Introduction

This fully funded, full-time 4-year PhD project, titled "MASK! Making Aerosol Safety Known," focuses on characterizing the droplet distribution size arising from exhalations through masks of different fabrics and designs. The project aims to bridge the gap in understanding mask performance and protect large-scale human populations from future airborne pandemics. The research will utilize techniques previously developed by the research team at Blackrock Castle Observatory to accurately measure the brightness of point sources in an astronomical context. The PhD candidate will be supported by a multidisciplinary research team of astrophysicists, physicists, photonics experts, and biologists, ensuring the results are applicable and understandable across multiple domains.

Scope of Work

The PhD work will involve designing and setting up an experiment to record images of droplets. The majority of the time will be spent analyzing the data, establishing a robust methodology for estimating the droplet size distribution from the images, and subsequently providing information for use by aero-biologists in assessing the biological efficacy of the masks. The PhD candidate will collaborate with industry partners, spending a minimum of 12 weeks in industry throughout the course of the PhD, and be part of a broad and active research network where the societal impact of the work is centrally valued.

Eligibility

The ideal candidate will have a passion for making a difference in society through their research. They will be based with a team at MTU's Blackrock Castle Observatory, who are experts in the photometry techniques central to the PhD. They will also work with the Centre for Advanced Photonics and Process Analysis, who are experts in image capture of droplets, and with researchers from the Department of Biological Sciences, who are experts in the mobility of airborne diseases.

• Applicants must have achieved at least a second-class higher level (2H1) classification or equivalent in an appropriate discipline area relevant to the research field (e.g., physics, applied physics, astrophysics, mathematical physics, computational physics, data analysis, or computer science) from a recognized degree awarding body OR possess a Master's Degree in an appropriate discipline area relevant to the research field from a recognized degree awarding body.

• Experience with data analysis through a relevant programming language (e.g., Python, C++) or environment (e.g., MatLab)

• Ability to self-direct but also collaborate as part of a multidisciplinary team

Desirable Requirements:

• Data analysis derived from images

• Prior research experience (e.g., in an optics laboratory setting)

• Applied statistics (e.g., machine learning, data science, deep learning)

Budget and Duration

The PhD student will be funded under the national TU-RISE R&I program. The scholarship funding is tax-free and includes payment of University PhD fees (EU or non-EU) and a student stipend at a flat rate of €25,000 per annum, for 4 years.

Additional Information

For applicants whose first language is not English, the English language requirements accepted by MTU for entry into postgraduate studies are:

• IELTS Academic 6.0 (No less than a 5.5 in any one band)

• PTE Academic 51 (Minimum 45 in each component)

• TOEFL IBT 80 min (score of 18 in each component)

• Duolingo score Min of 100

Key Dates

The deadline for applications is 4 November 2024. The PhD starts no later than 1st January 2025.

Application Process

Please send a single PDF file consisting of the following to niall.smith@mtu.ie with 'TU RISE PhD Application' in the subject heading. Please note that applications which are not received in a single file or which lack the required documentation will not be reviewed. Applications received after the closing date will not be reviewed.

• Resume/Curriculum Vitae (CV), including:

  • Education History

  • Relevant skills

  • Research projects/publications

• A cover letter (2-pages max) including:

  • A description of the applicant's research interests

  • Reasons for applying for the position

  The Cover letter must clearly indicate how the applicant's profile and skills fit the requirements of this PhD position.

• Scanned copies of relevant academic transcripts and English language certificates.

• A minimum of two recommendation letters and/or contact information for referees.

Contact Information

For further information or queries, please email niall.smith@mtu.ie.

Reporting Requirements

The PhD Scholar is required to spend at least 12 weeks on placement with an enterprise partner within the four-year term of their doctoral program. The project supervisor/PI (in conjunction with the PhD scholar) is responsible for arranging the student placement with a suitable enterprise partner.

For More funding Opportunities, Visit Global Funding Opportunities.