About the Fellowship
The MLitt in Palaeolimnology at the University of Galway is a prestigious, fully funded two-year postgraduate research scholarship focused on reconstructing past climates through lake sediment analysis. Aligned with the CORE project, the fellowship aims to address inconsistencies in Ireland’s palaeoclimatic record using innovative, high-resolution, and interdisciplinary methodologies. The successful candidate will join the Palaeoenvironmental Research Unit and contribute to globally relevant climate science and policy through cutting-edge palaeoclimate research.
Fellowship / Details
- Position Title: MLitt Research Scholarship in Palaeolimnology
- Host Institution: University of Galway, School of Geography, Archaeology and Irish Studies
- Administering Body / Funding Agency: CORE Project, Palaeoenvironmental Research Unit
- Location: Galway, Ireland
- Research Field(s): Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoenvironmental Science, Geography, Geoscience
- Fellowship Type: Full-time MLitt Scholarship
- Level: Early-career
- Fellowship Duration: 2 years
- Expected Start Date: 1 September 2025
- Working Hours: As per institutional norms
- Funding/Compensation:
- Stipend: €25,000 per annum (tax-exempt)
- University fees covered (€5,750 per annum)
- Required Degree/Diploma: Upper Second Class Honours, Grade 1 (or equivalent international qualification) in Geography, Geoscience, Natural Sciences, or a related discipline.
Supported Research Fields / Areas
- Palaeolimnology
- Palaeoclimatology
- Environmental Reconstruction
- Climate Change and Earth Sciences
Eligibility & Qualifications
Minimum Requirements:
- Upper Second Class Honours, Grade 1 or equivalent in a relevant field
- Undergraduate thesis in palaeoclimatology, palaeolimnology, or related areas
- Strong English language proficiency
- Experience with dissection microscopes, specimen identification, and laboratory protocols
- Skills in data acquisition, management, quality control, and scientific reporting
Preferred Qualifications:
- Background in chironomid subfossil analysis
- Familiarity with statistical tools (R, Excel, Canoco, C2, etc.)
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively
- High motivation and attention to detail
Not Eligible:
- Applicants without valid academic qualifications as listed above
- Late submissions (after the deadline)
Fellowship/Job Benefits
- Monthly stipend: €2,083/month (tax-free)
- University tuition: Fully covered
- Research supervision: By leading climate researchers
- Access to laboratories: Full access to palaeoenvironmental research labs
- Professional development: Opportunities to present and publish research
- Collaboration: With academic and field-based research teams
- Visa support: For non-EU candidates
Key Responsibilities
- Develop a chironomid-based palaeotemperature reconstruction for the Late-glacial period
- Collaborate with supervisors and team members on data integration
- Analyse and synthesise multi-proxy datasets including isotopic, elemental, and pollen data
- Participate in academic writing, presentations, and potential publication efforts
Application Process
How to Apply:
Email your complete application as a single PDF to Dr Karen Taylor at karen.taylor@universityofgalway.ie
Required Documents:
- CV (max 2 pages, include percentage grades)
- Cover Letter (max 2 pages, detailing interest and fit)
- Contact details for two academic referees
Important Dates
- Application Opens: Currently open
- Deadline: 30 June 2025, 17:00 IST
- Interview Period: July 2025 (tentative)
- Final Results Notification: August 2025
- Fellowship Start Date: 1 September 2025
Where to Apply
- Institution Website: https://www.universityofgalway.ie
- Official Fellowship Notification: Visit Palaeoenvironmental Research Unit
- Apply Online Here: Email application to karen.taylor@universityofgalway.ie
