Taighde Éireann/Research Ireland Pathway Programme 2026

The Department of French at University College Cork would like to support at least one outstanding applicant to this uniquely prestigious postdoctoral award programme and invites expressions of interest. 

The award is designed to enable recipients to establish themselves as independent research leaders. Please note the following:

• this is a 4-year postdoctoral award to support a programme of independent research
• it includes full funding for a PhD studentship attached to the project; the PhD student will be co-supervised by the researcher in conjunction with the mentor
• you must choose a mentor to oversee the project and co-supervise the PhD student – you can find information about our researchers and research interests in the Department of French at UCC here https://www.ucc.ie/en/french/research/
• you must have held a PhD for at least 2 years at the time of application (May 2026) 
• this is open to applicants who have will have already completed one postdoctoral award, particularly a shorter award of 1 or 2 years
• it is also open to applicants who already have an academic job; however, applicants may not hold, or have held, an academic contract (e.g. as lecturer, assistant professor) of greater than, or equal to, 36 months in duration and in this case they will be required to articulate why the post has not permitted them to attain research independence. Applicants on teaching-only academic contracts greater than or equal to 36 months in duration are permitted. 
• applicants may not hold, or have held, a significant independent research grant, or a grant providing similar support to the Research Ireland Pathway Programme. Personal grants, including student, postdoctoral or individual fellowships, travel grants, and bursaries are permissible.
• Please note that there will be a rigorous internal selection process within UCC before nominated applicants may apply to Research Ireland.
• This programme supports talented postdoctoral researchers from all disciplines across the full spectrum of endeavour—from curiosity-driven research that generates new knowledge to applied research that seeks to develop solutions and innovations, including in the social and cultural domains, to develop their track record and transition to become independent research leaders.
• For more information about the Programme please see here: https://www.researchireland.ie/funding/pathway/

To express your interest or with informal inquiries please email Professor Oliver Davis (odavis@ucc.ie) with a short outline of your proposed project (max. 2pp), confirmation that you meet the eligibility criteria and an academic CV by 5^th January 2026.