IrelandguideSkin Doctoral Network Scholarship 2027 supports fully funded MSCA Doctoral Network PhD positions focused on dermal generics and advanced skin therapies. The projects include industrial secondments, interdisciplinary training, and a competitive three-year MSCA fellowship with salary, mobility and family allowances.
The scholarship is hosted by University College Cork (School of Pharmacy) as part of the guideSkin EU-funded network, bringing together six European universities, pharma manufacturers and technology SMEs to advance cutaneous drug development and regulatory science.
guideSkin Doctoral Network Scholarship Benefits
- A thorough scientific education in the frame of a doctoral training program.
- The possibility to participate in specific international courses, workshops and conferences.
- A strong involvement in a European research project with high international visibility.
- A prestigious three-year MSCA Fellowship.
- A competitive salary including mobility and family allowances.
Get new scholarships by email
Scholarship Union lists awards like this one as they open. One short digest, no spam.
guideSkin Doctoral Network Scholarship Eligibility Criteria
- To have less than four years’ research experience (full-time equivalent) after obtaining their Bechelor’s or Master’s degree.
- Must not hold a PhD degree at the time of recruitment.
- Comply with the mobility rule: Applicants must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Republic of Ireland for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before their recruitment date.
- Must meet the requirement for registering PhD programme at University College Cork, including:
- Hold at least a 2:1 equivalent Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Technology, Industrial Pharmacy or related fields.
- Demonstrate proficiency in the English language. For IELTS Academic, a minimum overall score of 6.5 is required, with no individual component below 6.0 (or equivalent scores in other recognised English language tests). The test must have been completed within the previous two years. Further details are available at https://www.ucc.ie/en/study/comparison/english/postgraduate/
How to Apply for guideSkin Doctoral Network Scholarship
- Please send all the documents detailed below as one pdf file to Dr Sonja Vucen at svucen@ucc.ie.
- Statement of interest (limit of 2,500 characters) explaining why you wish to be considered for the fellowship and which qualities and experience you will bring to the role.
- Curriculum vitae et studiorum.
- A certificate of University examinations taken (with marks).
- A final degree certificate translated in English (or submit at examination and provide translated legalised certificate if successful).
- Proof of English Language tests (IELTS or equivalent).
- Two letters of recommendation.
Don’t miss this deadline
Applications close on Saturday, 31 October 2026. We’ll email you 7, 3 and 1 days before.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the guideSkin Scholarship. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, host institution, and how to apply.
What is the guideSkin Doctoral Network Scholarship?
The guideSkin Doctoral Network Scholarship is an EU-funded MSCA Industrial Doctoral Network offering fully funded PhD positions focused on cutaneous drug development, dermal generics and advanced skin therapies. It provides interdisciplinary training, industry secondments and research within a European network of universities and companies.
Who is hosting the guideSkin Doctoral Network at UCC?
The host institution for the listed project is University College Cork (UCC), School of Pharmacy, Ireland. The doctoral candidate will be hosted at UCC with access to advanced laboratory infrastructure for formulation development, characterisation and permeation studies.
What is the application deadline?
The closing date for applications is 31st October 2026. The job listing specifies the application deadline as 31 Oct 2026 – 12:00 (Europe/Dublin).
What funding and remuneration are provided?
The Doctoral Candidate will receive a gross yearly salary of ~74,000 EUR in accordance with the MSCA Doctoral Networks programme, including a living and mobility allowance. An additional family allowance (if applicable) is foreseen; net salary depends on local taxes and social security.
What are the eligibility conditions?
Eligibility includes having less than four years’ research experience after the relevant degree, not holding a PhD, complying with the MSCA mobility rule regarding residence in the Republic of Ireland, holding at least a 2:1 equivalent Bachelor’s or Master’s in relevant fields, and demonstrating required English proficiency.
What documents are required to apply?
Applicants must send a statement of interest (max 2,500 characters), CV, certificate of university examinations with marks, final degree certificate translated to English (or submit later if pending), proof of English test results, and two letters of recommendation, combined into one PDF sent to the listed contact.
How should I submit my application?
Applications should be compiled into one PDF file and emailed to Dr Sonja Vucen at svucen@ucc.ie as stated in the job listing. Recruitment will be managed by the host or recruiting organisation and further project information is on the project website.
Are there industry secondments included in the project?
Yes. The project includes extended secondments to company partners, specifically 6 months at LTS Lohmann Therapie-Systeme AG (Germany) and 12 months at ESQlabs GmbH (Germany), with mobility to partner laboratories expected during the project.
What is the research focus of the UCC project DC14?
Project DC14 focuses on evaluation of formulation and skin properties relevant to the quality and equivalence of microneedle systems, aiming to establish harmonised testing protocols, predictive characterisation and acceptance criteria to support regulatory evaluation.
Where can I find more information about the guideSkin Doctoral Network Scholarship project?
General information about the guideSkin Doctoral Network Scholarship is available at https://guideskin.eu/. For additional information on the UCC project contact Dr Sonja Vucen at svucen@ucc.ie. Recruitment details are managed by the host institution.
Discover more from Scholarship Union
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.