Carmel Breslin

Maynooth University’s Department of Chemistry is advertising a fully funded PhD position in the SUSAS group under the supervision of Sousa JavanNikkhah and co-supervision of Professor Carmel Breslin . The project is part of a Research Ireland -funded doctoral scholarship and starts in September 2026 . The research focuses on the experimental development of advanced polymer-hybrid anion-exchange membranes for electrochemical energy applications . Core research areas include membrane fabrication , porous materials , physicochemical characterisation , and electrochemical characterisation . The broader project also mentions membrane synthesis, surface processing, validation of computational predictions, and data-driven optimisation, with opportunities to work in a collaborative research team and contribute to publications and conference presentations. Funding includes a €25,000 annual stipend , tuition fee support , and research/travel costs for up to 4 years . This is a PhD scholarship rather than a postdoctoral or master’s opening. Eligibility highlights: applicants should have a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Electrochemistry, Polymer Science, or a closely related field, with at least a First Class or high 2.1 equivalent. Relevant lab experience, numerical analysis, materials characterisation, and strong English communication/writing skills are expected. Desirable experience includes polymer synthesis, membrane fabrication, electrochemistry, impedance spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, conductivity measurements, Python/MATLAB, machine learning, and research outputs. Application deadline: 26 June 2026 at 5pm. Applicants should submit a single PDF including a personal statement, CV, short research proposal (up to 1000 words), transcripts, and two referees’ contact details. Applications are to be submitted directly to [email protected] and via the university application process/MUApply as instructed.