Research

Applications are invited from suitable candidates for 25 full-time fixed-term Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Fellows (DFs) with CÚRAM, SFI Research Centre for Medical Devices at the University of Galway.  

These positions are available from December 2024 for a period of 48 months. 

MedDevDoc is an advanced Industry-Academia Training, Career Development, and Mobility Fellowship Programme. 

CÚRAM MedDevDoc Fellowships are open to applicants of any nationality, resident anywhere in the world (see eligibility criteria in a guide for applicants), seeking a prestigious career development fellowship in medical device research and development based at one of the following host organisations:  University of Galway (GALWAY), University College Dublin (UCD), The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI), Trinity College Dublin (TCD), University of Limerick (UL), Dublin City University (DCU), Technological University of the Shannon (TUS), University College Cork (UCC), National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training (NIBRT) and Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin). 

Positions involve two main phases: an initial host organisation phase and a secondment phase in a non-academic sector. The projects will encompass the broad area of Medical Device Research and Development, including Biomaterials and Drug Delivery Devices, Machine Learning, Medical Imaging and Soft Robotics, Immuno Engineering, and Education and Public Engagement (EPE) and Science Advocacy Programmes and regulations.  

During the 48-month MedDevDoc Programme, the University of Galway will publish a call for applications and recruit 25 Doctoral Students. To ensure a wide range of applicants from different genders, nationalities, and types of background education can engage with the programme. The target group for MedDevDoc is formed by master’s students interested in the critical scientific areas of interest to CÚRAM including, Regenerative Medicine, Medical Devices (Biomaterials and Drug Delivery) and MedTech AI.  All applicants must fulfil the requirements of the MSCA mobility conditions. Consequently, the dissemination will be internationally focused, will use international media, and will be in English. We welcome applications from candidates who have had career breaks and are looking to return to a research-based career and from candidates who have had a non-traditional career path. 

You can learn more about our vision, research platforms, a consortium of academic and industry partners, Science policy and advocacy, and public engagement on our website CÚRAM - CÚRAM (curamdevices. ie). MedDevDoc fellows will collaborate and integrate with multidisciplinary teams to provide the training ground for designing and manufacturing next-generation devices and implants. Further information can be found in the Detailed Guide for Applicants to MedDevDoc and Quick Guide for Applicants to MedDevDoc are available at: 

 https://curamdevices.ie/curam/research/meddevdoc/call-documentation/. 

This project has received co-funding from Horizon Europe’s Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, Grant Agreement No:101126640. 

Essential Criteria: 

As per the MSCA definition: 

• MedDevDoc are open to candidates who have a 1st class or a 2:1 honour first degree and have/are due to obtain a Master’s in Biomaterials, Biomedical Engineering, Tissue Engineering, Cell Biology, Biology, Biochemistry, or related discipline from different genders and nationalities. They must not already own a doctoral degree. Medical Doctors are also invited to apply if they can demonstrate an understanding of the clinical or life sciences research process. 

• All applicants for whom first language is not English must present an English language qualification taken within two years before the application (Suggested English language qualifications include IELTS, Cambridge C1 Advanced, Cambridge C2 Advanced, TOEFL iBT/TOEFL iBT Home Edition, Pearson PTE and Duolingo) 

• Comply with the MSCA mobility rule: have not resided or conducted their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Ireland for more than 12 months in the three years immediately before the submission deadline.  Compulsory national service and short stays such as holidays are not considered. 

Please note: 

• MedDevDoc Fellowships are open to candidates of any nationality.  Please see Employment Permits - University of Galway for further information.  

• MedDevDoc welcomes applications from candidates with racial diversity, minority ethnic communities, women, disabilities, and Researchers at Risk. Please see Guidelines for Inclusion of Researchers at Risk | Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (europa.eu), for further information.  

Gross Salary: 

Remuneration aligns with EC rules for Marie Skłodowska- Curie COFUND grants:  

The minimum gross salary range for doctoral fellowships is from €30,901 to €37,726 per annum. 

The range depends on the applicant's eligibility, such as Mobility and Family allowance. Salaries are subject to taxes and deductions, e.g., deduction of PRSI (employee social security) and income taxes. For more information about tax entitlements, please go to https://www.revenue.ie/ 

Start date: Positions are available from November 2024. 

Continuing Professional Development/Training: 

Fellows are encouraged to avail themselves of training and development opportunities to support their career development plans. Further, CÚRAM shall facilitate this training with its partners [For more details on our partners: CÚRAM - CÚRAM (curamdevices.ie)]. For information on moving to Ireland, please see www.euraxess.ie. Researchers are encouraged to engage with our Researcher Development Centre (RDC) upon employment - see HERE for further information.  CÚRAM will also facilitate training along with its partners. 

For information on moving to Ireland, please see www.euraxess.ie.  

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion 

The University of Galway is committed to principles of equality and encouraging diversity and inclusion. Several of the participating academic Institutions and Schools are holders of Athena SWAN awards. We celebrate the diversity of our staff and students and work to support an inclusive environment free from discrimination and harassment.  

To Apply: The application process should include an Online application + Administrative Proposal: Part A plus Ethics Self-assessment form (including Max 2 Pages) + Part B (Research Proposal) + Academic CV (Max 3 pages with three references) 

• Part A: Administrative Proposal: Max 1000 words: Part A 

• Part B: The project summary (MAX 4 pages + a page appendix) and a motivation letter (max. 1 page).  

• Academic CV: Max 3 pages (With three references).  

Candidates must develop a project proposal on CÚRAM relevant themes and submit it via the online application system. The system will remain open for applications until midnight (UTC) on the call deadline of 18th Agust 2024. 

See the Detailed Guide for Applicants, Quick Guide for Applicants, and www.meddevdc.eu for more information. 

For informal enquiries, contact the University of Galway programme manager at meddevdoc@Curamdevices.ie.  Please put the reference number University of Galway 111-24 in the subject line of all queries related to this post. 

The closing date for submission of application 2 is 18th August 2024 at 23.59 UTC. 

We reserve the right to re-advertise or extend the closing date for this post. 

The University of Galway is an equal opportunities employer. 

All positions are recruited in line with Open, Transparent, Merit (OTM) and Competency-based Recruitment. 

Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for a full time 4-year funded PhD scholarship starting in November 2024 affiliated to the School of Biological & Chemical Sciences at the University of Galway.

University of Galway

Located in the vibrant cultural city of Galway in the west of Ireland, the University of Galway has a distinguished reputation for teaching and research excellence . The University is shaped by its shared vision and values of Respect, Openness, Sustainability and Excellence (https://www.universityofgalway.ie/strategy2025/ ).

For information on being a student at the University of Galway see here more here https://www.universityofgalway.ie/university-life/ .

For information on moving to Ireland please see www.euraxess.ie

Detailed Project Description:  Objectives of your research: To prepare novel combinatorial colorimetric biosensors for multiplex detection of bacterial presence and bacterial by-product identification in food.

We propose to develop colour-changing 4D printed biosensors for real-time monitoring of microbial contamination and food spoilage.

The work on this project includes the development of novel design principles for fast chemical or protein-based logic gates. Thereby the kinetics of proposed sensors, the specificity and selectivity under different reaction conditions will be evaluated. The candidate will work with the community of SFI funded researchers from University of Galway, Teagasc and MTU.

Research Area: Synthetic Biology, Biosensors, Food Biotechnology.

Information about the lab: www.metatechlab.org

Living allowance (Stipend):

The project is funded by the Science Foundation Ireland (SFI). The PhD stipend is €22,000 per annum and is tenable for 4 years. The stipend is usually a tax-exempt scholarship award.

University fees:

The funding will also cover University fees up to a maximum of €5,500 per annum and is also tenable for 4 years.

Start date: November 2024

• Academic Entry Requirements:The candidate should be highly self-motivated with an ability to work independently and as part of a team. Strong quantitative skills and good communication skills, both written and verbal, are essential requirements. Applicants should also have a good primary undergraduate degree (First Class or Second Class Grade One Honours) and preferably hold a MSc degree in Biotechnology, Synthetic Biology, Bioengineering, Molecular Life Sciences, Food Biochemistry, or Biochemical Engineering or a related discipline (not in possession of a doctoral degree). A high level of spoken and written English is required. The candidate should have a wet-lab experience (at least 2 years), in particular with genetic engineering, molecular biology, biochemistry, genetic engineering and enzymology. The candidate should have an advanced knowledge of synthetic biology principles and cutting-edge synthetic biology applications (ideally being a member of iGEM teams). The candidate should also be willing to undertake the coursework required under the structured PhD programme in Plant & AgriBiosciences at University of Galway.

To Apply for the Scholarship: 

Applications to include: i) a covering letter (300 words); ii) CV (up to 2 pages); iii) research proposal (2 pages max) to addressing the objectives of PhD research: “To prepare novel combinatorial colorimetric biosensors for multiplex detection of bacterial presence and bacterial by-product identification in food”; iv) evidence of qualifications (exam transcripts etc.); and v) the contact details of two referees, to be submitted via e-mail to Dr Galina Brychkova.

Please put reference number 4DSensorPhD in the subject line of the email application.

Contact Name: Dr. Galina Brychkova

Contact Email: galina.brychkova@universityofgalway.ie

Application Deadline: Sunday 28th July 2024 at 17:00 (Irish time 24hr format)

Primary Supervisor name: Dr Galina Brychkova

Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for a full time 4-year funded PhD scholarship starting in November 2024 affiliated to the School of Biological & Chemical Sciences at the University of Galway.

University of Galway

Located in the vibrant cultural city of Galway in the west of Ireland, the University of Galway has a distinguished reputation for teaching and research excellence. The University is shaped by its shared vision and values of Respect, Openness, Sustainability and Excellence (https://www.universityofgalway.ie/strategy2025/ ).

For information on being a student at the University of Galway see here more here https://www.universityofgalway.ie/university-life/ .

For information on moving to Ireland please see www.euraxess.ie

Detailed Project Description:  Objectives of your research: This research proposal seeks to advance our understanding of the complex interdependencies within mushroom ecosystem, focusing on the mushroom cultivation under both standard and stress-induced conditions (in particular in response to Dry Bubble Disease) through a comprehensive investigative framework. 

The student will employ cutting-edge omics techniques coupled with targeted molecular imaging detection to elucidate the intricate interactions between mycelium and pathogens on the levels of genes, proteins and metabolites. Understanding the regulatory networks orchestrations during the development, cell growth and differentiation under different conditions will be validated  using advanced genome editing tools, to proceed with novel avenues for enhancing mushroom resilience to environmental stressors. 

The candidate will work with the community of researchers from University of Galway, Teagasc and ATU.

Research Area: Biochemistry, Molecular biology, Synthetic Biology, Mushroom gene editing.

Information about the lab: www.metatechlab.org

Living allowance (Stipend): The project is funded by the College of Science & Engineering. The PhD stipend is €22,000 per annum and is tenable for 4 years. The stipend is usually a tax-exempt scholarship award.

University fees: The funding will also cover University fees up to a maximum of €5,750 per annum and is also tenable for 4 years.

Start date: 1 September 2024

• Academic Entry Requirements:The candidate should be highly self-motivated with an ability to work independently and as part of a team. Strong quantitative skills and good communication skills, both written and verbal, are essential requirements. Applicants should also have a good primary undergraduate degree (First Class or Second Class Grade One Honours) and preferably hold a MSc degree in Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Synthetic Biology, Bioengineering, Molecular Life Sciences, Biochemical Engineering or a related discipline (not in possession of a doctoral degree). A high level of spoken and written English is required. The candidate should have a wet-lab experience (at least 2 years), in particular with genetic engineering, molecular biology, biochemistry, genetic engineering and enzymology. The candidate should also be willing to undertake the coursework required under the structured PhD programme in Plant & AgriBiosciences at University of Galway.

To Apply for the Scholarship: Applications to include i) a covering letter explaining why you are the best candidate to do this research (300 words); ii) CV (up to 2 pages); iii) research proposal (2 pages max) to addressing the objectives of PhD research “To advance our understanding of the complex interdependencies within mushroom ecosystem, focusing on the mushroom cultivation under both standard and stress-induced conditions (in particular in response to Dry Bubble Disease) through a comprehensive investigative framework”;  iv) evidence of qualifications (exam transcripts etc.); and v) the contact details of two referees, to be submitted via e-mail to Dr Galina Brychkova.

Please put reference number PandemycoraPhD in the subject line of the email application.

Contact Name: Dr. Galina Brychkova

Contact Email: galina.brychkova@universityofgalway.ie

Application Deadline: Sunday 28th July 2024 at 17:00 (Irish time 24hr format)

Primary Supervisor name: Dr Galina Brychkova

Application(s) are invited from suitably qualified candidates for full-time funded PhD scholarship(s) starting in October, 2024 affiliated to the [College of Science and Engineering/School of Engineering/Civil Engineering Discipline/Ryan Institute] at the University of Galway.

University of Galway

Located in the vibrant cultural city of Galway in the west of Ireland, the University of Galway has a distinguished reputation for teaching and research excellence

For information on moving to Ireland please see www.euraxess.ie

Detailed Project Description

This four-year project has recently been funded by the Teagasc Walsh Scholarship Programme. Two partner organizations will participate in this project: the School of Engineering/Ryan Institute, University of Galway; and the Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc Grange (the Irish Agriculture and Food Development Authority).  This project will provide financial support to a student who will be registered in University of Galway.

This project will provide solutions for maximising methane production and reducing methane losses in anaerobic digestion (AD) plants to promote the application of AD as a source of bioenergy from grass silage and animal slurry. In the long term, this project should contribute to a thriving, sustainable and circular bio-economy, and to the creation of wealth and quality jobs in rural areas.

The student will conduct the research under the supervision of Prof. Xinmin Zhan at University of Galway and Dr. Ciara Beausang at Teagasc Grange. The research project will comprise tasks investigating: (1) pre-treatment of agricultural feedstocks for maximizing gas yields; (2) quantification of fugitive gas loss from the AD plants and digestate storage in Teagasc Grange and other AD plants in operation in Ireland; (3) exploration of measures to mitigate fugitive gas loss; and, (4) environmental sustainability analysis of co-digestion of slurry and grass silage taking account of pretreatment and emissions mitigation options.

Living allowance (Stipend): [€25,000] per annum, [tax-exempt scholarship award]

University fees: [€6,000 per annum]

Start date: October 2024 and no later than February 2025

Academic Entry Requirements: Applicants must have a degree (2.1 minimum) in environmental engineering, environmental science, microbiology, biochemical engineering, agricultural sciences or a related discipline. A high level of competency in spoken and written English is required. Please see the following link with regard to English Language requirements http://www.nuigalway.ie/adult-learning/faqs/qualifications-and-entry-requirements/

To Apply for the Scholarship: send your CV and a cover letter with names and contact details of two referees to Prof. Xinmin Zhan or Dr. Ciara Beausang

Contact Name: Prof. Xinmin Zhan, Dr. Ciara Beausang

Contact Email: xinmin.zhan@universityofgalway.ie, Ciara.Beausang@teagasc.ie

Application Deadline: 15 /August/2024 time [12:00] 

Primary Supervisor name Prof. Xinmin Zhan

Application(s) are invited from suitably qualified candidates for full-time funded PhD scholarship starting in September 2024 affiliated to the Electrical & Electronic Engineering, School of Engineering at the University of Galway.

University of Galway

Located in the vibrant cultural city of Galway in the west of Ireland, the University of Galway has a distinguished reputation for teaching and research excellence

For information on moving to Ireland please see www.euraxess.ie

Detailed Project Description

Project Title: 3BAtwin - Bone, Brain, Breast and Axillary Medical Microwave Imaging Twinning
Reference: HORIZON-WIDERA-2023-ACCESS-02-101159623

Funding: European Union's Horizon Europe Research & Innovation Programme
Grant Agreement No.: 101159623

Location: Translational Medical Device Lab, University of Galway, Ireland
Position: 1 PhD Position Available

This PhD research will focus on developing and enhancing microwave imaging techniques specifically for monitoring bone health. Microwave imaging is an innovative and non-invasive method that offers significant potential for improving medical diagnostics and healthcare technology. The research will aim to advance the capabilities of microwave imaging in detecting and monitoring various bone health conditions.

Living allowance (Stipend): €19,000 per annum, [tax-exempt scholarship award]

University fees: €5,890

Start date: September 2024

Academic Entry Requirements: Applicants should ideally hold a master’s degree with relevant experience in Electrical/Electronic/Biomedical/Computer Engineering or Medical Physics. The ideal candidate should have knowledge of electromagnetics, antenna design, and microwave engineering. Additional requirements include:

• Experience in MATLAB/Python programming.
• Knowledge of signal processing.
• Problem-solving, critical thinking and troubleshooting skills.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills

To Apply for the Scholarship: Interested candidates are invited to submit the following documents in a single PDF file:

1. Curriculum Vitae (CV)
2. List of Publications
3. Motivation Letter
4. Contact details of 2 referees

Please send your application materials to Dr Adnan Elahi at adnan.elahi@universityofgalway.ie by 10th August 2024. Only the shortlisted candidates will be contacted and interviewed.

Contact Name: Dr Adnan Elahi

Contact Email: adnan.elahi@universityofgalway.ie

Application Deadline: Closing date for receipt of applications is 17:00 (Irish Time) on 10^th August 2024. It will not be possible to consider applications received after the closing date.

Primary Supervisor name: Dr Adnan Elahi

ROSETTA is an innovative fellowship programme co-ordinated by the University of Galway and will involve four other universities (Implementing Partners): University College Cork, University College Dublin, University of Limerick and Trinity College Dublin. The programme is co-funded by LERO, the Science Foundation Ireland Research Centre for Software, the Horizon Europe Marie Skodowska Curie Actions programme and the University of Galway. ROSETTA fellows will be provided with the highest quality research environment and a training programme where they will critically examine the development, use and regulation of technology from a time perspective across all aspects of life from children, people with disabilities, people in the workplace, to healthcare and social inclusion for older people.

ROSETTA will be recruiting 19 fellowships, each with a duration of 2 years, providing an unparalleled opportunity for Postdoctoral Researchers to delve into the critical intersection of time and technology in our rapidly evolving digital landscape. 

We are seeking fellows with an interest in the broad research area of ‘the true impact of technology on our time’ to bring fresh perspectives and innovative approaches to this research. Whether you're passionate about information systems, business, law, computer science, medicine, sociology, biomedical engineering, psychology, or any other related discipline, we want to hear from you!

Applications are invited from suitable candidates for 19 full-time fixed term Marie Skłodowska-Curie postdoctoral Fellows (PFs) at University of Galway. Up to 10 fellowships may be awarded on the 1st Call.

ROSETTA Fellowships are open to applicants of any nationality who have a PhD degree and comply with the programme’s eligibility criteria and mobility rule. Researchers at Risk are encouraged to apply. All candidates must discuss their research idea and proposal and seek the support of an eligible ROSETTA supervisor for their application.

All fellowships will be based in Ireland where fellows will be hosted by their ROSETTA supervisor’s host institution.

The programme aims to provide exceptional training and career development opportunities to postdoctoral researchers, fostering international mobility, intersectoral collaboration, and interdisciplinary exposure.

Further information can be found in the Guide for Applicants to ROSETTA at https://rosetta.lero.ie/call-for-proposals/

This project has received co-funding from Horizon Europe’s Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, Grant Agreement No:101126578.

Essential Criteria:

As per the MSCA definition:

• ROSETTA is open to applicants who have a PhD degree at the call deadline. Applicants who have successfully defended their doctoral thesis but have not formally been awarded the doctoral degree will also be considered eligible to apply. The successful defence must take place before the call deadline.
• Applicants must comply with the MSCA mobility rule: have not resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Ireland for more than 12 months in the three years immediately before the call deadline. Compulsory national service and short stays such as holidays are not considered.
• Applicants must have working proficiency in English or be fluent in English. Applicants whose first language is not English may be required to provide evidence of their English proficiency.

Please note:

• ROSETTA Fellowships are open to candidates of any nationality.  Please see Employment Permits - University of Galway for further information.
• ROSETTA will support applications from those displaced by conflict or whose situation makes it difficult to pursue research careers. Researchers at Risk are encouraged to apply. Please see: Guidelines for Inclusion of Researchers at Risk | Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (europa.eu) for further information.

Gross Salary:

Remuneration is in line with EC rules for Marie Sklodowska-Curie COFUND grants.

Level 1: €50,124 gross salary* per annum (excluding family allowance) or €57,252 gross salary* per annum (if conditions for family allowance are met).

*Gross salary is inclusive of a mobility allowance of €6,480 annually payable as part of their gross salary which shall be fixed for 24 months during the fellowship period.

Salaries are subject to taxes and deductions, e.g., deduction of PRSI (employee social security), and income taxes. For more information about tax entitlements, please go to https://www.revenue.ie/

Training and Career Development

Fellows are encouraged to avail of training and development opportunities to support their career development plans. All fellowships will include a secondment period. Fellows will have the flexibility to select a secondment with the non-academic or academic sector to suit their research and career development. Researchers are encouraged to engage with our Researcher Development Centre (RDC) upon employment. The RDC is an initiative of the offices of the VPR and Graduate Studies to support the continuing professional development of all our researchers at University of Galway.

For information on moving to Ireland, please see www.euraxess.ie. 

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

The University of Galway is committed to principles of equality and encouraging diversity and inclusion. Several of the participating academic Institutions and Schools are holders of Athena SWAN awards. We celebrate the diversity of our staff and students and work to support an inclusive environment free from discrimination and harassment.

To Apply: The application process should include an Online application + Administrative Proposal as follows:

• Part A: Administrative Proposal: Max 2000 characters
• Part B: Research Proposal (max. 10 pages)
• Part C: Academic CV: Max 5 pages (With three references)
• Part D: Ethics Issues Table and Self-Assessment Form

Candidates must develop a project proposal in line with ROSETTA Research Themes and submit their complete application via the online application system. The system will remain open for applications until midnight (UTC) on the call deadline of Friday, 27^th September 2024.

See Guidance Documents, Terms & Conditions and https://rosetta.lero.ie/ for more information.

For informal enquiries, contact the University of Galway programme manager at rosetta@lero.ie.  Please put reference number University of Galway 110-24 in subject line of all queries related to this post.

The closing date for receipt of completed applications is Friday, 27^th September 2024 at 23.59 UTC.

We reserve the right to re-advertise or extend the closing date for this post. 

The University of Galway is an equal opportunities employer. 

All positions are recruited via an internationally advertised open call for proposals. The evaluation and selection process will follow an Open, Transparent, Merit (OTM) and Competency-based Recruitment process and will include an international peer review followed by an interview stage.