Research and Science
About Trinity: Trinity is Ireland’s leading university and is ranked 87th in the world (QS World University Rankings 2025). 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: Applications are welcome for 2 PhD students to join the Dunne Group in the School of Chemistry at Trinity College Dublin as part of the DESIGN project funded by the Environmental Protection Agency. The DESIGN project aims to establish Deep Eutectic Solvents (DES) as a viable, green alternative to petrochemically derived solvents and/or high-pressure systems for the safe and environmentally benign production of functional nanomaterials. This will be achieved by developing and codifying DES-based routes to key classes of environmentally relevant nanomaterials, including (photo)electrocatalytic metal oxides; phosphate-based nanophosphors; and other target materials, e.g. quantum dots or magnetic nanoparticles; and exploring and exploiting DES tuneability to control nanoparticle production and properties. The functionality of the produced materials will be assessed in the spheres of environmental remediation, optoelectronic behaviour, and clean energy generation as appropriate. The successful candidates will work collaboratively under the PI to establish and optimise robust synthetic methodologies based on DES systems; carry out in-depth structural, photophysical, and electrochemical characterisation of target materials, assess their potential in a range of applications; and develop our understanding of DES-mediated material synthesis. Aspects of this work will be carried out in collaboration with Prof. Chris Batchelor-McAuley. Successful candidates will be based in the SNIAM building on the main campus of TCD, where they will have access to an established synthetic materials chemistry lab and a wide range of standard characterisation equipment, as well as advanced microscopy techniques through the Advanced Microscopy Lab.
Applicants should submit a Cover Letter and full Curriculum Vitae to include the names and contact details of 2 referees (including email addresses), to:- Dr Peter Dunne at p.w.dunne@tcd.ie At Trinity, we are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion. Trinity welcomes applications from all individuals, including those applicants with disabilities, those who may have had non-traditional career paths, those who have taken time out for reasons including family or caring responsibilities. We also welcome international applicants including those who have been displaced due to war. Trinity College Dublin is Ireland’s premier University. We are an EU Sustainable Gender Equality Champion and we hold an Athena Swan Silver award, recognising our ongoing work to advance gender equality both within Trinity and in the Higher Education sector. Trinity is committed to supporting work-life balance and to creating a family-friendly working environment.