PhD Scholarship – Rockall Ocean Climate Influence on Scotland and Ireland (ROCSI)

About the Project

The Department of Geography and Irish Climate Research and Analysis (ICARUS) at Maynooth University is pleased to announce a fully funded PhD Scholarship commencing October 2026.

The Rockall Ocean Climate influence on Scotland and Ireland (ROCSI) project investigates the importance of the Rockall Trough, located to the west of Ireland, for the climates of Ireland and Scotland, focusing on both static (property) and dynamic (circulation-driven) ocean influences and their links to atmospheric and terrestrial climate variability. The research integrates analysis of long-term observational oceanic datasets, ocean and atmospheric reanalyses, and opportunities for research cruise participation through Irish and UK ocean observing programmes.

The project is organised around several tasks including analysis of ocean temperature, salinity, and circulation variability, statistical climate analysis, and interpretation of links between ocean change and climate in Ireland and Scotland.

Scholarship Value

• Student stipend: €25,000 per annum.
• Annual Tuition Fees Support.
• Eligible research costs (including travel) of €3,000 per annum.
• Duration: up to 4 years, commencing October 2026.

Role of the Student

Work will be undertaken under the primary supervision of Dr Gerard McCarthy (Maynooth University), with additional guidance from co-supervisors at the Marine Institute, Dr Eoghan Daly, and the Scottish Association for Marine Science, Dr Neil Fraser.

Principal Duties

• Undertaking analysis of oceanographic and climate datasets, including gridded observations, reanalysis products, and state estimates, with responsibility (following training) for data selection, quality control, and analysis.
• Analysing temperature, salinity, and heat transport variability in the Rockall Trough and assessing links to atmospheric conditions, surface heat fluxes, and climate variability in Ireland and Scotland.
• Applying statistical and computational methods (e.g. correlation analysis, lagged relationships, spectral analysis, EOFs and causal frameworks) to ocean–climate interactions.
• Participating in fieldwork, including Marine Institute climate hydrography cruises and at least one UK OSNAP/Ellett array research cruise in 2028, gaining training in CTD acquisition and ocean observing techniques.
• Collaborating with project partners in Ireland and Scotland and undertaking an extended research visit to the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) for specialist training.
• Completing required structured PhD modules and transferable skills training at Maynooth University.
• Disseminating research outputs through peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, and engagement with other communities.
• Contributing to open and reproducible research practices, including code and data publication in line with FAIR and open science principles.

Eligibility Criteria

• Hold, or expect to obtain by the start date, a first-class or 2.1 honours degree in a relevant discipline (e.g. physical oceanography, climate science, geography, physics, environmental science, mathematics, or a closely related field), or hold a relevant Master's degree.
• Demonstrate a strong quantitative background and ability to work with environmental or climate datasets.
• Have experience with data analysis and programming (e.g. Python, R, MATLAB or similar).
• Show clear motivation to undertake doctoral research in oceanography and climate science.
• Be able to work independently as well as collaboratively within an international research team.
• Possess strong written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Previous fieldwork or laboratory experience related to marine or environmental science is desirable.

Awardees must be resident in Ireland and available to pursue their programme of research on a full-time basis at Maynooth University for four years.

How to Apply

Please submit a personal statement outlining your motivation and suitability, a Curriculum Vitae, and the names and contact details of two academic referees directly to: gerard.mccarthy@mu.ie

Closing date: 5pm on 14th June 2026.

More information via: LinkedIn post