Four Year Postgraduate Studentship in Oral Microbiome Research SPC & Full-Time

Postgraduate Studentship in Oral Microbiome Research

DUBLIN DENTAL UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL & TRINITY COLLEGE DUBLIN

4 Year Fully Funded PhD Studentship

Applications are invited for the following studentship:

The Dublin Dental University Hospital is a clinical and educational institution with responsibility for training all members of the dental team. It is also recognised as a centre of excellence for research. A new PhD position is currently available for a student to join the Sweetwise consortium (involving UCD TUD & TCD) to study the impact of novel food matrices on dental biofilm production.

Cariogenicity of Modified Matrix Foods

Processed foods contain free sugars that can contribute to dental decay. This project will develop robust reproducible in vitro biofilm models optimised for assessing the cariogenic potential of different processed food products and will assess if novel food matrix technologies can reduce free sugar release. We will develop both single-species and multi-species biofilm models on enamel substrates that simulate key aspects of the cariogenic process. These complementary models will allow systematic assessment of how different food matrices influence both acid production and enamel demineralisationthe two primary mechanisms underlying dental caries development.

Specific methodologies will be developed to assess the impact of sugars on the cariogenic process:

1. Biofilm formation and composition quantifying biomass viability and species composition using metagenomic approaches.

2. Acidogenicity measuring pH changes during and after exposure to test foods.

3. Demineralisation potential assessing calcium release from substrates.

4. Sugar release kinetics measuring how different food matrices affect sugar availability to oral biofilms.

Each successful candidate must:

• Hold a 2.1 Bachelors Degree at QQI level 8 or Higher undergraduate degree on the National Framework of Ireland in Microbiology Food Science or a related subject.

• Be competent in scientific writing and oral presentations.

• Be highly motivated and self-directed.

• Have a minimum proficiency in all Microsoft packages.

Candidates will ideally:

• Previous experience of working in a research laboratory environment.

• Possess excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

• Have the ability to work in a team.

• Have proven organisational administrative analytical and problem-solving skills; be able to identify potential difficulties and formulate solutions.

• Have the ability to work on own initiative prioritise and manage a number of projects.

The studentship will be supported by an annual stipend of 25000

Suitably qualified applicants should apply through Hirehive attaching their CV and Cover Letter

Informal enquiries can be made by contacting Prof. Gary Moran . or Prof. Michael Crowe via email.

Closing date for applications: Monday January 5th 2026 at noon

Shortlisting will take place in after the closing date with interviews shortly there after with a starting date of 1st March 2026

Offers are subject to standard checks such as references.

The Dublin Dental Hospital is an equal opportunities employer.