University College Dublin
About the Project
There are opportunities for two PhD students to join a new project in the Butler group at the Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Ireland. The lab has a strong background in fungal genomics, virulence studies, CRISPR-Cas9 editing, and molecular evolution.
This project will focus on biotechnological applications of natural (wild) Irish yeasts. We previously identified the first European isolates of Saccharomyces eubayanus, a parent of the lager yeast Saccharomyces pastorianus, from soil on the UCD campus. We subsequently collected more isolates around Ireland, and we are currently exploring their potential for brewing novel beers. We propose to greatly expand our surveys of yeast species across Ireland, with a particular interest in identify isolates with specific biotech applications. We will develop cloning and gene editing approaches for selected species. In addition, we will study the evolution of centromere sequences across budding yeasts.
The positions will suit students with an interest in biotechnology, ecology, genomics, or evolution. A background (or interest) in bioinformatics would be an advantage for one position. Successful students will join a Structured PhD Programme in Biotechnology, or in Bioinformatics and Systems Biology, depending on the interests of the individual.
Candidates should be available to start between May and September 2025. The positions are available to people who have already graduated with an honours BSc or a MSc, or those planning to graduate In summer 2025. The studentships provided will cover full EU University fees (also for UK students) and a stipend of €25,000 per annum for a duration of four years. Applications will be accepted until the positions are filled.
About the place: University College Dublin (UCD), the largest university in Ireland, is a leafy parkland campus in the suburbs of Dublin. It is one of Europe’s leading research-intensive universities, and it is currently ranked within the top 1% of higher education institutions world-wide. UCD is Ireland’s most globally engaged university with over 38,000 students drawn from 152 countries. The Conway Institute provides a dedicated research environment for over 400 research staff from across the University. It is a friendly and diverse space. See more information about teh Butler group at http://butler.ucd.ie/
Candidate requirements:
Applications are invited from graduates holding (or expecting to hold) a first or 2.1 class BSc honours degree or MSc in Genetics, Microbiology. Bioinformatics, Genome Science or related disciplines. Applicants should be eligible for EU fees
Start Date: between May and September 2025
Application Procedure:
Applications should be sent directly to Prof Geraldine Butler by email ([email protected]), with the subject line “Biotech PhD”.
The application email should include a a single PDF attachment containing a CV with educational background, transcripts of degree results or results to date, any publications or conference presentations or prior research experience, a short (1–2 page) letter of motivation clearly stating the relevance of the applicant’s research interests and skills, and contact details for two referees.
To help us track our recruitment effort, please indicate in your email – cover/motivation letter where (theacademicjob.com) you saw this job posting.