PhD in High-Protein Nutritional Products for Healthy Ageing – University College Cork

Key details

• Host institution: University College Cork
• Location: University College Cork, Western Road, Cork, Ireland
• Application deadline: June 19, 2026

Funding

Not funded by a EU programme

Funding level (from listing): partial or not via EU framework — confirm on the official call.

How to apply

• Apply by email to [email protected] (subject line and attachments per the official instructions).
• Full vacancy text and updates: Euraxess listing.

About the position

PhD Position: Development of High-Protein Nutritional Products for Healthy Ageing and Weight Management (PRO-WIN Project)

University College Cork (UCC), in collaboration with Teagasc, invites applications for a fully funded four-year PhD position as part of the PRO-WIN project. This research is funded by the Irish Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) under the Walsh Scholars Programme (Reference Number: 2025209). The successful candidate will be based at Teagasc Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork, and registered as a postgraduate student at UCC’s School of Food and Nutritional Sciences. The proposed start date is October 2026.

Project Overview

Ireland faces significant public health challenges from an ageing population and rising obesity rates. Both groups are at risk of sarcopenia—the progressive loss of muscle mass and strength—which contributes to frailty, reduced mobility, and increased mortality. Many older adults do not meet the recommended daily protein intake of 1.2 g per kg of body weight, and existing high-protein supplements are often designed for sports nutrition, not for older adults or those with clinical needs. The PRO-WIN project aims to fill this gap by developing innovative, high-protein delivery systems using a “Food First” approach. The research will focus on milk protein-based formulations enriched with nutrients that support muscle protein synthesis, with the goal of creating practical, acceptable products that can be easily incorporated into everyday diets to preserve fat-free mass and support healthy ageing.

Supervision

The PhD will be supervised by Dr. Noel McCarthy (Teagasc, dairy chemistry and processing), with co-supervision from Dr. Majella O’Keeffe (clinical dietitian) and Dr. Tom O’Callaghan (School of Food and Nutritional Sciences, UCC).

Research Environment

The candidate will work full-time at Teagasc Food Research Centre in Fermoy, Co. Cork, with access to state-of-the-art facilities in the Food Chemistry and Technology Department at Teagasc Moorepark and at UCC. As a Walsh Scholar, you will engage with national and international research networks in dairy chemistry, processing, and nutritional science.

Career and Training Opportunities

• Structured four-year training framework through the Teagasc Walsh Scholars Programme, including expert-led workshops in scientific, analytical, and transferable skills (communication, project management, stakeholder engagement).
• Opportunities to present at national and international conferences.
• Dedicated final-year career support for roles in research, industry, advisory services, and policy.
• Potential international research placement of up to 12 weeks via the Teagasc International Training Awards.
• Recognition through Walsh Scholars of the Year and Gold Medal Awards for outstanding achievement.

Candidate Profile and Eligibility

Applicants should ideally:

• Hold a First or 2.1 Honours degree (or Master’s) in Food Science, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Agricultural Science, Science, or a related discipline.
• Demonstrate strong data handling and analytical skills.
• Show ability to apply multidisciplinary approaches to hypothesis-driven research.
• Possess good written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work effectively as part of a research team.
• Meet UCC postgraduate entry and English language requirements.

Funding Details

This is a fully funded four-year PhD, including:

• €25,000 annual stipend
• University fees covered up to €6,000 per annum

How to Apply

Submit a CV and covering letter detailing your qualifications and experience to Dr. Noel McCarthy at [email protected], quoting “Walsh Scholars PhD Application – Ref 2025209” in the subject line.

Application closing date: 5pm, Friday, 19th June 2026.

Interviews: Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview in early to mid-July 2026. Online interviews can be accommodated.

Further Information

Informal enquiries are welcome and may be directed to Dr. Noel McCarthy at [email protected]. Further information on the Walsh Scholars Programme is available at the Teagasc website (About the programme – Teagasc | Agriculture and Food Development Authority).