The award is fully funded for 4 years, commencing September 2025. The following funding is committed:

• Student stipend: €25,000 per annum
• Annual Tuition Fees Support (EU fees only)

The scholarship is awarded for 4 years of study, subject to satisfactory annual academic progression and satisfactory contributions to the research project.

The aim of this position is to understand the data gathering and sharing and specific requirements around promoting age-friendly environments. The PhD candidate will undertake a state-of-the-art review of best practices, tools and approaches consisting of an exploratory phase investigating and benchmarking tools and approaches available to actively control and validate data sharing agreements. This will be achieved by conducting a literature and market review, benchmarking those to agreed quality requirements. The survey and review will provide an analysis of the technology, design options, develop a common architecture, map current state of the art and recommend a roadmap for the research going forward. It is essential that PhD work is following an engaged research model, working with our non-academic partner and that the solution is designed to work within the public service/local government system and connect with national models in the Local Government Management Agency. The PhD candidate is expected to actively contribute to the research project, work with the non-academic partner and engage with the Lero Research Centre, including:

• Research and Reporting related to
  • current literatures and approaches for data governance
  • system architecture for the data governance mechanism and data sharing environment
  • developing and selecting relevant Indicators
  • the development of a prototypical Software and data governance system
  • Software testing and feedback from the pilot study
• At least 3 Journal or Conference publications in international publication outlets
• Support Reporting towards funding body and non-academic partner
• Contributions to Public Engagement Activities

• A Master’s Degree in Computer Science, Information Systems or similar relevant discipline
• Excellent academic track record and outstanding achievements
• Knowledge and expertise in Software Development and experience with programming languages
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a research team
• Be self-motivated, output-driven and demonstrate the motivation, commitment and clear career
  perspective to undertake PhD research
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English with the ability to interact with team
  members, stakeholders, and for reporting findings and scientific publications and outreach
• Awareness of Research Integrity and Public Engagement in Research
• Knowledge and experience in three or more of the following areas:
  • Data Modelling and Data Management
  • Familiarity with Data Governance
  • Process Modelling and/or Enterprise Architecture concepts and tools
  • Data science/analytics, information system design and development
• Fulfil Maynooth University’s Ph.D. entry and English language requirement
• Demonstrate the ability to work effectively in a diverse team and professional environment

• Research experience with industry / non-academic organisations 
• Publications and/or conference papers in data governance or information systems
• Awards demonstrating the excellence and commitment

To apply, please submit your documents to claudia.roessing@mu.ie, including the following information:

• A detailed Curricula Vitae (CV) of maximum 3 pages
• A cover letter describing how you meet the criteria
• Full transcript of records of your university-level studies so far
• Details of at least two referees
• Two Letters of Recommendation
• Proof of sufficient English language skills through one of the tests approved by the University (for more information: https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/study-maynooth/how-apply/english-language-requirements)
• Previous publications or previous significant work (thesis, final year project, or similar). Links to an online free access repository are sufficient.

Applicants who are non-native speakers of the English language must provide written evidence of competency in the English language that satisfy the programme-specific requirements set out by the Maynooth University International Office. All scholarship Awards are conditional on approval for registration by the University.
All eligible candidates will be considered for open positions. Applicants may be shortlisted for interview and, if so, will be contacted directly by the Innovation Value Institute.
Informal queries can be sent to claudia.roessing@mu.ie. 

Please apply by 23:30pm (local Irish time) on Sunday, 26th of October 2025.

Please submit applications directly to: claudia.roessing@mu.ie (and in cc markus.helfert@mu.ie)