About the Project
This applied ecology studentship is part of a larger collaborative and interdisciplinary mission within the EU-funded (SEUPB PeacePlus) “For the Love of Our Waters” (FLOW) project. The FLOW project aims to address declining water quality in cross border Ireland & Northern Ireland priority catchments in support of the 3rd Cycle of River Basin Management Plans (2021-2027). The PhD student will carry out research on water quality analysis (chemical and biochemical), species (micro- and macrobial) monitoring by means of eDNA analysis, as well as take part in biodiversity/heritage/water literacy outreach initiatives. The student will be based in CERIS (ATU Sligo), but will also conduct part of their work in the MFRC (ATU Galway). A substantial amount of field work and travel across Ireland and Northern Ireland is expected from the start of the fellowship. This will also include stakeholder engagement such as landowners, farmers or schools. Attendance and contribution to international scientific conferences and publication of peer-review scientific papers is also envisaged. Activities will encompass field work, sampling, water sample analysis (e.g. water quality parameters, phytoplankton/cyanobacteria characterisation, eDNA analysis) as well as engaging with community stakeholders groups, contributing to literature review, statistical analysis, data interpretation, report writing and dissemination of findings.
STIPEND : €24,000 per annum + institutional registration and tuition fees for 3 years.
PROFILE REQUIREMENTS : Motivated candidates with strong interests in environmental science and aquatic microbial ecology must have a Honours Degree (minimum 2.1 BSc) (essential) and/or a M.Sc. (desirable) in relevant disciplines. Appropriate training will be provided. However, candidates with prior practical experience in microbiology (e.g. water quality assays), analytical chemistry (e.g. HPLC), microalgal biology (e.g. photoautotrophic cultivation) and/or molecular biology (e.g. real time PCR and/or eDNA metabarcoding) will be considered favourably. A valid driving licence from a European country is essential. Scholarship fees will be covered in full for candidates with European citizenship, but not for non-European citizens. If English is not the applicant’s first language, evidence of English language proficiency is required for registration. Please refer to this web link to consult ATU’s English language proficiency standards.
EXPECTED STARTING DATE : October 2025 (pending funding availability).
TO APPLY : Please send by email 1) a detailed cover letter addressing how your prior experience aligns with this project and your motivation for pursuing a PhD in CERIS/MFRC/ATU, 2) full curriculum vitae and 3) contact details of two academic referees (who may be contacted as part of the selection process) to Dr. Nicolas Touzet (nicolas.touzet@atu.ie). Please insert the subject line ‘Application to FLOW PhD position’ with your electronic correspondence. This research is supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).
CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS : 17:00 local time, 20th of September 2025.
Funding Notes
Funded by PEACEPLUS FLOW PROJECT
STIPEND : €24,000 per annum + institutional registration and tuition fees for 3 years.
