University of Galway European Commission €45,000 PhD Scholarship

The University of Galway offers a PhD position in collaboration with the Joint Research Centre (JRC) of the European Commission. Funding for PhD scholarships (stipend plus fees) is available at the University of Galway and the JRC, and the project is part of the Collaborative Doctoral Partnerships programme (CDP) for training doctoral graduates on the science-policy interface.

The PhD student will spend 2 years at JRC in Ispra (Italy) and 2 years at the University of Galway. The project investigates the sovereignty implications of European open data, including trade-offs and frictions between sovereignty and openness, and potential pathways to balance retaining open data as an enabler of digital transformation and strategic autonomy.

Selection is carried out in two stages: first at the University of Galway using CVs and interviews by the HEI, and second at the JRC. The JRC invites 2 to 5 shortlisted candidates for a second and final interview.

The CDP PhD project has a total duration of 4 years, with the candidate expected to spend 12 months at the University of Galway in Ireland, followed by 24 months at the JRC in Ispra, Italy, and then a final 12 months at the University of Galway. For the period spent at the University of Galway, the student will receive a Hardiman Scholarship providing a tax-free stipend of €25,000 p.a., full coverage of tuition fees, funds for conference travel, and an equipment allowance.

• Applicants must, prior to the start of the employment contract with the JRC: have the nationality of a Member State of the EU or a country associated to the Research Framework Programmes, or be resident in an EU Member State since at least five years.
• Applicants must be admitted to the PhD programme in College of Science and Engineering.
• Applicants should have at least a 2.1 (Hons) degree and/or a Masters in Computer Science, Information Systems, Political Science, Law, Public Policy, Public Administration, or a related discipline.
• Applicants may apply if they are currently in their last year of study and will obtain their degree in the summer.
• Knowledge of several of the following areas is desirable: open data, data governance, AI governance, digital transformation, data spaces.
• Applicants should have experience using mixed method approaches (i.e. discourse analysis, network analysis, stakeholder interviews, case studies, Delphi, STS, workshops).
• Applicants should be an effective team player with the ability to work independently and should be interested in working with experts studying AI and data infrastructures.
• Applicants should be willing to engage with stakeholders including policymakers to identify requirements and needs.
• Applicants should have the ambition to publish work in top scientific journals in the field and present work in international conferences.
• Applicants must possess strong analytical skills and oral and written proficiency in English.
• Applicants should be willing to relocate to Italy and Ireland and occasionally travel in the framework of the PhD.

• University of Galway period: tax-free stipend of €25,000 p.a.
• University of Galway period: full coverage of tuition fees.
• University of Galway period: funds for conference travel.
• University of Galway period: an equipment allowance.
• During the PhD, structured PhD programme of the University of Galway; regular participation in workshops and international conferences.
• Multiple benefits including access to university infrastructure and sports facilities.
• Guidance from experienced faculty teaching fundamentals of applied, academic research using different research methodologies.
• Training on research methodologies and soft skills through access to internal and external courses.
• Opportunity to develop a professional network within academia and industry.
• Opportunity to work in an ambitious and reputable team that encourages personal growth, creativity and taking responsibility.
• Opportunity to gain experience in the role of project management.
• JRC period: salary and benefits are those of a JRC Grantholder Category 20, following the Grantholder Rules; annual gross salary around 45,000 Euro and subject to national income tax.

1. Submit a cover letter and CV to [email protected].
2. Use "Sovereignty Implications of European Open Data" in the subject line.

• Cover letter
• CV