PhD Researcher in Sociology

Trinity is Ireland’s leading university and is ranked 75th in the world (QS World University Rankings 2026). Founded in 1592, the University is steeped in history with a reputation for excellence in education, research, and innovation, which has been inspiring generations of thinkers for over 400 years. Thrive: Trinity College Dublin's Strategic Plan 2025 - 2030 Post status: Fixed-term Contract Salary: Maintenance stipend of €25,000 per annum, tax-free, plus full tuition fees (EU/non-EU) for 4 years Post Summary The candidate will join the PhD programme at the Department of Sociology of Trinity College Dublin, Ireland’s leading university which is located on a historic campus in the heart of Dublin. The Department will provide all logistic, academic and intellectual support and integrate the successful candidate into a vibrant doctoral programme at TCD. PhD students at the department are embedded in the interdisciplinary context of the School of Social Sciences and Philosophy which also includes economics, political science, and philosophy. PhD students in Sociology enjoy a wide range of training opportunities. For example, students participate in a research training programme in the department and have the opportunity to join masters level courses (including courses on research methods). Moreover, our PhD students are supported to attend high-quality international workshops and summer schools. PhD students are expected to collaborate closely with their supervisors and will produce a PhD based on four papers of a publishable standard. PhD students may also have the opportunity to gain teaching experience by providing support within our undergraduate programme (up to 4 hours per week during term time, subject to availability). All teaching-related work is paid separately in addition to the stipend. This PhD position forms part of an interdisciplinary research programme at Trinity College Dublin, (TCD). Hereditary cardiac conditions are among the leading causes of sudden cardiac death (SCD) in children, adolescents, and young adults. The abruptness of SCD in otherwise healthy individuals creates profound psychological, social, and cultural reverberations for surviving relatives, as well as the surrounding communities. These conditions represent both a clinical and human challenge, situated at the intersection of physiology, identity, family life, and social relations. This project responds to that complexity by adopting an interdisciplinary approach that integrates clinical cardiology, cellular biology, psychology and sociology, advanced biomedical engineering, and imaging technologies. Application Procedure Applicants should submit their application materials (motivation letter, CV, research statement, two referees, example of written work) in a single pdf indicating “PhD Application in Sociology” in the subject line to:- Dr. Camilla Devitt, Associate Professor in Department of Sociology devittca@tcd.ie Our Values - putting our words into action Values matter. They are key to the success of our Strategic Plan. We centre our behavioural values around the importance of belonging. We recognise that the university will thrive by each of us respecting and caring for one another. We know we can achieve much more through working together. We know too that we must take responsibility for our actions and be accountable. We must, and will never stop, imagining. And through being nature positive we connect not just with the environment but with our ambitions for a sustainable future. At Trinity, we are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion. We welcome applications from all individuals, including those with disabilities, those who have followed non-traditional career paths, and those who have taken time out for reasons such as family or caring responsibilities. We also welcome international applicants, including those who have been displaced due to conflict or war. Trinity College Dublin is Ireland’s premier university. We are an EU Sustainable Gender Equality Champion and hold an Athena Swan Silver Award, recognising our ongoing work to advance gender equality both within Trinity and across the higher education sector. Trinity is committed to supporting work–life balance and creating a family-friendly working environment.