Maynooth University Doctoral Scholarship

Maynooth University is advertising a fully funded PhD opportunity in the Department of Computer Science focused on Music Information Retrieval (MIR) for Irish Traditional Music. The project sits at the intersection of computer science, music, audio signal processing, machine learning, and deep learning, with a strong emphasis on computational analysis of musical recordings and culturally sensitive research practice.

The PhD project aims to develop advanced MIR methods tailored to Irish Traditional Music, including note transcription, tune-type and structural classification, ornamentation detection, instrument recognition, timbre modelling, regional and performer style modelling, and other forms of audio analysis. The work is linked to the Maynooth University Music Technology Research Group and will be based in the Computer Science department.

Funding: the award is fully funded for four years and includes a €25,000 annual stipend plus tuition fee support. The scholarship begins in October 2026 and runs for four years, subject to satisfactory annual academic progress.

Eligibility highlights: applicants should have at least a first-class or 2.1 honours degree, or a relevant Master's degree, in Computer Science, Music Technology, or a cognate discipline. Strong knowledge of digital signal processing and audio analysis is essential, along with familiarity with machine learning frameworks such as PyTorch or TensorFlow. Prior experience in MIR, audio analysis, or computational musicology is desirable. An interest in Irish Traditional Music is highly valued; practical musicianship is a plus but not required. Non-native English speakers must meet the university’s English language requirements.

How to apply: submit a personal statement, CV, research proposal, academic transcripts, and contact details for two referees. Applications should be emailed directly to Dr Behnam Faghih at [email protected]. Use the subject line: MU Doctoral Scholarship - Department of Computer Science 2026.

Deadline: 29 May 2026, 5 pm Dublin time.

This is a strong opportunity for candidates interested in interdisciplinary research combining MIR, audio processing, AI/ML, and Irish musical heritage.