Open positions
1 advertised PhD opportunity
Our current funded vacancy is listed below. For other ways to join the lab, explore the PhD and postdoctoral funding routes further down this page.
Intelligent Coordination for Open RAN & Non-Terrestrial Networks
Develop intelligent control and resource management methods connecting terrestrial 5G/6G networks with LEO satellite networks. Relevant experience includes networking, AI/ML, programming and simulation.
Application deadline:
- €25,000 per year
- Tax-free PhD stipend
- Full tuition fees
- Covered by the scholarship
- Dublin + Beijing
- Annual Beijing placement, September to December
- Additional support
- Travel, living costs in China and paid teaching assistant work, as outlined in the advert
Postdoctoral positions: no specific open postdoctoral vacancy is listed here at present. Researchers interested in fellowship applications can explore the postdoctoral routes below.
Doing a PhD at UCD
A PhD in the School of Computer Science typically takes four years of full-time study. UCD’s Structured PhD combines original research with taught modules, research training and professional development.
Route 01
Apply for a funded position
Apply to an advertised project with an agreed research topic and funding package. Read the individual advert for eligibility, required documents, funding duration, fee coverage and how to apply.
Route 02
Develop a proposal together
If your research interests fit NIA, contact us to discuss a topic and a suitable scholarship route. Supervision and proposal development depend on research fit, capacity and the requirements of the funding scheme.
Before you apply
The School normally requires a 2:1 honours degree or equivalent in a relevant technical discipline, plus evidence of English proficiency where applicable. Secure a supervisor’s support before making a formal research degree application. Individual projects may have additional requirements.
PhD funding routes
These schemes provide potential routes to funding. They are separate from the advertised NIA vacancy above, and each has its own selection process.
UCD–China Scholarship Council
UCD application window: to . Eligible citizens of the People’s Republic of China must first secure agreement from a UCD supervisor.
UCD covers tuition fees and CSC supports living expenses and airfare. UCD currently lists a stipend of €16,200 per year. Candidates must meet both UCD and CSC requirements, including the scheme’s return-to-China condition. Contact us early to discuss a research proposal.
Research Ireland has integrated the former Government of Ireland postgraduate scholarship and postdoctoral fellowship programmes into Empower, which supports PhD studentships and postdoctoral fellowships through eligible higher education institutions.
The current call is for institutions, rather than individual applicants. Watch for UCD announcements about any resulting opportunities and their selection process.
If you hold an external scholarship, or plan to apply for support through your employer, a government agency or an industry partner, contact us with the scheme details and your proposed research topic.
Before applying, establish the stipend, tuition fee coverage, duration, eligibility and any co-funding requirements. A funding discussion does not constitute an offer of admission.
Postdoctoral research at NIA
Join through an advertised research position or propose a fellowship hosted by NIA. We welcome enquiries aligned with the lab’s work on Open RAN, network automation, satellite networks and decentralised systems.
Research positions
Apply to an advertised role
Postdoctoral roles are linked to specific projects. The official job description sets out the duties, essential qualifications, salary, contract duration and selection process. Submit applications through the route specified in that advert.
Fellowship proposals
MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships
Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions support researchers developing a project with a host institution. European Fellowships can support a placement at UCD, subject to the call’s doctoral qualification, research experience and mobility rules.
Contact us well ahead of the relevant call deadline with your CV, research idea and proposed fit with NIA. Hosting and proposal support depend on fit, eligibility and capacity.
Working and developing your career at UCD
UCD provides a Research Careers Framework and professional development support for postdoctoral researchers, alongside practical guidance for incoming staff.
Start a conversation
Tell us about your research interests
- Identify the route: an advertised PhD, a scholarship proposal, an advertised postdoc or a fellowship.
- Explain the fit: describe the research question you want to explore and how it connects to NIA’s work.
- Include useful context: attach your CV and provide your intended start date, relevant experience, and any funding scheme or deadline.
For advertised positions, follow the advert’s application instructions and include any additional documents requested.
PhD & postdoctoral enquiries
Dr Nima Afraz
Principal Investigator, NIA Lab
School of Computer Science
University College Dublin
Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
Suggested subject: Join NIA | PhD or Postdoc | Your research area
Past opportunities
Archive · applications closed
Previous advertisements and scholarship calls are retained for reference. These listings are closed and are not accepting applications.
UCD China Scholarship Scheme, September 2024 entry
University College Dublin
Application deadline: 31 January 2024.
Trustworthy Open RAN
Munster Technological University
Application deadline: 24 June 2022. Historical external listing.
Blockchain-Based Fact-Checking and Fighting Misinformation
Archived scholarship advertisement. Applications are closed.
Blockchain for Post-5G Communication Networks
UCD School of Computer Science
Originally advertised for a January 2022 start.