Postgraduate Studentship in Oral Microbiome Research

DUBLIN DENTAL UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL & TRINITY COLLEGE DUBLIN

4 Year Fully Funded Trinity Research Doctorate Award


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. The Microbiology Research Unit in the Dublin Dental University Hospital is a well-established research group with research interests that cover a wide range of microbiological topics. The Oral Microbiome group, which is led by Prof. Gary Moran currently has a PhD studentship available:

Project Title: Acetaldehyde production by the oral microbiome: a risk factor for oral cancer development?


The successful candidate will join a research team investigating the role of the microbiome in oral malignant diseases. Our recent studies (Galvin et al, 2025)  have shown that patients with oral potentially malignant disease possess higher levels of acetaldehyde generating bacteria and this is linked to higher rates of smoking and tooth loss in these patients. We have also cultured strains of the bacterium Rothia mucilaginosa that produce high levels of acetaldehyde from alcohol (Amer et al, 2020). This study will carry out an in-depth analysis of oral microbiome composition in patients with oral potentially malignant diseases using metagenomics and culture-based approaches to determine if these microbiomes can generate potentially toxic levels of acetaldehyde from alcohol.


Each successful candidate must:

  • Hold a Bachelor’s Degree at QQI level 8 on the National Framework of Ireland in Microbiology 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 €25,000

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

Informal enquiries can be made by contacting Professor Gary Moran via email in the first instance gpmoran@dental.tcd.ie

Closing date for applications: Monday, May 5th 2025 at noon

Shortlisting will take place in May 2025 with interviews shortly thereafter with a starting date of September 1st 2025

Offers are subject to standard checks such as references.

The Dublin Dental Hospital is an equal opportunities employer.

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Do you hold a 2.1 and above qualification/or higher honours degree in Microbiology or a related subject?
Do you hold a 2.1 and above qualification/or higher honours degree in Oral Microbiome Research or a related subject?