Call for Applications: Centre for Humanitarian Action at UCD with PhD Position Opening

The Centre for Humanitarian Action (UCD CHA) at University College Dublin’s School of Agriculture and Food Science is pleased to offer a fully funded Ad Astra doctoral scholarship on a subject related to the intersection of governance and the fields of disaster risk reduction and/or climate adaptation.

Potential study areas could include, but are not limited to, vulnerability and risk assessment, risk perception of diverse stakeholders, and the role of the state and/or humanitarian actors in disaster risk reduction/climate adaptation. Proposed projects can draw on various disciplinary or theoretical approaches but should involve a substantial empirical case or cases.

UCD Centre for Humanitarian Action

The UCD Centre for Humanitarian Action (CHA) provides an inspiring and professionally enriching environment for academic and professional growth. Our team is at the forefront of groundbreaking research, addressing critical issues within the humanitarian sector. Spanning a diverse array of disciplines, our research tackles some of the most pressing challenges faced by communities in need around the world, ensuring that our work remains both relevant and impactful in the field of humanitarian action.

At UCD CHA, we emphasize the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration. Through strong partnerships across the university, we bring together experts from various fields to enhance both research and teaching in humanitarian action. This integrative approach ensures a more holistic understanding of the complexities involved in humanitarian work, from emergency response to long- term development.

Moreover, UCD CHA is deeply committed to fostering global partnerships, particularly with collaborators in the Global South. These active research collaborations focus on key humanitarian themes such as resilience in the face of crises, the localisation of aid efforts, and addressing the pervasive issue of gender-based violence. By engaging with partners on the ground and prioritizing locally driven solutions, UCD CHA contributes to more sustainable and contextually appropriate responses to humanitarian challenges.

In this dynamic environment, researchers and students alike have the opportunity to contribute to meaningful projects, develop new expertise, and make a tangible difference in global humanitarian efforts. Further details can be found on our website.

The successful candidate will undertake a PhD at UCD Centre for Humanitarian Action under the supervision of Dr Ronan McDermott, starting in January 2025.

The scholarship will provide:

• Tuition fees at up to the non-EU rate;
• A yearly stipend of €22,000; and
• An annual research budget of €4,000 for research-related expenses such as data collection, attending conferences, etc.

The scholarship is tenable for a maximum of four years, renewable each year subject to satisfactory progress. The scholarship is available on a full-time basis only.
Application process:

Applications should be sent to Dr Ronan McDermott (ronan.mcdermott@ucd.ie) by end of day 7th November 2024 with the subject line “Ad Astra Doctoral Scholarship Application” and the candidate’s name.

Applications should include the following documents in PDF format:
• A cover letter (one page maximum) stating the reasons for interest in the scholarship and topic area;
• A short research proposal (1,000-1,500 words maximum) which should include: a statement of your proposed focus area within the broader theme of disaster risk reduction/climate adaptation; a brief literature review that points to work on which the proposed focus could build; and a brief discussion of the proposed methodology;
• Copies of all academic transcripts. If you are currently in a Master's programme and do not have your final result, all transcripts to date need to be included;
• CV or resume;
• The names and contact details for two academic references; and
• Evidence of English language competence (where non-native English-speaking applicants have NOT obtained previous university degrees from a university in an English-speaking country). Click on the link below for further details: English Language Requirements

The submission of original academic transcripts and other documentation will be required as a condition of the final award of a place on the programme.
You may also be requested to conduct a personal or online interview as part of the application process.

Specific questions concerning the doctoral scholarship and application process can be addressed to Dr Ronan McDermott.