3 × Fully-Funded PhD Scholarships - Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Project “Noise 2050”

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Project “Noise 2050”

3 × Fully-Funded PhD Scholarships

(4 years, expected start: autumn 2025 — flexible)

The EPA-funded Noise 2050 project will forecast Ireland’s acoustic environment to 2050, engage citizens in large-scale noise monitoring and design the next generation of mitigation solutions. We are now recruiting three inter-linked PhD researchers, each hosted at a different university but trained through a single, joint programme. Candidates may apply for one, two or all three positions via a common application (details below).

Why join Noise 2050?

• 4-year scholarship covering 100 % EU tuition fees + tax-free stipend (≈ €25 k p.a.)
• Supervision by Ireland’s leading noise-research teams and cross-institutional co-supervision
• Shared doctoral training, industry/EPA workshops, funded conference travel and short visits to partner labs
• Access to state-of-the-art modelling suites, class-1 monitoring equipment and the citizen-science platforms

Position 1 – Modelling the Future Noise Environment – Trinity College Dublin (School of Engineering)

You will build national-scale models that predict road, rail, air and emerging sources (UAVs, heat pumps, offshore wind) out to 2050. Tasks include compiling big-data inputs, developing CNOSSOS-EU compliant simulations, validating predictions with field/lab measurements and mapping future hot-spots.

Ideal profile: honours degree (2.1 +/MSc) in mechanical / civil / environmental engineering, physics or a related quantitative field; strong computing skills (Python/MATLAB/GIS); interest in transport or urban futures.

Position 2 – Citizen-Science & Noise-Health – University College Dublin (School of Architecture, Planning and Environmental Policy)

You will design Ireland’s first large-scale participatory noise monitoring campaign. Using the Silencio app, noise dosimetry and community workshops, you will collect and analyse spatial–temporal datasets, link exposure to EU health indicators and co-produce a Local Area Noise Action Plan for a national noise hot-spot.

Ideal profile: honours degree (2.1 +/MSc) in environmental science, data science, public health, geography or similar; experience with R/Python statistics; enthusiasm for citizen engagement and fieldwork.

Position 3 – Innovative Noise-Mitigation – University of Galway (Galway Sound Lab)

You will evaluate classic and novel interventions—quiet pavements, vegetated barriers, acoustic metamaterials, traffic management—through simulation and a real-world case study, then model nationwide roll-out and co-benefits with smart-mobility initiatives.

Ideal profile: honours degree (2.1 +/MSc) in mechanical / civil engineering, acoustics, materials, or related; aptitude for experimental measurements and cost-benefit analysis; creativity in sustainable design

General eligibility & skills

• Excellent written and spoken English
• EU/EEA or international applicants welcome (Funding covers EU fees only)
• Team-player ready to collaborate across the three campuses; periodic travel within Ireland is expected
• Programming or GIS experience (all posts); prior acoustics exposure advantageous but not essential

How to apply (single application for all three posts)

Combine into one PDF: CV (max 3 pages), statement of motivation indicating the position(s) you wish to be considered for, academic transcripts & contact details for two referees.

Email to john.kennedy@tcd.ie with subject “Noise 2050 PhD Application – [Your Name]”.

Deadline: 30^th June 2025 (23:59 IST). Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a joint online interview panel in July; offers will follow ranked preference.

Contact & further information

Informal queries:

• Dr. John Kennedy (TCD) – Future Noise Modelling – john.kennedy@tcd.ie
• Prof. Enda Murphy (UCD) – Citizen Science & Noise-Health – enda.murphy@ucd.ie
• Dr. Eoin King (UG) – Noise Mitigation Engineering – eoin.king@universityofgalway.ie

Project page: www.tcd.ie/mecheng/research/fluids-acoustics--vibration/projects/noise-2050

Shape Ireland’s soundscape of the future - apply now and make your research heard!

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