PhD Scholarships in Energy System Decarbonisation (6 Positions)
Join Rinn Energy’s interdisciplinary PhD programme to drive innovation in sustainable energy systems across Ireland’s leading research institutions.
Best for:Best for recent graduates with a bachelor’s degree in engineering, environmental science, economics, or related fields, seeking interdisciplinary PhD research in energy transition with structured professional development.
Overview
Rinn Energy is a collaborative research initiative focused on decarbonising Ireland’s energy systems through interdisciplinary expertise in engineering, economics, policy, and social sciences. This structured PhD programme offers six fully funded scholarships across partner institutions, including University College Dublin (UCD), University College Cork, and others. Successful candidates will conduct original research within a cohort-based doctoral training framework, combining individual projects with comprehensive skills development for careers in academia, industry, or public service. The programme emphasises a whole-system approach, addressing renewable energy, smart grids, transport, and community-level solutions. Applicants benefit from mentorship, networking, and additional funding for conferences, equipment, and training.
What you'll do
- Conduct original PhD research within a predefined project aligned with Rinn Energy’s decarbonisation goals.
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams across multiple Irish institutions to develop holistic energy solutions.
- Participate in a structured cohort-based doctoral training programme, including skills workshops and professional development activities.
- Present research findings at conferences, seminars, and internal workshops to foster knowledge exchange.
- Engage with stakeholders, policymakers, and industry partners to translate research into actionable insights.
- Contribute to the broader Rinn Energy network by sharing methodologies, data, and best practices with peers.
Requirements
Degree required: Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in engineering, environmental science, economics, social sciences, or a related field. A master’s degree is preferred but not mandatory.
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English; proficiency sufficient for academic research and collaboration (no formal test score required).
Instruction: English
- Strong academic background in a relevant discipline (e.g., engineering, environmental science, economics).
- Ability to conduct independent research with guidance from supervisors.
- Basic proficiency in quantitative methods or data analysis (e.g., statistical tools, modelling software).
- Commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration and teamwork.
- Willingness to engage with stakeholders and policymakers.
- Open to EU and non-EU applicants.
- EU students: automatic fee coverage; non-EU students: potential fee reduction or waiver from host institution.
- No age restrictions, but applicants should demonstrate readiness for doctoral-level research.
- No prior PhD required; bachelor’s degree is the minimum qualification.
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-10-23T17:00:00 (Europe/Dublin)
Applicants must submit their application through the official Rinn Energy portal. The application requires a CV, a research proposal, academic transcripts, and two letters of recommendation. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview. Successful applicants will need to subsequently apply to their host institution for final admission.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Research proposal (detailed outline of intended PhD project)
- Academic transcripts (Bachelor’s and Master’s, if applicable)
- Two letters of recommendation (academic or professional references)
- Proof of English proficiency (if applicable, though not strictly required)
Contact
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