Invitation for Expressions of Interest in PhD Studentships

Invitation for Expressions of Interest for PhD Studentship in Psychology (Environmental Psychology)        3

Invitation for Expressions of Interest for PhD Studentship in Climate Science/Data Science        5

Information for Applicants:        6

Deadline: 10th December, 2023

Start Date: Preferably January 2024

About the project

Funded under a Horizon Europe health call (Planetary health: understanding the links between environmental degradation and health impacts), the central aim of the GoGreenNext project is to advance research and innovation to support the development of evidence-based policy at city, national, and global levels, to accelerate our efforts to address the challenges of climate change, biodiversity and environmental degradation and human health in the urban context. GoGreenNext is a €6 million EU-funded Horizon Europe project will future proof urban health across Europe and North America.

Its multidisciplinary consortium of 19 partners will pursue a transdisciplinary approach to advance research and innovation to support the development of evidence-based policy at city, national, and global levels, to accelerate our efforts to address the challenges of climate change, biodiversity and environmental degradation and human health in the urban context.

Urban Pilot Areas encompass four biogeographic regions and include Cork City (Ireland), Klagenfurt (Austria), Paijat Hame Region (Finland) and Malta. Working across seven EU countries, Switzerland, Norway, Canada and the United States the project commences in January 2024 and is 54 months in duration.

Cities offer an opportunity to accelerate the implementation of current solutions aligned with emerging strategies and policy initiatives combining to form what is termed a just green transition. This refers to a process of far-reaching sociotechnical change leading to a green and climate-neutral economy that preserves biodiversity and ensures social justice. GoGreenNext will address the biodiversity-climate- planetary health nexus, delivering positive policy and city/region pilot outcomes across Europe and with input from best practice globally.

The award consists of an annual stipend of €22,000 plus tuition fees. A designated workspace in the Innovation Value Institute, funds to purchase equipment for use on the project and additional research and travel expenses will also be provided. Applicants for whom English is a second language will be required to meet English language requirements specified here.

Invitation for Expressions of Interest for PhD Studentship in Psychology (Environmental Psychology)

We invite applications from individuals with interests in well-being, environmental psychology and sleep science or in a closely field. The topic of the PhD will fall within the general framework of the project while accommodating the interests of the successful candidate. The successful candidate will be enrolled in Structured PhD Programme in the Department of Psychology and work under the primary supervision of Dr Tadhg MacIntyre co-supervised by Prof. Andrew Coogan.

Applicants should satisfy the following criteria:

Essential:

• A first-class or upper second-class degree in psychology or a cognate discipline that broadly aligns with the subject of research.
• Ability to communicate well in English.
• The successful candidate should be committed to working across disciplinary boundaries.

Desirable:

• Some knowledge of statistical analysis.
• Some knowledge of large-scale survey design and analysis
• Some knowledge of qualitative analysis.
• Some understanding of sleep science and environmental psychology (the student can also undertake modules in this area during the PhD)
• Evidence of good verbal and written communication skills
• Strong time and data management skills
• It will also be an advantage to be pro-active and self-motivated.

Department of Psychology

The Department of Psychology was established in September 1999, and has since expanded steadily into a vibrant and internationally-recognized centre of high quality teaching and research.

Here at Maynooth University, the Psychology Department provides students with the skills required to succeed in both academic and non-academic environments, offering BA and BSc undergraduate degrees in Psychology, as well as postgraduate degrees by research (MSc and PhD) and a MSc in Environmental Psychology which is linked to EU projects GoGreenRoutes and GoGreenNext.

The Department of Psychology at Maynooth University consists of a thriving group of academic and departmental staff, together with both taught and research postgraduate students. The department offers students an encouraging and supportive environment to complete the degree programme, whether at undergraduate or postgraduate level. The research conducted in the department is world leading and there are a large number of international collaborations in many academic fields.

See Information for Applicants

Invitation for Expressions of Interest for PhD Studentship in Climate Science/Data Science

We invite applications from individuals with interests in statistics, data science, statistical climatology or in a closely field. The topic of the PhD will fall within the general framework of the project while accommodating the interests of the successful candidate. The successful candidate will be enrolled in Department of Mathematics and Statistics and work under the primary supervision of Dr Niamh Cahill, co-supervised by Prof Andrew Parnell.

Applicants should satisfy the following criteria:

Essential:

• The successful candidate should hold a degree in a STEM subject, and/or be able to demonstrate numerical aptitude (e.g., familiarity with mathematical and statistical techniques, understanding of computer coding).
• The successful candidate should be committed to working across disciplinary boundaries.

Desirable:

• Experience with programming and data analysis in a high-level programming language (e.g., R, python)
• Basic knowledge of statistical climatology
• Basic knowledge of spatial statistics
• Evidence of good verbal and written communication skills
• Strong time and data management skills
• It will also be an advantage to be pro-active and self-motivated.

Department of Department of Mathematics and Statistics

The Department of Mathematics and Statistics has research groups in Algebra & Number Theory, Geometric Analysis, Mathematics Education, and Statistics. The Department offers a variety of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in Mathematics and Statistics designed to prepare students for jobs in many different fields. Mathematics is the logical and abstract study of pattern. It involves an interplay between the concrete and the abstract: the ever-changing world around us is one of the key inspirations for the invention and investigation of abstract mathematics, and the discoveries of abstract mathematics have important and unexpected applications in the world around us. Research today is expanding the body of pure mathematical knowledge faster than ever before, with the creation of new mathematical structures and the discovery of connections between them providing deep insights into both abstract and physical worlds.

The study of Statistics helps us understand the world through data. Traditional applications include the study of nation states (the origin of the word statistics), medicine and agriculture. As the world around us advances, data is bigger and more diverse providing unprecedented challenges and opportunities. The field of statistics is constantly changing to address new, modern problems from areas such as bioinformatics, social networks and fraud detection.

Information for Applicants:

Please submit the following the materials listed below for expression of interest by email to tadhg.macintyre@mu.ie before midnight on Sunday, 10th December, 2023:

• Cover letter (max. 2 pages) which should include a discussion of how you will address the PhD research project
• CV, which includes the names and contact details of two academic referees.
• Writing sample (e.g. an academic essay/article or section of research dissertation).
• Please use the subject header “GoGreenNext PhD” in your email

Innovation Value Institute

IVI is a multidisciplinary research institute focused on digital transformation and technology adoption based in Maynooth University. Founded in 2006 in collaboration with Intel, we have a strong track record of industry collaboration, both locally and internationally. We have demonstrated excellent dissemination capability including education and training, and have developed a close working relationship with Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland, Science Foundation Ireland and other research centres.

Research is focused on discovering strategic research challenges and co-creating validated Digital Transformation Paths. Together with our research partners in our Research Clusters, we develop innovative research outputs that are relevant for both research and in practice, to transform and architect sustainable Service Ecosystems.

The University

Maynooth University is a very distinctive university, a collegial institution focused on science and engineering, humanities, and social sciences, and equally committed to research, teaching and community engagement. Located in Ireland’s only university town, its distinctive features and character owe much to its unique history and heritage. It provides a high-quality educational experience to over 15,000 students on a campus with 18th century roots and 21st century dynamism. 

The strategic trajectory and accomplishments of Maynooth University, in the 25 years since its establishment as an autonomous public university, are exceptional, and a source of great pride to the university community, staff, students and alumni. Maynooth University is now acknowledged to be one of the leading young universities in the world, and in 2022 ranked # 1 in Ireland in the latest Times Higher Education (THE) Best Young University Rankings. Maynooth University’s growing global reputation is based on the originality, quality, importance and impact of its research and scholarship, commitment to teaching and learning, the quality of academic programmes, and its leadership in widening participation in higher education. The sources of success are the dedication of its staff and the energy and engagement of its students.

Maynooth University is a place of lively contrasts – a modern institution, dynamic, rapidly-growing, research-led and engaged, yet grounded in historic academic strengths and scholarly traditions. With over 15,000 students Maynooth offers a range of programmes at undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral level in the humanities, science and engineering and social sciences, including business, law and education. The University also offers a range of international programmes and partnerships. 

Maynooth’s unique collegial culture fosters an interdisciplinary approach to research, which its world-class academics bring to bear in tackling some of the most fundamental challenges facing society today. The University’s research institutes and centres consolidate and deliver this impact as vibrant communities of learning, discovery and creation. Research at Maynooth also is very much central to its teaching and the University prides itself on placing equal value on its research and teaching missions. 

Principles and Values

Maynooth University is committed to the following values:

• Scholarly rigour;
• Academic freedom;
• Integrity and ethical behaviour;
• Collegiality, transparency and trust;
• Equality, inclusiveness and social justice;
• Operational excellence, organisational flexibility and responsiveness;
• Dignity, respect and care for the individual.

Strategy 2023-2028

The University’s Strategic Plan 2023-28 has been recently launched. Our vision is to be a university of excellence, opportunity and impact, having a significant stake in all three.

Excellence

We focus in on academic and professional excellence.

Opportunity

We provide life-changing opportunities for all who can benefit, irrespective of background.

Impact

We create a positive impact on society through educating our students, through our research and by building sustainable communities.

Our purpose is simple: to imagine and create better futures for all.

Our greatest contribution to society is through educating creative, inquisitive and critically engaged minds. Our graduates are highly employable critical thinkers. They are globally engaged and socially conscious citizens, committed to a better society and a more sustainable world. Our students and their future are at the heart of our being.

Our five-year strategic focus centres on advancing student learning, excelling in research and creating societal impact, expanding internationalisation, and fostering strong engagement and partnerships. Key enablers that are fundamental to the implementation of our strategy are our commitment to a people-first culture, robust governance, quality, operational excellence, equality, diversity and inclusion, financial strength, and sustainable infrastructure.

Within five years, we will attain a critical volume of research excellence in areas of national and international significance through our research beacons:

• Data and Digital Transformation
• Health and Wellbeing
• Heritage, Culture and Language
• Society and Public Policy
• Sustainability and Climate Change

For more information please visit https://strategy.maynoothuniversity.ie/

Equality and Diversity

Maynooth University values the enrichment that comes from a diverse community and seeks to promote equality, prevent discrimination and protect the human rights of each individual. To learn more about our commitment to Equality and Diversity, please read the Maynooth University Equality and Diversity Policy / Polasaí Comhionannais agus Éagsúlachta. Additionally, as an Athena SWAN Bronze Award Institute, we are committed to advancing gender equality across the University. 

We aim to reflect the diversity of the community we serve and welcome applications from all individuals, in particular from people underrepresented in our research community.