Research Ireland Pathways

Maynooth University’s Department of Chemistry is advertising a fully funded PhD position in polymer-hybrid anion-exchange membranes for electrochemical energy applications. The project is supported by the Research Ireland Pathways programme and is based in the Simulation of Structures Across Scales (SUSAS-group) under the supervision of Dr. Sousa Javannikkhah.

The research combines computational chemistry, materials science, polymer physics, and electrochemistry. The PhD student will work on molecular-scale, coarse-grained, and mesoscale modelling of polymer-hybrid anion-exchange membranes, including DFT, molecular dynamics, Monte Carlo, and related simulation approaches. The project also emphasizes data-driven materials design, scientific programming, machine-learning-assisted analysis, and validation against experimental observations.

Funding is strong: the scholarship provides a €25,000 annual stipend, annual tuition fee support, and contribution to research/travel costs, for up to four years of full-time study. The awardees are expected to be resident in Ireland and enrolled full-time at Maynooth University.

Eligibility is aimed at applicants with a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Chemistry, Physics, Materials Science/Engineering, Computational Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related field, with at least a 2.1 or equivalent. Strong computational skills, numerical analysis ability, and interest in scientific programming are important. Prior experience with simulation software and data-driven methods is desirable. Applicants whose first language is not English must meet Maynooth University English language requirements.

To apply, prepare a single PDF containing a personal statement, CV, short research proposal (up to 1000 words), transcripts, and two referees’ contact details. Submit via the university portal (MUApply) and email the completed application to [email protected]. The closing date is Friday 26 June 2026.