The PhD student project will focus on the latter, taking these building blocks (chemicals, molecules and Polyurethane foams) and including them in material and component development and testing towards high-value products primarily for the construction sector, but with the possibility of other sectoral uses.
Activities
Some of the core PhD research activities will include (but not limited to)
- Investigating multiple material development routes from polyols and Polyurethane foams, including thermal or acoustic insulation, composites, cement or geopolymer based materials
- Performing laboratory thermal, moisture and strength tests following relevant European or National Standards (e.g. compression, thermal conductivity, water absorption)
- Investigating means of enhancing and optimising material or product performance, including working collaboratively with other disciplines on specific formulations that result in optimised behaviours in end-products.
- Analyse results and develop relationships using statistical methods and other analytical approaches such as finite element, and predictive techniques.
Standard Duties and Responsibilities of the Post
- Undertake original doctoral research aligned with the objectives of the PUreTex project, producing a PhD thesis according to Trinity College Dublin’s criteria
- Conduct literature reviews related to materials, testing, analysis, and innovations.
- Attend and contribute to interdisciplinary group project research meetings
- Identify and participate in research dissemination activities, including conference presentations and writing academic papers (in consultation with supervisor(s))
- Identify and participate in public and stakeholder outreach activities (e.g., public lectures; workshops, etc.)
- Be an active affiliate researcher of the School of Engineering (e.g., attending networking and researcher development events, etc.)
Funding Information
The PUreTex project is funded by the Research Ireland National Challenge Fund - Sustainable Communities Challenge Prize.
Person Specification
Qualifications
A 2.1 or higher BSc (Honours), or MSc, in an Engineering or Science Discipline that includes testing and analysis of materials, such as Material Science, Civil/Structural Engineering, Materials or Chemical Engineering, Polymer or Mechanical Engineering or related field.
Knowledge & Experience (Essential & Desirable)
- Have taken modules or courses that include some of the following: structural mechanics, mechanics of materials, structures, chemistry, thermodynamics/ heat transfer (Essential).
- Experience in making or testing materials or components in a laboratory environment (Essential).
- Experience with some or all of the following: insulation, concrete, composites, coatings, polymers, plastics (Desirable)
- Knowledge of sustainability and circularity principles and practices (Desirable)
- Experience in contributing to research projects (Desirable)
Skills & Competencies
- Strong mathematical, problem-solving and analytical abilities.
- Fluent English, with excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Enthusiasm for interdisciplinary research and collaborative working.
- Ability to work independently, take the initiative, research and propose solutions
- Willingness to engage with project partners and attend national/international conferences and project meetings.
- Organisational skills and ability to meet research deadlines.
Application Procedure
Applicants should submit:
- A 1-page cover letter, stating motivation and explicitly referring to how your past experience and achievements relate to: 1. Activities, 2. Knowledge and Experience, and 3. Skills and Competencies, listed in this advertisement.
- A CV, including experience, undergraduate results, postgraduate results (if applicable), and publications (if applicable)
- References: Names and email addresses of two referees
Please send the above to Dr. Aimee Byrne (she/her) by 12 Noon (GMT), 24th July 2026
Email Address: aimee.byrne@tcd.ie
