Precision Oncology Ireland scholarship programme

Precision Oncology Ireland (POI) is a consortium of academic, industry, charity and clinical partners, working collaboratively to develop the next-generation of diagnostic and therapeutic options for cancer care, by combining traditional 'wet-lab' biological research with 'dry lab' computational approaches.

  • Principal investigator(s) Prof. Jacintha O’Sullivan, Prof. Darran O’Connor
  • Research theme Cancer

Eight PhD scholarships will be available as co-funded positions, supported by Research Ireland and POI2 partners, Trinity Development and Alumni (supported by philanthropic donations received through TDA) and RCSI.

Projects available investigating: drug resistance in multiple myeloma; novel treatments for pancreatic ductal carcinoma; epigenetic drugs for neuroblastoma; AI-based image analysis in breast cancer; targeting DNA damage pathways in breast cancer metastases; 3D modelling of bone metastases; cancers in adolescents and young adults among others.

Would suit candidates with prior experience of: molecular oncology; immuno-oncology; digital pathology; AI foundational models; multi-omics profiling and analysis; bioengineering; computational biology; population health; epidemiology.

Tenure: Four years

Start date: September 2026

Eligibility

Open to scientific and clinical graduates. Candidates must meet the PhD entry requirements for TCD or RCSI as outlined in the links below:

Contact

Informal queries can be sent directly to the Chairs of the POI2 Training and Professional Development Working Group, below:

Application process

To apply, please access the following link and complete the application form in full.

Apply now

Closing date: 8 June 2026

Please note

  • Scholarship will cover: PhD stipend (€25K per year), fees (EU fees), consumables, and dissemination costs. These PhD scholarships can start from September 2026.
  • It is the candidate’s responsibility to ensure the application form is completed in full and on time – late and/or incomplete applications will not normally be assessed.
  • Unfortunately, we are unable to provide individual feedback to applicants.
  • Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview.
  • At this stage only successful candidates will be contacted to submit, CV, transcripts and other relevant documentation.
  • Only their referees will also be contacted at this stage for a reference.