PhD Studentship, Clinical Microbiology

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. Trinity College Dublin- an introduction. Post Summary Aspergillus fumigatus is a mould and opportunistic pathogen that causes diseases in humans. Depending on the individual’s state of health, this can manifest as allergic conditions, such as asthma, non-invasive infections such as chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CA) or aspergilloma, or life-threatening systemic infections, such as invasive aspergillosis (IA). Late diagnosis, limited treatment options and the emergence of resistance to antifungal drugs contribute to the often-fatal outcome of Aspergillus infections. Our group’s basic and translational research focuses on better understanding, diagnosing and treating diseases caused by A. fumigatus and other fungal pathogens. The PhD student will conduct basic and translational research in a collaborative research environment at the St. James’s Hospital Campus in the Sir Patrick Dun Laboratory. The PhD student will be part of an established research group comprising other PhD students, MSc students and undergraduate students, as well as scientists and clinicians. The research will involve investigating the mechanisms of action of novel antifungal agents, the mechanisms of antifungal resistance, and host-pathogen interactions involving A. fumigatus. The PhD student will build on the group’s previous work (see selected publications below) to study the interaction between A. fumigatus and immune cells and to characterise the molecular mechanisms that enable this pathogen to cause infections, survive attacks by innate immune cells (macrophages and neutrophils), and develop resistance to antifungal agents. The PhD student will learn and apply a wide range of techniques, including cultivation of microorganisms, the isolating and cultivation of immune cells, and the construction of genetically modified microorganisms. Molecular, cell biology and protein biochemistry techniques, confocal laser scanning microscopy, and live cell imaging with automated fluorescence microscopes are routinely used in the research group to investigate and answer these research questions. Application Procedure Applicants should submit a letter of interest, curriculum vitae, copies of certificates, and names of up to three academic references as a single PDF file by e-mail (subject line: IFI-V2026) to: Johannes Wagener - wagenerj@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.