Applications are invited by University College Cork for (3) PhD studentships in Parkinson’s disease research as part of a cohort of nine linked PhD studentship positions across Ireland in the exciting PD-LIFE project.

PD-LIFE is an emerging all-island hub of excellence that unites researchers, clinicians, people with Parkinson’s disease (PD), and advocacy partners to transform PD awareness and care across the island of Ireland. Focusing on stigma, gender and culture, mental health, physical activity, and wearable technology, the consortium projects will generate integrated, person-centred evidence to improve quality of life and support innovative interventions, foster cross-border collaboration, and train and mentor the next generation of PD research leaders.

PD-LIFE is a consortium across (5) universities in Ireland (i.e., University College Cork, Queen’s University Belfast, University of Limerick, Trinity College Dublin, University of Ulster), and the Tyndall Institute. Students will receive supervision from an interdisciplinary team across (2) or more of the universities listed above.

Students will receive extensive training in PD from the consortium’s clinical and research experts, and will gain transversal skills in relevant digital tools; research inclusion, accessibility, and methodological considerations; and participatory and interdisciplinary research approaches.

Students will receive mentorship from the wider PD-Life group, with opportunities for networking and presentation to the wider group (more than 40 researchers, clinicians, PD advocacy groups and our PPI panel).

Students are expected to spend one year outside UCC in later years of studentship and to undertake any required additional training in research integrity, GDPR, and Good Clinical Practice required for the project.

There are three full-time 3-year PhD studentships on offer, in the following broad topic areas:

1. Stigma
2. Exercise and Dance
3. Technology

Progression through the PhD programme is subject to satisfactory output of scientific results and publications. 

The student’s doctoral fees will be paid for, from project funds.

The student stipend is €25,000 per annum with additional travel and research costs provided, including a laptop or similar.

Academic supervisors:

• Dr Emma O’ Shea, Centre for Gerontology and Rehabilitation, School of Medicine, UCC
• Dr Ruth McCullagh, Department of Physiotherapy, School of Clinical Therapies, UCC
• Dr Salvatore Tedesco, Tyndall National Institute, UCC.

Start date:  October 2026

Essential criteria

General eligibility criteria

• Candidates should be highly self-motivated, able to demonstrate initiative and have a desire to learn, and able to work as part of a multidisciplinary research team.
• The successful candidate will be highly analytical and motivated with good interpersonal and organisational skills and will be self-managed and achievement oriented.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English suitable for technical documentation, presentations, and publication.
• A minimum level of competency in English is required for registration at UCC. Please see the following link regarding English Language requirements: (https://www.ucc.ie/en/study/comparison/english/).

Project-Specific eligibility criteria

Technology PhD

• A minimum qualification of a 2.1 honours BSc or MSc in a scientific discipline (i.e., engineering, computer science, artificial intelligence, or similar) is essential for the PhD focused on ‘Technology’.
• The candidate should also have a strong interest in carrying out innovative research in the health context.
• The candidate should be proficient in scientific programming (Python, MATLAB, or equivalent).

Stigma PhD

• A minimum qualification of a 2.1 honours BSc/BA or MSc/MA in a health-related or social science discipline is essential for the PhDs focused on ‘Stigma’.

Exercise and Dance PhD

• For the PhD focused on ‘Exercise and Dance’, we are seeking a qualified physiotherapist (minimum qualification of a 2.1 honours), who is registered with, or fully eligible to register with CORU for the lifetime of the PhD project.

Desirable Criteria 

• Experience of publishing, and/or disseminating research findings.
• Experience engaging with key stakeholders in Parkinson’s disease care/research.
• Experience of analysing large quantitative datasets and/or rich qualitative data.

Key Responsibilities:

Key Responsibilities of the successful PhD candidates will include:

• Performing research with responsibility and integrity.
• Providing weekly updates to your supervisor/supervisory team.
• Present research findings at key international conferences and publish in high-impact journals.
• Complete required PhD coursework, participate in group meetings, required placements, and contribute to outreach activities.
• Participate in Education and Public Engagement activities, as required.
• Ensure compliance with Quality Management Systems, Health and Safety standards, and other regulations.
• To carry out any additional duties that may reasonably be required within the general scope and level of the post.