Project Outline  

Adaptive dynamical network solutions to ecological restoration 

We invite applications for a PhD position in the field of Marine Invasive Species Ecology in intertidal and shallow subtidal habitats. This SFI funded project aims to predict ecological restoration outcomes, and better understand and predict ecosystem biodiversity, resilience and functioning under different biodiversity loss and recovery scenarios.  The PhD will be part of a cross-disciplinary research team including members of the School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences and the Applied Mathematics group in the School of Mathematics at University College Cork.  

The aim of this PhD is to examine the role of invasive species in biodiversity loss with a view to predicting and modelling future species invasions in different marine environments. It will include examining the ecology of invasive alien species (IAS) that have already become established, but also those that during Horizon Scanning exercises have been identified as potential new IAS that may be introduced and become established in the future.  Collaborators in the Applied Mathematics group will aim to develop new mathematical techniques from the data obtained in this ecological PhD that will advance the fields of network dynamics and tipping points and form the basis for the analysis of specific ecological models, especially utilising the Lough Hyne Marine Nature Reserve ecosystem in West Cork.  

The successful applicant will work within an interdisciplinary team of applied mathematicians and ecologists at UCC, to develop predictive and data-driven theoretical models for real ecosystems, and contribute to the design of novel restoration protocols and conservation measures so an interest in biological mathematics would be highly useful in these positions. 

Requirements: Applicants should have at least a good primary degree (First or Upper Second Class Honours) in an appropriate discipline (e.g. Marine Biology, Ecology, Zoology or other relevant subject) or preferably an MSc award.  

This PhD will involve considerable amounts of fieldwork including small boatwork so boat handling qualifications are essential. In addition, a Full Clean Driving License will be highly advantageous for the successful applicant given the need to travel to fieldwork sites. 

If English is not your first language you will need to satisfy the English language requirement: 

IELTS: 6.5 - with no individual section lower than 6.0 

TOEFL: 90 - with minimum scores as follows: Listening - 20; Reading - 19; Speaking - 21; Writing – 20 

Scholarship Details: The PhD Scholarship is funded by the Research Ireland Frontiers for the Future project FFP-A 12066 titled “Adaptive dynamical network solutions to ecological restoration”. The project focuses on marine invasive species ecology and is transdisciplinary in nature, with applied mathematics and ecological sciences contributions. The successful applicant will be working under the supervision of Prof. Ruth Ramsay and Prof. Rob McAllen from the School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences in collaboration with Dr Serhiy Yanchuk, Prof. Sebastian Wieczorek and Dr Andrew Kane within the School of Mathematical Sciences and will be expected to collaborate with the other project members. 

The Scholarship will start as soon as possible after October 1st 2025. 

The funding includes a stipend of €25,000 per annum and also covers University fees of up to a maximum of €5,500 per annum and is tenable for 4 years.  

The successful applicant will receive a computer for the duration of this project, with access to the advanced computing facilities as well as support provided within the School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, which has a vibrant and friendly research environment with expertise in a wide variety of marine related topics. The successful applicant will be provided with appropriate desk space, as well as being able to access funding to support registration and travel costs for appropriate conferences. The successful applicant will be offered the opportunity to gain teaching experience. The appointee will be provided with learning and networking opportunities to attain the highest standards of research excellence and support their career development.  

Further Information 

Please contact any of the following for more information and guidance regarding the scholarship and making an application: 

Prof. Ruth Ramsay – r.ramsay@ucc.ie  

Prof. Rob McAllen – r.mcallen@ucc.ie  

 To Apply: 
Submit an electronic copy of your Curriculum Vitae along with a cover letter that clearly describes why you are interested in and are suitable for this research position. Please include the contact details of two academic referees. These documents should be emailed to both Prof. Ruth Ramsay and Prof. Rob McAllen at the email addresses above. 

The successful scholarship awardee will then have to submit a formal application through the University Postgraduate Applications Centre (PAC) (www.pacapply.com) where qualifications will need to be validated. 

Closing date: Friday 30th May 2025 

Interviews for shortlisted candidates are expected to take place in June.