PhD in Performance Optimisation of Engineered Wood Products (EWPs) using Irish-grown softwoods

The successful candidate will work alongside the TU Dublin Project Lead, Dr Sameer Mehra, and will be co-supervised by Damien Cross at the Wood and Bio-based Materials Research Group (WBMRG), TU Dublin - City Campus, Dublin, in collaboration across all project partners as appropriate on the BIOFABRICATE Project: Integrated Bio-based Innovations for Sustainable Manufacturing, Construction, and Pharmaceutical Applications from Irish Forest Biomass. The BIOFABRICATE Project is a multi-institutional programme of research led by the University of Galway (UoG), involving Atlantic Technological University (ATU), Trinity College Dublin (TCD), Dublin City University (DCU), Teagasc and a number of industry partners. This project aims to develop and validate advanced bio-based materials and technologies from the growing supply of Irish forest biomass, for applications in engineered timber construction, manufacturing, food packaging and pharmaceuticals.

The successful candidate will work on optimising EWPs' performance using C16-grade Irish softwoods. By leveraging the project team's existing knowledge of EWP production, the candidate will work to enhance performance through the integration of modified wood, nanocellulose, bio-adhesives, and bio-coatings. This research is part of Task 5, "Material Innovation and Small-Scale Prototyping of Bio-Based and Circular Engineered Wood Products," which aims to advance sustainable, bio-based, and circular engineered wood systems for structural applications in Ireland. The successful candidate will investigate prototype EWP development using Irish-grown softwoods, focusing on improving mechanical performance, durability, dimensional stability, and overall sustainability through material innovation. The research will involve utilising lignin- and tannin-based adhesives, nanocellulose-based additives, and bio-coatings with fire-retardant and antimicrobial properties. Additionally, the candidate will contribute performance data and prototypes for structural-scale testing, numerical modelling, and life-cycle analysis in subsequent tasks. The candidate will work closely with project partners at UoG, TCD, DCU, ATU Galway, and Teagasc, as well as industry collaborators, offering excellent opportunities for research, training, industry engagement, and dissemination.

Health, Engineering and Materials Science Research Hub - https://www.tudublin.ie/research-innovation/research/discover-our-research/research-hubs/health-engineering-materials-science/

School of Architecture, Building and Environment (SABE) –

https://www.tudublin.ie/explore/faculties-and-schools/engineering-built-environment/architecture-building-and-environment/

Essential requirements/ Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree (minimum 2.1 grade or equivalent) in wood science, timber technology, wood science and engineering, timber engineering, civil or structural engineering, materials science, manufacturing, construction technology, or a closely related discipline.
• Have valid authorisation to reside, work and travel freely in the European Union for the duration of the project.
• Fluency in English and excellent written, report writing and oral presentation skills
• Have good organisational, management and prioritising skills.
• Have the ability to work on own initiative or as part of a team.
• Have good IT and social networking skills.
• Have good interpersonal, oral and written communication skills

Desirable requirements/ Qualifications

• Knowledge of timber mechanics, timber engineering and physical properties of wood
• Experience working with Bio-based adhesives and coatings
• Microscopic analysis of wood
• Experience in timber materials, laboratory testing, CAD/CAM, material characterisation, structural design, sustainable construction, or prototype development would be advantageous.
•  Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• A full, clean Irish/European Union driving licence.

The candidate must be self-motivated and willing to acquire the broader skills necessary for the successful completion of a PhD.

If either English or Irish is not the applicant’s first language, evidence of English language proficiency is required for registration. Please refer to the web link  English Language Requirements | Technological University Dublin to view the minimum English language proficiency standards for entry to TU Dublin.

Project Start Date: September 1st, 2026

Funding Agency: Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine Thematic Research Call 2025 (Project Ref: 2025R_544)

Student Stipend per annum: €25,000

Fees covered by the funding per annum: EU tuition fees will be covered by the project

 € 5,500

Materials & Travel Budget per annum: Covered by the project funding

Duration of Funding: 48 Months

Application Closing Date: July 21^st, 2026

 Applicants should submit:

• A Curriculum Vitae (maximum 4 pages, including 2 referees).
• A copy of academic transcripts.
• A Personal Statement (maximum 1 page) outlining:
• How you meet the position's requirements.
• Why you wish to pursue this PhD research program.

Applications must be submitted to sameer.mehra@tudublin.ie  and cc'd to damien.cross@tudublin.ie  (Subject line: "Application to BIOFABRICATE_PhD 2 - [Your Name]"). Note: Applications missing this exact subject line may not be recorded. Please ensure all documents are attached as a single Word or PDF file.