Maynooth University
2 weeks ago
Research Ireland
Fully Funded PhD in AI, Public Services, Social Stratification, and Youth Transitions Maynooth University in Ireland
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Computer Science
Funding
Fully funded PhD scholarship for four years. Includes a student stipend of €25,000 per annum, annual tuition fee support for four years, and additional research/travel funds for materials, training, research, and travel costs.
Deadline
Sep 18, 2026
Country
Ireland
University
Maynooth University

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About this position
Maynooth University’s Department of Sociology and Maynooth University Social Sciences Institute are advertising a fully funded PhD scholarship in AI, public services, social stratification, and youth transitions, with a particular focus on how AI and data science shape education, training, youth labour markets, and welfare services.
The project is hosted through the national research centre Rinn Artificial Intelligence – Research & Innovation in Data Science and AI, funded by Research Ireland. The successful applicant will work under the supervision of Dr Delma Byrne and will contribute to a defined project that is still at the design stage, with opportunities to help shape the research design and deliverables.
This PhD is suitable for candidates interested in sociology, education, economics, anthropology, computer science/AI, public policy, and social inequality. The research may use both qualitative and quantitative methods, including ethnography and statistical analysis, and is especially relevant to applicants with experience in SPSS, R, Stata, Python, MAXQDA, or similar tools.
Funding: fully funded for four years, with a stipend of €25,000 per year, tuition fee support, and additional funds for materials, training, research, and travel. Awardees must be resident in Ireland and study full-time at Maynooth University, normally on campus.
Eligibility: minimum first-class or 2.1 honours degree, or a relevant Master’s degree in sociology, education, social policy, social psychology, anthropology, economics, or related fields. Applicants should show strong interest in AI’s social impacts, youth transitions, and public services, plus strong theoretical and research design skills and the ability to work independently and collaboratively.
How to apply: submit the application via the Google Form link provided, including a motivation letter, CV, research proposal (up to 4,000 words), writing sample, transcripts, and two referees. The closing date is 18 September 2026 at 5pm.
Funding details
Fully funded PhD scholarship for four years. Includes a student stipend of €25,000 per annum, annual tuition fee support for four years, and additional research/travel funds for materials, training, research, and travel costs.
What's required
Minimum first class or 2.1 honours in a primary degree, or a relevant Master’s degree in sociology, education, social policy, social psychology, anthropology, economics or related fields. Applicants should have a strong interest or background in social impacts of AI, social inequalities, youth transitions, or public services/public policy; advanced quantitative and/or qualitative research skills (including ethnography); experience with statistical or qualitative software such as SPSS, R, Stata, Python, or MAXQDA; strong theoretical and research design skills; willingness to work in an interdisciplinary environment and take part in immersive enrichment engagement; and the ability to work independently and collaboratively. Non-native English speakers must meet Maynooth University English language requirements.
How to apply
Apply through the linked Google Form and include the requested documents: motivation letter, CV, research proposal, writing sample, transcripts, and two referees. Use the specified research theme, host institution, and supervisor name in the form. Informal queries may be emailed to [email protected].
More information can be found here
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