Applications are invited for eleven PhD studentships to be funded by the All-island Vaccine Research and Training Alliance (AVACTA), under the HEA North-South Research Programme.
Description: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a major global risk to human health by causing death, disability, longer hospitalisations, and increased healthcare costs. Vaccines are ideally suited to tackle this problem, improving the lives of people worldwide. The All-island Vaccine Research and Training Alliance (AVACTA) is a hub of excellence aimed to develop effective vaccines against ESKAPE pathogens (Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter cloacae), a group of bacteria that resist to practically all available antimicrobials, which are considered a major global threat. Complementing vaccine development technologies, AVACTA will also tackle the challenges associated with vaccine hesitancy, developing implementable guidelines to improve vaccine uptake in Ireland and Northern Ireland. AVACTA will provide a unique interdisciplinary PhD program with cross-training in complementary areas of life-sciences, biotechnology, health psychology, public health, ethics, and communication to build capacity in vaccine design, development, and deployment on the island of Ireland.
Eligibility criteria for candidates: We are looking for talented and highly motivated early career researchers with BSc and MSc degrees and experience in microbiology, biology, biochemistry, molecular biology or related disciplines. The successful applicant will be offered a 36 or 48-month studentship (duration depends on the host institution) and will be registered as PhD student.
Please note that criteria below are mandatory:
- Admission to the programme is open to applicants who hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree (or equivalent), as required by the partner university for admission to doctoral studies. The above-mentioned degrees must be obtained by the time of recruitment.
- Applicants should be proficient in written and spoken English (minimum level of B2 or equivalent).
Application and selection process:
- Application procedures vary from institution to institution and applications should be submitted as outlined in the application procedure indicated for each individual project.
- Each applicant will be notified in writing of the outcome of their application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
- Successful candidates will be invited for an interview. Each interview will be attended by a panel including a principal investigator from the AVACTA consortium. Interviews may also be carried using online platforms.
AVACTA values gender balance and is committed to creating a diverse environment. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities and consideration for employment.
Download the Job Description to find the full list of studentships and how to apply.
