Background

A four-year full-time PhD research position is available to work on a new project called SUREDETECT, which is an innovative project focused on developing a novel, silicon-based sensor for electrical detection of atmospheric ammonia (NH₃).

The researcher will be based jointly in the Centre for Research into Atmospheric Chemistry (CRAC), and the Materials Chemistry Research Group (MCR), which are key research centres within the School of Chemistry and the Environmental Research Institute at University College Cork.

The project involves design, fabrication and surface-functionalisation of silicon-based platforms for electrical detection of ammonia. The project is laboratory-based and involves multi-disciplinary research drawing on surface science, materials chemistry, organic surface functionalisation and atmospheric chemistry.

Expected Skill Set

We are seeking an enthusiastic, motivated person with a high level of initiative, capable of working independently and within a team. The candidate should have fluent English and excellent communication, organization, planning and interpersonal skills.

Ideally, the candidate will have a background and/or an interest in one or more of the following areas:

-           air quality monitoring

-           multivariate data analysis

-           silicon device fabrication and testing

-           electrical characterisation of materials

-           statistical and machine learning techniques

-           scientific computing software, e.g. Matlab, R, Python or Julia

-           Surface and materials chemistry

-           designing and/or conducting experimental research.

This work will require the researcher to undertake some occasional travel to conduct experiments in partner organisations. Regular communication and co-operation with stakeholders (project partners, Research Ireland) will also be required.

Qualifications

Minimum 2:1 undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in chemistry, physics, materials science, or a similar discipline with a strong component of physical sciences.

• Applicants whose first language is not English must show evidence of English proficiency, please check the minimum requirements at:

https://www.ucc.ie/en/study/comparison/english/

Funding Details

Research Ireland funds this research project, which is coordinated by researchers in CRAC (Dr Stig Hellebust, Prof. John Wenger) and the MCR group (Prof. Justin Holmes, Dr Subhajit Biswas).

This full-time PhD position is funded for 4 years months including a stipend of €25,000 per annum.  The studentship will also cover fees at the rate for EU students.

The scholarship for the PhD degree is subject to academic approval.

Further information

The PhD candidate will work with a team of scientists in the Centre for Research into Atmospheric Chemistry (CRAC) and the Materials Chemistry Research (MCR) group.

The Materials Chemistry Research (MCR) group, led by Prof. Justin Holmes, is a large interdisciplinary team that includes researchers from various fields such as synthetic chemistry, surface chemistry, materials chemistry, physics, and nanoelectronics. Its primary focus is on developing functional and sustainable nanomaterials and devices for applications in electronics, optoelectronics, energy harvesting, energy storage, catalysis, and plastic recycling. Information about the group can be found at: https://mcag.ucc.ie/

The CRAC conducts research on atmospheric composition and its influence on climate, air quality, health and the environment. The centre is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities for: (i) Laboratory simulations of atmospheric processes, (ii) Development of new atmospheric measurement techniques, (iii) Field measurements and modelling to determine sources and impacts of pollution. More information on the CRAC can be found at the following link: https://www.ucc.ie/en/crac/

The CRAC has been a European leader in atmospheric chemistry research for over two decades and performs a wide range of research activities, including laboratory, field and modelling studies related to atmospheric chemistry, air quality and climate.

As part of the School of Chemistry (https://www.ucc.ie/en/chemistry/) the CRAC is fully committed to equality, diversity and inclusion in every area of work, for both students and colleagues.  The School of Chemistry is proud to hold an Athena SWAN Bronze Award.

Application Procedure

Please email the following information to Dr Stig Hellebust (s.hellebust@ucc.ie), School of Chemistry, UCC as a single PDF file:

• A one-page cover letter outlining any relevant experience and your reasons for wanting to participate in the project.
• A Curriculum Vitae including your education history, courses, awards and skills.  Also, if appropriate, please include details of any publications and conference presentations.

The deadline for applications is 30/07/2025.  Please quote “SUREDETECT PhD MAT Studentship” in the subject line of your email.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.

About University College Cork (UCC)

UCC is an award-winning institution with a history of independent thinking stretching back over 170 years.  UCC has a student population of over 21,000.  The University was named Irish University of the Year by the Sunday Times in 2017.  In 2015, UCC was also named as top performing university by the European Commission funded U-Multirank system, based on obtaining the highest number of "A" scores (21 out of 28 metrics) among a field of 1200 universities.  UCC has been ranked as one of the leading universities in the world for sustainable social and economic impact, in the inaugural 2019 Times Higher Education (THE) University Impact rankings.