PhD Studentship

Trinity is Ireland’s leading university and is ranked 75th in the world (QS World University Rankings 2026). Founded in 1592, the University is steeped in history with a reputation for excellence in education, research, and innovation, which has been inspiring generations of thinkers for over 400 years. Thrive: Trinity College Dublin's Strategic Plan 2025 - 2030 Applications are invited for a fully funded PhD studentship to work on HYDROCEM , funded by the Research Ireland Pathway Programme and supervised by Dr Damian Palin in the School of Engineering at Trinity College Dublin, the University of Dublin. Inspired by biomineralised tissues such as bone and seashell, HYDROCEM will add designer hydrogels to cement binders (that bind concrete together) to instruct their formation and organisation at sub-millimetre scales to enhance their tensile strength, promising cementitious materials that meet structural demands with significantly less cement. The successful candidate will: have access to world-class materials development facilities; engage with leading international and academic project collaborators: Prof. Daniel Kelly at TCD, Assoc. Prof. Niels Holten-Andersen at Lehigh University, and Dr Jure Zlopasa at International Flavors & Fragrances (IFF); and may undertake secondments at Lehigh University and IFF. Application Procedure Applicants should submit the following to Dr Damian Palin: 1.      A full Curriculum Vitae (including education, research experience, relevant skills, publications and presentations). 2.      A one-page statement outlining motivation, understanding of the topic, and relevant experience/ideas. 3.      Academic transcripts (unofficial acceptable at first stage). 4.      Contact details of two referees (including email addresses). 5.      A writing sample (e.g., a published paper, thesis excerpt, or report). General enquires concerning the studentship and applications should be emailed to: damianpalin@gmail.com, with the subject line: HYDROCEM_PhD_[your full name]. Applications must be submitted by 23:59 (Irish time), May 10, 2026. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview in June 2026. Damian Palin damianpalin@gmail.com Please see full description below Our Values - putting our words into action Values matter. They are key to the success of our Strategic Plan. We centre our behavioural values around the importance of belonging. We recognise that the university will thrive by each of us respecting and caring for one another. We know we can achieve much more through working together. We know too that we must take responsibility for our actions and be accountable. We must, and will never stop, imagining. And through being nature positive we connect not just with the environment but with our ambitions for a sustainable future. At Trinity, we are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion. Trinity welcomes applications from all individuals, including those applicants with disabilities, those who may have had non-traditional career paths, those who have taken time out for reasons including family or caring responsibilities. We also welcome international applicants including those whom have been displaced due to war. Trinity College Dublin is Ireland’s premier University. We are an EU Sustainable Gender Equality Champion and we hold an Athena Swan Silver award, recognising our ongoing work to advance gender equality both within Trinity and in the Higher Education sector. Trinity is committed to supporting work-life balance and to creating a family-friendly working environment. Further Information Filesize Notes template_fp_phd_studentship_DP3.pdf 288.8 Return to Search