PhD in Performance Optimisation of Engineered Wood Products (EWPs) using Irish-grown softwoods

The successful candidate will work alongside the TU Dublin Project Lead, Dr
Sameer Mehra, and will be co-supervised by Damien
Cross at the Wood and Bio-based Materials Research Group (WBMRG), TU Dublin
- City Campus, Dublin, in collaboration across all project partners as
appropriate on the BIOFABRICATE Project: Integrated Bio-based Innovations
for Sustainable Manufacturing, Construction, and Pharmaceutical Applications
from Irish Forest Biomass. The BIOFABRICATE Project is a
multi-institutional programme of research led by the University of Galway
(UoG), involving Atlantic Technological University (ATU), Trinity College
Dublin (TCD), Dublin City University (DCU), Teagasc and a number of industry
partners. This project aims to develop and validate advanced bio-based
materials and technologies from the growing supply of Irish forest biomass, for
applications in engineered timber construction, manufacturing, food packaging
and pharmaceuticals.

The successful candidate will work on optimising
EWPs' performance using C16-grade Irish softwoods. By leveraging the project
team's existing knowledge of EWP production, the candidate will work to enhance
performance through the integration of modified wood, nanocellulose,
bio-adhesives, and bio-coatings. This research is part of Task 5,
"Material Innovation and Small-Scale Prototyping of Bio-Based and Circular
Engineered Wood Products," which aims to advance sustainable, bio-based,
and circular engineered wood systems for structural applications in Ireland.
The successful candidate will investigate prototype EWP development using
Irish-grown softwoods, focusing on improving mechanical performance,
durability, dimensional stability, and overall sustainability through material
innovation. The research will involve utilising lignin- and tannin-based
adhesives, nanocellulose-based additives, and bio-coatings with fire-retardant
and antimicrobial properties. Additionally, the candidate will contribute
performance data and prototypes for structural-scale testing, numerical
modelling, and life-cycle analysis in subsequent tasks. The candidate will work
closely with project partners at UoG, TCD, DCU, ATU Galway, and Teagasc, as
well as industry collaborators, offering excellent opportunities for research,
training, industry engagement, and dissemination.

 Student
Requirements for this Project

Essential
requirements/ Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree (minimum 2.1
  grade or equivalent) in wood science, timber technology, wood science and
  engineering, timber engineering, civil or structural engineering,
  materials science, manufacturing, construction technology, or a closely
  related discipline.
• Have valid authorisation to reside, work and
  travel freely in the European Union for the duration of the project.
• Fluency in English and excellent written,
  report writing and oral presentation skills
• Have good organisational, management and
  prioritising skills.
• Have the ability to work on own initiative or
  as part of a team.
• Have good IT and social networking skills.
• Have good interpersonal, oral and written
  communication skills

Desirable
requirements/ Qualifications

• Knowledge of timber mechanics, timber
  engineering and physical properties of wood
• Experience working with Bio-based adhesives
  and coatings
• Microscopic analysis of wood
• Experience in timber materials, laboratory
  testing, CAD/CAM, material characterisation, structural design,
  sustainable construction, or prototype development would be advantageous.
•  Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• A full,
  clean Irish/European Union driving licence.

The candidate must be self-motivated and
willing to acquire the broader skills necessary for the successful completion
of a PhD.

If either English or Irish is not the
applicant’s first language, evidence of English language proficiency is
required for registration. Please refer to the web link  English
Language Requirements | Technological University Dublin to view the
minimum English language proficiency standards for entry to TU Dublin.

Project Start Date: September 1st, 2026

Application Closing Date: July 21st, 2026

 Applicants should submit:

• A
  Curriculum Vitae (maximum 4 pages, including 2 referees).
• A copy of
  academic transcripts.
• A
  Personal Statement (maximum 1 page) outlining:
• • How you
    meet the position's requirements.
  • Why you
    wish to pursue this PhD research program.

Applications must be submitted to sameer.mehra@tudublin.ie  and cc'd to damien.cross@tudublin.ie  (Subject line: "Application to
BIOFABRICATE_PhD 2 - [Your Name]"). Note: Applications missing this exact
subject line may not be recorded. Please ensure all documents are attached as a
single Word or PDF file.

 Health,
Engineering and Materials Science Research Hub - https://www.tudublin.ie/research-innovation/research/discover-our-research/research-hubs/health-engineering-materials-science/

School of
Architecture, Building and Environment (SABE) –

https://www.tudublin.ie/explore/faculties-and-schools/engineering-built-environment/architecture-building-and-environment/