will be required to submit supporting documentation (e.g., Copies of degree certificates and English language competency where required).

Applications are invited for one of three funded four-year PhD Studentships in Youth Justice. The successful applicant will join the North South Research Programme project ‘Stable Lives Safer Streets Hub’ (SLSSHub) and the Research into Policy Programmes and Practice Project (REPPP) in the School of Law, University of Limerick (UL).

SLSSHub is a collaborative project between UL, Queens University Belfast, and the Center for Effective Services. The hub aims to develop a multi-disciplinary cross-border policy-led research hub of excellence in Youth Justice. As part of the SLSSHub, the PhD Studentship awardee will work with the team lead on one of two engaged research work programmes 

1. Develop a standardise measurement tool for young people enrolled on targeted youth justice prevention and intervention programmes. 
2. Implementation of an element of the National Youth Justice Strategy (2021-2027) and the NI Strategic Framework for Youth Justice (2022-2027) (2 positions)

Applications are sought from candidates who hold or are in the process of completing an undergraduate or master’s degree in a social science, applied maths, computer science or cognate discipline with a 2.1 Honours degree or higher. 

Candidates should have good methodology skills, be highly motivated, with the ability to work on their own initiative and as part of a multi-disciplinary team. Candidates should have strong inter-personal skills with an ability to engage with external stakeholders.

Dr Catherine Naughton, PI SLSSHub, REPPP, School of Law, University of Limerick  Email: Catherine.Naughton@ul.ie 

Prospective applicants should email to Catherine.Naughton@ul.ie by 17th August 2022.

• 2-page Curriculum Vitae 
• Short cover letter indicating your motivation and interest in one of the two projects (maximum one page) 
• A writing sample of 2,000 words 
• 2 Referees
• Please include SLSShub_PhD and your name in the subject line.

Applications should be submitted in PDF format only. The PhD Studentship will commence in September 2022.

The successful candidate will be required to apply formally to be admitted as a PhD student by the University of Limerick. 

Enquiries can be directed to Dr Catherine Naughton 

Each PhD student will receive a stipend of €18,500 per annum for four years. The studentship also covers EU tuition fees for four years (renewed annually). Non-EU applicant welcome but will need to self-finance the balance of the non-EU fees. A travel allowance is included to facilitate travel, training and conference attendance, and a mobility allowance if the awardee chooses to relocate to Queens University Belfast for 12 months.

Title: Towards the development of a next generation, biomimetic embryo culture and diagnostics system for assisted human reproduction (embryoFlow)

One in six couples worldwide have problems conceiving and many of these will undergo fertility treatment. Within fertility clinics two out of three cycles fail due in-part to inadequate in vitro embryo culture conditions, whereby embryos are cultured in static droplets (in their own waste products) under mineral oil (to prevent evaporation) for five days. This contrasts to a delicate changing milieu in vivo whereby, the developing embryo moves down the fallopian tube and into the uterus in the first few days after fertilisation. Therefore, the aim of this innovative and exciting project is to apply design thinking to design, develop and test a state-of-the-art in vitro biomimicry embryo culture prototype system to maximise the chance for a successful treatment outcome for couples undergoing fertility treatment.

The embryoFlow system will be built on a microfluidics platform (already developed for sperm selection) which will allow embryos to be cultured individually in microdroplets with the media changed regularly without disturbing the embryo. This embryo secretome in the spent culture media can be used in diagnostics to determine the molecular signature of the embryo. When combined with time-lapse imaging this will inform the embryologist and couple on which embryo will give the best chance of a successful pregnancy.

• Minimum of a BSc (Hons level 8) in a Design Engineering or related discipline
• Experience of design research methodology and application, or similar
• Qualitative research methodology experience, including data collection and analysis
• Experience with CAD software and prototyping processes such as CNC machining, 3D printing and hand-finishing
• Enthusiastic individual with motivation to work on own and as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Full clean driving licence and own car an advantage

This is an exciting opportunity to join a multidisciplinary team at the University of Limerick.

• Dr Eoin White is a Lecturer in Design for Health & Wellbeing within the School of Design and his research focuses on medical device development, design validation, human factors and regulatory considerations.
• Professor Sean Fair is a Principal Investigator within the Biomaterials Research Cluster, Bernal Institute at the University of Limerick. He leads a large well-funded internationally focused research team in Reproductive Biology which is focused on using in vitro and in vivo animal models to understand how gametes interact with the female reproductive tract. The successful candidate will be primarily based in the School of Design but will work with Professor Fair’s research group as well as other academic and industry partners.

Five PhD Scholarships-Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for a maximum of four years.

The Scheme is specifically intended to fund excellent graduates whose proposed research is aligned with UL’s Research Strategy 2022-2027 Wisdom for Action and the sustainable development goals.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): SDGs are a set of 17 goals to address global challenges and promote sustainable development. These goals cover a wide range of issues, including climate action, education, gender equality, health and poverty.

The SDGs hold significant importance with respect to addressing pressing global challenges, creating real-world impact, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, influencing policy, accessing funding opportunities and contributing to long-term sustainable development efforts.

Applicants are required to frame their proposed PhD research and future research to align with specifically relevant SDGs. UL’s Sustainability Framework 2030 and the University Sustainability Reports provide a useful reference points to previous, ongoing and future studies.

Interdisciplinarity: Interdisciplinarity refers to the integration and collaboration of multiple academic disciplines to address complex research questions or solve real-world problems. As a PhD candidate, interdisciplinarity holds a significant importance with respect to addressing complex challenges, fostering innovation, bridging knowledge gaps, facilitating collaboration, accessing funding opportunities and contributing to policy and societal relevance. Applicants are required to frame their proposed PhD research and future research endeavour within an interdisciplinary context.

The ‘Excellence’ Strategic Goal of UL’s Research Strategy 2022-2027 Wisdom for Action notes the objective to build interdisciplinary capacity to better respond to global challenges, with an aligned action of growing interdisciplinary research areas.

• All applicants must have a first class or upper second-class honours bachelor’s, or the equivalent, degree.
• If the applicant does not have a first class or upper second-class honour's bachelor’s, or the equivalent, they must possess a master’s degree at honour's level.

The Scholarships are valued at a €25K per annum stipend, for a maximum of four years and is not inclusive of fees. Eligible direct research expenses are not included in the annual stipend.

Interested candidates are asked to contact potential supervisors to determine the extent to which the aligned Faculty, Department/School will provide an EU fee waiver for a maximum of four years and where applicable, consider a non-EU waiver.

Deadline: 11 September 2023 @5pm-Irish Time

This Scholarship Scheme is closed. Applications are no longer being accepted.

Please contact DoctoralCollege@ul.ie with any related queries. 

Applicants must indicate in the subject line of their email ‘UL Doctoral College PhD Scholarship Scheme’.

Criteria and Selection of the Awardees

• The Scheme is open to new full-time PhD candidates who intend to register and enrol for the first time as a traditional or structured PhD candidate in UL during the Autumn semester of the 2023-24 academic year.
   
• All applicants must have a first class or upper second-class honours bachelor’s (level 8), or the equivalent, degree. If the applicant does not have a first class or upper second-class honours bachelor’s, or the equivalent, they must possess a master’s degree at honours level.
   
• Applicants are required to complete and submit information via the link above.  The associated  proposals are required to convincingly engage with SDGs and interdisciplinarity, not only with respect to the proposed research and future research endevours but also with respect to the proposed supervisory team.
   
• Two supervisors are required for each Scholarship and in the case of the Interdisciplinary Scholarship, supervisory expertise is required across more than one Faculty.

Condition of the Scholarships

• Successful PhD scholarship candidates will hold the scholarship for up to a maximum of four years and will not be applicable to recipients who may have to pay continuation fees.
   
• Where a PhD scholarship candidate does not successfully complete the Annual Research Student Progression Process and if relevant, the Research Confirmation Process in the same academic year, the Scholarship will be forfeited.
    
• Successful applicants will be expected to formally present their ongoing research as a cohort during each year of their enrolment, paying specific attention to the sustainability and interdisciplinary nature of their research.

As part of a Department of Agriculture, Food and The Marine-funded project entitled ‘Developing semen technology to improve the sustainability of the national herd; HeteroBull’, applications are invited for two positions leading to a PhD degree and one position leading to an MSc degree. One PhD will be based at the University of Limerick, one PhD at University College Dublin and the MSc will be based at Teagasc Moorepark.
Background: Artificial insemination (AI) has driven genetic progress in the dairy industry by facilitating intensive selection and use of the most elite sires. Despite rigorous assessments of sperm quality before semen is released, significant variation in field fertility still exists among bulls used in AI. There is anecdotal evidence internationally that mixing semen from more than one bull in the same semen straw (Heterospermic semen; HS) can protect against this variation and increase pregnancy rates, possibly due to sperm competition and/or allowing flexibility in timing of insemination relative to ovulation. HeteroBull aims to provide sound scientific evidence on the degree to which HS (both conventional and sex-sorted) can influence fertility and will establish the biological and molecular mechanisms underpinning this so that stakeholders can make informed decisions around its use.

Project Details: The overall objectives of the project are to:
• Assess the degree to which HS impacts pregnancy rates in lactating dairy cows and establish the bias towards individual bulls in the percentage of calves they sire in HS mixes.
• Quantify sperm function in HS mixes with a focus on capacitation, sperm transport, fertilisation rates and interaction with the female reproductive tract and establish the relationship to field fertility.
• Assess the role of seminal exosomes in sperm function with a focus on their miRNA cargo.
•Assess if HS increases the window during which cows can be inseminated, thereby increasing flexibility and facilitating once-a-day AI without comprising fertility.
• Evaluate if sex-sorted HS results in improved pregnancy rates compared to sex-sorted sperm from individual sires.
• Educate stakeholders on the role of HS in breeding programme.

This will be an exciting opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of animal reproduction. The successful candidates will join a highly motivated, internationally recognised, team of researchers and use cutting edge techniques in a project that straddles both basic and applied research.

Candidates should have a high Honours (first or second class grade one Bachelors (BSc) in an Animal/Dairy Science, Veterinary Medicine, Biological Sciences, or related field with good knowledge of animal production systems.

The stipend of €31,000 per annum includes university fees of up to a maximum of €6,000 .

The scholarship tenable for 4 years (PhD positions) or 2 years (MSc position).

The closing date for applications is December 20th 2023 with interviews in January 2024.

Interested candidates should submit an electronic copy of Curriculum Vitae and a letter of interest simultaneously to Prof. Sean Fair (sean.fair@ul.ie), Prof. Pat Lonergan (pat.lonergan@ucd.ie) and Dr. Stephen Butler (stephen.butler@teagasc.ie)

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.

A First or Second class Honour's Grade1 Bachelors  Degree  in a cognate discipline 

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.).

16th November 2023  5pm (Irish Standard Time).

We reserve the right not to make an award.

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)