Fully Funded PhD Studentship in Exercise-Based Rehabilitation for Surgical Oncology at University College Dublin University College Dublin in Ireland

University College Dublin is advertising a fully funded PhD studentship in exercise-based rehabilitation for patients undergoing major oncological resection. The project sits within the UCD Clinical Research Centre, School of Medicine, and focuses on developing and evaluating a patient-centred rehabilitation pathway for people living with and beyond cancer.

The research uses a mixed-methods approach and will involve co-design with patients, clinicians, and multidisciplinary stakeholders. The project is positioned within the growing field of exercise oncology and aims to improve perioperative cancer care by supporting patients before and after surgery, enhancing recovery, and contributing to implementation of exercise-based rehabilitation in clinical practice.

Study area keywords: exercise oncology, perioperative rehabilitation, surgical oncology, physiotherapy, exercise physiology, mixed methods, implementation research, clinical trials, cancer rehabilitation.

Eligibility highlights: applicants should have a 1st or 2:1 Level 8/9 degree in Physiotherapy, Exercise Physiology, or a related discipline. Experience working clinically with patients with cancer is preferred, along with strong communication, organisational, and teamwork skills. The post also notes a high level of spoken and written English for the wider scholarship opportunities listed on the UCD scholarship page.

Funding: the PhD studentship covers EU tuition fees and includes a tax-free stipend of €25,000 per year for four years.

Application window: deadline is Monday 27 July 2026. Applicants should send a cover letter (1 page max), CV, and academic transcript to Dr Linda O’Neill using the application details provided in the post.

The post also includes a broader UCD scholarship page listing additional funded PhD and Research Master’s opportunities in areas such as sustainable energy, environmental engineering, biotechnology, microbiology, agricultural science, marketing, and business. However, the main advertised opportunity here is the funded PhD in exercise-based rehabilitation for surgical oncology.