Maynooth University PhD Scholarship 2027: Fully Funded PhD in Biology and Antimicrobial Resistance
Students seeking fully funded PhD opportunities in Ireland can apply for the Maynooth University PhD Scholarship Award 2027 in Biology and Human Health Research. The scholarship offers an opportunity to undertake doctoral research into antimicrobial resistance (AMR), an important global public health challenge affecting humans, animals and the environment.
The scholarship is funded by Ireland’s Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and forms part of a collaborative research project involving Maynooth University, University College Dublin (UCD), Teagasc and the University of Galway.
The successful candidate will receive an annual stipend of €25,000, paid tuition fees, and funding for research and travel expenses. The programme is scheduled to commence in January 2027 and offers four years of full-time doctoral study.
Applications must be submitted by 6 November 2026 at 5:00 pm.
Overview of the Maynooth University PhD Scholarship 2027
The scholarship is designed for a suitably qualified graduate interested in microbiology, molecular biology and the study of antimicrobial resistance.
Key details include:
- Host Institution: Maynooth University, Ireland
- Department: Department of Biology and Kathleen Lonsdale Institute for Human Health Research
- Scholarship Type: Fully Funded PhD Scholarship
- Research Area: Biology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology and Antimicrobial Resistance
- Project: ADDRESS
- Funding Organisation: Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
- Study Mode: Full-time, on campus
- Programme Start Date: January 2027
- Scholarship Duration: Four years
- Annual Stipend: €25,000
- Tuition Fees: Paid
- Additional Funding: Research and travel costs
- Application Deadline: 6 November 2026 at 5:00 pm
- Application Method: Email
About the ADDRESS Research Project
The scholarship forms part of the ADDRESS project, a five-year collaborative research initiative investigating antimicrobial resistance across the animal-environment nexus.
Antimicrobial resistance occurs when microorganisms develop the ability to survive treatments designed to eliminate them. It presents a significant challenge to public health, agriculture and environmental management.
The ADDRESS project adopts a One Health approach, recognising the connections between human health, animal health and the environment. Understanding how antimicrobial resistance develops and spreads across these interconnected systems can help researchers identify effective prevention strategies.
The selected PhD candidate will contribute to research investigating how antimicrobial resistance evolves under different environmental conditions, particularly in freshwater systems.
The research will involve laboratory experiments, genomic analysis and the interpretation of scientific data.
Research Responsibilities
The successful applicant will work under the supervision of Professor Walsh at Maynooth University.
The PhD research will focus on understanding the evolutionary pathways of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria across Irish One Health settings.
Key responsibilities include:
- Assessing the evolutionary trajectories of previously sequenced antimicrobial-resistant Enterobacterales.
- Conducting laboratory experiments to investigate bacterial evolution under different selective pressures.
- Studying bacterial evolution in freshwater mesocosms.
- Comparing bacterial evolutionary patterns observed in laboratory experiments with those identified in water-based systems.
- Analysing genomic data to improve understanding of antimicrobial resistance.
- Contributing to the broader objectives and deliverables of the ADDRESS research project.
The programme combines practical laboratory work with data analysis. Training will be provided, making the opportunity particularly relevant to candidates who have a strong microbiology background and are interested in developing additional genomic research skills.
Scholarship Benefits and Funding
The Maynooth University PhD Scholarship provides financial support for eligible candidates undertaking full-time doctoral research.
The successful applicant will receive the following benefits:
Annual stipend of €25,000: The scholarship provides a stipend to support the student’s living expenses during the funded research period.
Paid tuition fees: The award covers the applicable annual tuition fees for the duration of the scholarship, subject to the programme’s terms and conditions.
Research expenses: Funding is available for costs required to conduct the research.
Travel costs: The scholarship also supports relevant travel expenses associated with performing and disseminating the research.
The award covers four years of full-time study, subject to satisfactory annual academic progression.
Applicants should confirm any additional conditions concerning the stipend, funding arrangements and university registration directly with Maynooth University.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet the university’s academic and research requirements to be considered for the scholarship.
The minimum academic requirement is a first-class or upper-second-class honours degree (2.1) in microbiology, molecular biology or a related subject. Alternatively, applicants may qualify with a relevant master’s degree in microbiology, molecular biology or a related discipline.
Essential Requirements
Candidates must demonstrate knowledge of bacteriology and an interest in expanding their research capabilities in areas such as genomics, microbiological experimentation and data analysis.
Applicants should be prepared to undertake both practical laboratory research and computational analysis as part of their doctoral studies.
Desirable Qualifications
Experience in bacterial genomic analysis, sequencing and the analysis of large microbial genomic datasets would be an advantage.
However, the advertised criteria distinguish between essential and desirable skills. Candidates who meet the minimum academic requirements and possess relevant bacteriology knowledge should explain their research interests and willingness to develop additional skills in their applications.
Residency and Study Requirements
The successful candidate must be resident in Ireland and available to undertake full-time research at Maynooth University’s campus for four years.
International applicants should contact the university to clarify how the residency requirement applies to their circumstances before submitting an application.
Applicants who are not native English speakers must provide evidence of English-language proficiency that meets the programme-specific requirements established by the university’s International Office.
All scholarship awards are conditional on approval for registration by Maynooth University.
Required Application Documents
Applicants must prepare the following documents:
- Personal statement or cover letter: Explain how your qualifications, experience and interests meet the essential and desirable selection criteria.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): Provide details of your academic background, research experience, technical skills and relevant achievements.
- Academic transcripts: Include relevant final academic transcripts demonstrating your qualifications.
- Two referees: Supply the names and contact details of two academic or professional referees.
Ensure that your application is complete and that your documents clearly demonstrate your suitability for doctoral research in microbiology and antimicrobial resistance.
How to Apply for the Maynooth University PhD Scholarship 2027
Eligible candidates must submit their applications directly by email.
Follow these steps:
- Prepare your CV, personal statement or cover letter, academic transcripts and referee details.
- Review the eligibility criteria and explain how your academic background meets the requirements.
- Use ADDRESS PhD as the email subject heading.
- Submit your application before the stated deadline.
Shortlisted applicants may be invited for an interview. Professor Walsh will contact candidates selected for this stage. Late applications will not be considered.
Application deadline: 6 November 2026 at 5:00 pm.
Why Consider This PhD Opportunity?
This scholarship offers an opportunity to contribute to research addressing antimicrobial resistance, a challenge with implications for public health, agriculture and environmental sustainability.
Candidates will gain experience in laboratory experimentation, bacterial genomics and scientific data analysis while participating in a collaborative research programme involving several Irish institutions.
The combination of financial support, specialist supervision and interdisciplinary research makes this opportunity worth considering for graduates seeking a career in microbiology, infectious disease research, environmental health or antimicrobial resistance.
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Final Thoughts
The Maynooth University PhD Scholarship 2027 provides four years of funded doctoral research, an annual stipend of €25,000, paid tuition fees and support for research and travel expenses.
Graduates with qualifications in microbiology, molecular biology or related fields who are interested in bacterial evolution and antimicrobial resistance are encouraged to assess their eligibility and prepare a strong application.
With the deadline approaching, prospective candidates should ensure that all required documents are ready and submitted on time.
