Details of the Scholarship Award

The Department of Sociology at Maynooth University and Maynooth University Social Sciences Institute are pleased to announce that a PhD Scholarship will be available for a suitably qualified and successful applicant intending to commence their PhD studies in October 2026. This scholarship is available through the national research centre Rinn Artificial Intelligence – Research & Innovation in Data Science and AI, funded by Research Ireland. 

Under the supervision of Dr Delma Byrne, the successful candidate will work on a cutting-edge project in the broad area of AI, public services and social stratification, with a specific focus on youth transitions through education, training, youth labour markets and welfare services, using a range of methodological approaches (qualitative and quantitative). 

We are interested in candidates who want to generate new knowledge and write an innovative PhD thesis in the broad areas related to the delivery of AI in public services and youth transitions, particularly in the areas of education, training, youth labour markets, and welfare services. Relevant topics include, but are not limited to: 

• The role of AI and data science in public services and youth transitions. 
• How developments in AI and data science are: 
  • shaping youth labour markets and access to the labour market;
  • shaping the delivery of and access to welfare services for young people;
  • shaping education and training, and access to and experiences of education and training at all levels (including academic, vocational) for young people;
• How developments in AI and data science are (re)shaping inequalities in young people’s outcomes and experiences. 

Value of PhD Scholarship Award

The award is a fully funded PhD Scholarship for four years, commencing October 2026 and running to completion in September 2030. The following funding is available for the successful applicant:

• Student stipend: €25,000 per annum for four years 
• Annual Tuition Fees Support for four years
• Research/ Travel Costs: Additional funds are available for materials, training, research and travel costs over the lifetime of the scholarship 

The scholarship is awarded for four years of full-time study, subject to satisfactory annual academic progression.

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.

Eligibility Criteria

Minimum first class or 2.1 honours in primary degree, or have a relevant Master’s degree in sociology, education, social policy, social psychology, anthropology, economics or related fields. 

Key requirements include: 

• Strong interest/background in at least one of the areas: social impacts of AI, social inequalities, youth transitions, public services/public policy 
• Advanced quantitative and/or qualitative research skills (including ethnography) 
• Experience of using one or more relevant statistical software (i.e., SPSS, R, Stata, Python, MAXQDA or other qualitative data analysis software)
• Strong theoretical and research design skills 
• Willingness to work in an interdisciplinary environment 
• Willingness to take part in an immersive enrichment engagement
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively 

Application and Selection Process

Please include the following in your application: 

•            Personal statement/Motivation letter (max. 2 pages)

•            Curriculum Vitae in your preferred format 

•            Research proposal (max. 4,000 words)

•            A sample of writing (preferably in English) 

•            Relevant final academic transcripts

•            Names and contact details of two referees

Informal queries can be sent to Delma.Byrne@mu.iewith the subject line ‘Expression of Interest – PhD Position in AI and Youth Transitions.’ 

Closing Date: Please apply by 5pm on Friday 18th September 2026.

Application Process: Please apply here: https://forms.gle/U6eQcbuyPhvKrxXW7 and indicate the Research Theme as Equitable Access & Input, the Host institution as Maynooth University,  and the Supervisor Name in the appropriate place in the form. 

Please visit the Maynooth University website or see the attached document for further information.