PhD: Co-designed framework to address groups most vulnerable to energy poverty (two positions).
Cork, Cork, Ireland
Full Time
Postgraduates, Studentships & Internships
Experienced
PhD: Co-designed framework to address groups most vulnerable to energy poverty (two positions).
About Tyndall
Tyndall National Institute is an international leader in semiconductors, photonics, energy and deep-tech research and innovation. As a leading collaborative European research institute, Tyndall is a key actor and hosting partner in the delivery of the ‘Chips for Europe Initiative’ (EU Chips Act).
Tyndall is Ireland’s leading research and innovation organisation, and it is the national focal point for excellence in deep-tech research, development and graduate training at the convergence of nanotechnology, microelectronics, photonics, electronics and AI. Tyndall is recognised as an international research leader in semiconductor, chip and digital technologies, particularly as applied to the fields of Information & Communications, Health & Life Sciences, Agritech & Food Security, Energy and Climate Mitigation, emerging fields such as quantum, and novel computing paradigms.
The Institute’s key objective is to see frontier research activities having a significant impact on economic development and societal challenges in Ireland, Europe and beyond. Central to Tyndall’s mission is delivering economic impact through research excellence in partnership with industry and academia. With an annual turnover of more than €50m, the Institute has a community of over 600 researchers, engineers, support staff, postgraduate students, interns and industry researchers-in-residence.
With significant committed Irish government support, Tyndall will grow to be 1,000 people by 2030, with approximately 750 researchers, including 250 PhD students. A new 17,000 m2 research building is under development adjacent to the Cork headquarters and there are developing plans to expand Tyndall’s existing Dublin research labs and to establish other research sites within Ireland.
Tyndall’s expansion is also supported by recent national and EU funding wins for significant (M€10’s) additional research equipment across a range of areas such as semiconductor processing, microscopy, quantum technologies, heterogeneous integration, ultra-high speed optical communications and RF through THz characterisation.
About the Team
Based at the Tyndall National Institute, the International Energy Research Centre (IERC) is Ireland’s leading independent, not-for-profit energy research organisation. It delivers world-class research tailored to the evolving needs of citizens, industry, and stakeholders across the energy ecosystem, maintaining a strictly objective stance free from technological or political bias, and part of the Tyndall National Institute. Its impactful work is supported by a diverse range of funding, including the Irish Government, the EU’s research programmes, Science Foundation Ireland, and the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), alongside key industry collaborators.
IERC invites applications for a PhD Studentship in Socio-Technical Energy Systems – a multidisciplinary approach focusing on the intersection of Social Sciences & Humanities (SSH), and Data Analytics. The successful candidate will contribute to the delivery of the EPCO project (a co-designed framework to address groups most vulnerable to energy poverty), a project funded by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). EPCO will focus on the energy poverty issue (people struggling to afford basic energy needs like heating and lighting) that affects health and quality of life, especially for vulnerable groups such as older people, renters, and those with health conditions. EPCO will work directly with community organisations, advocacy groups, and those affected by energy poverty. Through workshops and collaborative activities, EPCO will gather real-life insights and develop new ways to spot and support people most in need. The project will create practical tools, such as a vulnerability dashboard for policymakers and energy poverty passports to help households access support and upgrades. By using the latest data and involving a wide range of partners, EPCO will help design fairer, more effective policies.
About the Role
The purpose of this role is to support the development of a co-designed framework to address energy poverty amongst the most vulnerable groups. Working within a multidisciplinary team, the PhD researcher will focus on bridge-building between community engagement and technical data analysis. The role involves applying the DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyse, Improve, Control) process to understand the lived experiences of energy poverty while using statistical methods to help develop intersectional vulnerability indices and "energy poverty passports". The successful candidate will ensure that qualitative community insights are robustly integrated with quantitative data to create actionable policy tools.
Key Duties & Responsibilities
The researcher will be responsible for the day-to-day execution of activities related to stakeholder engagement and data collection. This includes designing and conducting surveys, facilitating workshops with advocacy groups, and performing statistical analysis on the resulting datasets. The candidate will work to ensure that the Vulnerability Framework accurately reflects both the socio-economic reality of vulnerable households and the technical requirements of national energy monitoring systems.
Contract: Full Time/Fixed Term
Duration: Fully funded for four years.
The annual stipend is €25,000.00. In addition, annual tuition fees will be paid by the Tyndall National Institute.
Informal enquiries can be made in confidence to Dr Fábio Silva.
The closing date for applications for this position is 1pm, 29th May 2026.
Application Instructions
Please make sure to attach an up-to-date CV/Resume AND a brief motivation letter outlining how you meet the ‘Essential Criteria’ for this role.
Postgraduate applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence of English language proficiency as per UCC regulations (https://www.ucc.ie/en/study/comparison/english/postgraduate/). Certificates should be valid (usually less than 2 years old) and should be uploaded with their application.
Please note that Garda vetting and/or an international police clearance check may form part of the selection process. The University, at its discretion, may undertake to make an additional appointment(s) from this competition following the conclusion of the process.
Please note that an appointment to posts advertised will be dependent on university approval, together with the terms of the employment control framework for the higher education sector. Tyndall National Institute does not require the assistance of recruitment agencies. Tyndall National Institute at University College, Cork is an Equal Opportunities Employer.
About Tyndall
Tyndall National Institute is an international leader in semiconductors, photonics, energy and deep-tech research and innovation. As a leading collaborative European research institute, Tyndall is a key actor and hosting partner in the delivery of the ‘Chips for Europe Initiative’ (EU Chips Act).
Tyndall is Ireland’s leading research and innovation organisation, and it is the national focal point for excellence in deep-tech research, development and graduate training at the convergence of nanotechnology, microelectronics, photonics, electronics and AI. Tyndall is recognised as an international research leader in semiconductor, chip and digital technologies, particularly as applied to the fields of Information & Communications, Health & Life Sciences, Agritech & Food Security, Energy and Climate Mitigation, emerging fields such as quantum, and novel computing paradigms.
The Institute’s key objective is to see frontier research activities having a significant impact on economic development and societal challenges in Ireland, Europe and beyond. Central to Tyndall’s mission is delivering economic impact through research excellence in partnership with industry and academia. With an annual turnover of more than €50m, the Institute has a community of over 600 researchers, engineers, support staff, postgraduate students, interns and industry researchers-in-residence.
With significant committed Irish government support, Tyndall will grow to be 1,000 people by 2030, with approximately 750 researchers, including 250 PhD students. A new 17,000 m2 research building is under development adjacent to the Cork headquarters and there are developing plans to expand Tyndall’s existing Dublin research labs and to establish other research sites within Ireland.
Tyndall’s expansion is also supported by recent national and EU funding wins for significant (M€10’s) additional research equipment across a range of areas such as semiconductor processing, microscopy, quantum technologies, heterogeneous integration, ultra-high speed optical communications and RF through THz characterisation.
About the Team
Based at the Tyndall National Institute, the International Energy Research Centre (IERC) is Ireland’s leading independent, not-for-profit energy research organisation. It delivers world-class research tailored to the evolving needs of citizens, industry, and stakeholders across the energy ecosystem, maintaining a strictly objective stance free from technological or political bias, and part of the Tyndall National Institute. Its impactful work is supported by a diverse range of funding, including the Irish Government, the EU’s research programmes, Science Foundation Ireland, and the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), alongside key industry collaborators.
IERC invites applications for a PhD Studentship in Socio-Technical Energy Systems – a multidisciplinary approach focusing on the intersection of Social Sciences & Humanities (SSH), and Data Analytics. The successful candidate will contribute to the delivery of the EPCO project (a co-designed framework to address groups most vulnerable to energy poverty), a project funded by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). EPCO will focus on the energy poverty issue (people struggling to afford basic energy needs like heating and lighting) that affects health and quality of life, especially for vulnerable groups such as older people, renters, and those with health conditions. EPCO will work directly with community organisations, advocacy groups, and those affected by energy poverty. Through workshops and collaborative activities, EPCO will gather real-life insights and develop new ways to spot and support people most in need. The project will create practical tools, such as a vulnerability dashboard for policymakers and energy poverty passports to help households access support and upgrades. By using the latest data and involving a wide range of partners, EPCO will help design fairer, more effective policies.
About the Role
The purpose of this role is to support the development of a co-designed framework to address energy poverty amongst the most vulnerable groups. Working within a multidisciplinary team, the PhD researcher will focus on bridge-building between community engagement and technical data analysis. The role involves applying the DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyse, Improve, Control) process to understand the lived experiences of energy poverty while using statistical methods to help develop intersectional vulnerability indices and "energy poverty passports". The successful candidate will ensure that qualitative community insights are robustly integrated with quantitative data to create actionable policy tools.
Key Duties & Responsibilities
The researcher will be responsible for the day-to-day execution of activities related to stakeholder engagement and data collection. This includes designing and conducting surveys, facilitating workshops with advocacy groups, and performing statistical analysis on the resulting datasets. The candidate will work to ensure that the Vulnerability Framework accurately reflects both the socio-economic reality of vulnerable households and the technical requirements of national energy monitoring systems.
- Execute co-design activities with community partners to identify the specific needs of groups vulnerable to energy poverty.
- Perform data analysis and statistical modelling to support the creation of intersectional vulnerability indices.
- Support the development and testing of project tools, such as the energy poverty dashboard and community-led frameworks.
- Engage in the wider research and scholarly activities of the group, such as outreach and public engagement.
- Carry out administrative work to assist the programme of research as necessary.
- Engage in the dissemination of the results of the research, as directed by and with the support of senior research staff.
- Collaborate with colleagues and the industrial partner to achieve the most impactful outcomes.
- Reporting and presenting the work regularly (internal and external)
- Participate in Education and Public Engagement activities, as required.
- Ensure all activities comply with the Tyndall Quality Management system and required Health & Safety standards.
- Carry out any additional duties as may reasonably be required within the general scope and level of the post.
- A high honours degree in a multidisciplinary field such as Social Sciences, Environmental Science, or a related discipline with a strong quantitative component.
- Foundational technical proficiency in statistical analysis or data handling (consistent with undergraduate/entry-level research).
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage diplomatically with diverse stakeholders.
- Writing skills for the preparation of research reports and academic publications.
- Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary research team.
- High levels of initiative and being a self-starter.
- Flexibility to travel for fieldwork and stakeholder workshops.
- A Master’s degree in a field relevant to energy policy, social justice, or data analytics.
- Familiarity with the DMAIC framework or similar project management and improvement methodologies.
- Experience using data analysis software or languages (e.g., SPSS, R, Python, or Excel for advanced statistics).
- Knowledge of the energy poverty landscape or social policy in an Irish or European context.
- Experience in public engagement or working with non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
- Interest in intersectionality and its application to energy or climate transitions.
- Presentation experience at workshops or student conferences.
- A generous tax-free scholarship stipend payment including tuition fees covered.
- 20 days per annum annual leave for full-time research students, in addition to public holidays.
- Full coverage of travel expenses to international conferences to present project outcomes.
- Training and development opportunities are also provided.
- Mardyke Sports Arena - Students – free when registered with UCC
- Free Park and Ride Service
- Also see here for more information
Contract: Full Time/Fixed Term
Duration: Fully funded for four years.
The annual stipend is €25,000.00. In addition, annual tuition fees will be paid by the Tyndall National Institute.
Informal enquiries can be made in confidence to Dr Fábio Silva.
The closing date for applications for this position is 1pm, 29th May 2026.
Application Instructions
Please make sure to attach an up-to-date CV/Resume AND a brief motivation letter outlining how you meet the ‘Essential Criteria’ for this role.
Postgraduate applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence of English language proficiency as per UCC regulations (https://www.ucc.ie/en/study/comparison/english/postgraduate/). Certificates should be valid (usually less than 2 years old) and should be uploaded with their application.
Please note that Garda vetting and/or an international police clearance check may form part of the selection process. The University, at its discretion, may undertake to make an additional appointment(s) from this competition following the conclusion of the process.
Please note that an appointment to posts advertised will be dependent on university approval, together with the terms of the employment control framework for the higher education sector. Tyndall National Institute does not require the assistance of recruitment agencies. Tyndall National Institute at University College, Cork is an Equal Opportunities Employer.
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