At a glance

• Value: student stipend of €16,000, tuition fees (EU or international) and €6,000 towards consumables
• You must be applying for a PhD or MSc Research degree at UCC in Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences; Biotechnology related areas; and Chemical Engineering to be eligible for this scholarship
• Questions about this scholarship can be directed to sefs-support@ucc.ie

UCC invites applications for two Lilly Research Scholarships which have been established to promote research excellence in one of the following disciplines:

• Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences,
• Biotechnology related areas, and
• Chemical Engineering.

These two scholarships aim to support students and integrate them into the academic, social and cultural aspects of University College Cork. The scholarships are targeted at high performing candidates proposing to undertake impactful research, possibly of an inter-disciplinary nature, at the highest level in the broad areas of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biotechnology related areas, and Chemical Engineering, under a supervisor or supervision team with significant experience in the area. If unsure who to contact, interested candidates should reach out to the appropriate members on the SEFS Graduate Studies Committee.

Eligibility:

Candidates who have attained at least Second Class Honours, Grade 1 (or equivalent) in an appropriate degree are eligible to apply for a PhD or MSc Research degree at UCC. The scholarship consists of student stipend of €16,000, tuition fees (EU or international) and €6,000 towards consumables. The scholarship is tenable for two or four years, depending on the course of study (i.e. MSc or PhD).

Prospective applicants are advised to consult with the Head of relevant School/Department and with the proposed supervisor to discuss their area of research prior to making an application to the Scholarship programme. Written confirmation from the proposed supervisor(s) agreeing the proposed topic and supervision must be included with application. The supervisor must be based in University College Cork. If there is a supervisory team, at least one of the supervisors must be based in University College Cork.

Terms & Conditions:

Candidates must have attained at least at least Second Class Honours, Grade 1 (or equivalent) in a relevant degree, and be pursuing a research programme in one of the stated disciplines: Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biotechnology related areas, and Chemical Engineering

The two Lilly Research Scholarships will be tenable for two or up to four academic years (depending on whether the successful applicant is pursuing an MSc or PhD) and include a student bursary of €16,000 per annum, tuition fees (EU or international) and a budget for laboratory consumables to support the student’s research.

Successful candidates will be selected on the basis of their scholarship applications in the first instance, and may be called to interview, if required. Two references, at least one academic, are also required.

Students may not be in receipt of any other scholarship funding.

For more detailed information on the regulations for UCC research degrees, please refer to: https://www.ucc.ie/admin/registrar/calendar/postgraduate/.

The student selection will be at the discretion of a Selection Committee to be established at UCC. The Committee shall be appointed by the Head of College of Science, Engineering & Food Science and provide balance across the relevant academic units. It shall comprise:

• at least three senior academics representing relevant disciplines
• the Head of the College of Science, Engineering & Food Science, or nominee (chair)
• a representative from the UCC Development Office.

The committee will meet at least once a year and as deemed necessary.

Successful applicants:

1. Will be offered a conditional offer. Successful applicants must apply through CRM, the UCC application portal, and submit all the relevant documentation. A full offer will be made once all this documentation is received.
2. Successful candidates must confirm their intention to take up the Scholarship within ten days of notification and if necessary, arrange visa requirements via the International Education Office, UCC.

Academic staff members can only supervise or co-supervise one student funded under this scheme at any one time.

University College Cork will endeavour to provide teaching/demonstrating opportunities for the research student when appropriate. Should a teaching/demonstrating opportunity be arranged by the University, the recipient will provide teaching and examining (if required) in an area reasonably compatible with his/her expertise, and for a number of hours (to a maximum of three per week) as agreed by the University, the recipient and the recipient’s supervisor(s) at UCC.

Evaluation of applications:

Evaluation of applications will take into account the merits of the applicant with particular focus on the impact, quality, feasibility and relevance of the proposed project.

Selection of successful applicants for shortlisting on the basis of the materials supplied will be made by the Selection Committee. This Committee (or a subset of the Committee) will conduct interviews if required.

The awarding of a Lilly Research Scholarship will take place only if the selection committee is satisfied that there is a candidate of sufficient merit.

Reporting:

Recipients of this Scholarship and his/her supervisor(s) at the UCC must submit progress reports as determined by the Selection Committee. If the progress reports are deemed unsatisfactory, the scholarship may be terminated.

• MSc programme: Two reports, one after 12 months, and a second at the end of the programme
• PhD programme: Four reports, at the end of each year (1-3) and on completion of PhD

Referees:

Applicants are required to submit two references along with the application form and personal statement. If the applicant has graduated within the last five years, at least one of these references should be from a lecturer or tutor. Applicants who graduated more than five years ago or who may be coming from a non-academic background should provide references from an employer or another appropriate individual who can comment on academic ability. References from relatives or friends will not be accepted.

The closing date is 12 noon on Thursday 19th August 2021.