Funded PhDs: Rinn artificial intelligence: Simulation modelling and AI for resilient health service systems (WINTER project)

We are offering PhD studentships in a multi-institutional, interdisciplinary research centre Rinn Artificial Intelligence, funded by Research Ireland, in areas such as foundational methods, translational methods, data and processing, people-centred AI, democratic governance, society and culture and health.

  • Principal investigator(s) Professor Breda Smyth
  • Research theme Neurological and Psychiatric Disorders, Population Health and Health Services

We are currently recruiting two PhDs as part of Rinn Artificial intelligence (AI): Centre for data science and AI for the September 2026 intake.

These studentships are available through a cohort-based PhD training programme. Applications are sought from a broad range of graduates in computer science, health sciences, life science, mathematics and statistics.

Alongside their individual PhD research, students will benefit from a structured, cohort-based PhD training programme. Dedicated career and skills development activities will also be offered.

The project theme is simulation modelling and AI for resilient health service systems. The WINTER project aims to optimise healthcare resilience and resource allocation during winter virus surges using advanced simulation modelling, AI and real-time health intelligence tools. The project would suit people from data science, mathematical sciences, AI, health sciences or public health.

We are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) and particularly encourage applications from under-represented groups.

Funding

Studentships provide a stipend of €25,000 per year for four years with additional funds available to support conference attendance and training activities and fees.

About RCSI

These projects will be hosted at RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences. RCSI is a community of academic, research, clinical and professional staff working collaboratively to lead the world to better health.

RCSI recognises that excellence in research is critical to the quality of its educational activities, its credibility, and, overall, to its mission to enhance human health. RCSI’s research strategy aims to build upon its strength in translational biomedical and clinical research to deliver transformational, high impact changes in health care.

The RCSI School of Population Health is looking to transform the way that population-level data and research platforms are deployed in Ireland to make key decisions for improved health outcomes. 

Tenure: Four years

Start date: 1 October 2026

Specification

Minimum requirements

  • Mandatory upper second class (2.1) in relevant subject including computer science, computational biology, data science, health sciences.
  • Applicants whose first language is not English must satisfy RCSI’s English language requirements for postgraduate study. Typically, this includes an IELTS score of 6.5–7.0 overall (or equivalent qualification accepted by RCSI).

Desirable candidate specifications

  • Experience of health or medical data would be desirable.

Application process

Please apply for the research project through the link below.

Applicants must complete the application form:

Apply now

Application deadline: 3 July 2026

Shortlisting: 10 July 2026

Interviews: Week of 20 or 27 July 2026

Please note:

  • 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.
  • For successful candidates, referees will also be contacted at this stage for a reference.