Fully Funded PhD Scholarship: Development of Novel High Protein Products for Weight Management and Ageing Cohorts – Teagasc / University College Cork Ireland
About Teagasc & University College Cork
Applications are open for a Walsh Scholars PhD position in the development of novel high protein products for use in weight management and ageing cohorts at Teagasc Food Research Centre in Fermoy, Co. Cork, Ireland, in collaboration with University College Cork (UCC). The PRO-WIN project is funded by the Irish Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and aims to address Ireland’s interconnected public health challenges of an ageing population and rising obesity rates.
Scholarship Overview
Project Description
Ireland faces two major and interconnected public health challenges: an ageing population and rising obesity rates. In both groups, the progressive loss of muscle mass and strength, known as sarcopenia, is an increasing concern. Sarcopenia contributes to frailty, reduced mobility, poorer quality of life, and increased risk of illness and mortality, particularly among older adults. Inadequate protein intake and loss of fat-free mass (FFM) are also common among ageing individuals and those undertaking weight-loss interventions.
The PRO-WIN project aims to address this challenge through the development of innovative high-protein delivery systems using a “Food First” approach. The project will focus primarily on milk protein-based formulations enriched with nutrients known to support muscle protein synthesis. This PhD will contribute to the development and assessment of these formulations and evaluate their potential for integration into everyday diets.
Why This Scholarship Stands Out
This PhD is unique because it addresses the intersection of two major public health challenges: ageing and obesity, both linked to sarcopenia (muscle loss). Unlike most high-protein supplements developed for sports nutrition, this project focuses on formulations suitable for older adults and weight-management populations. The “Food First” approach emphasizes practical nutritional solutions that can be easily incorporated into everyday diets. The project combines dairy chemistry, processing, and nutritional science. For a student interested in food science, nutrition, and health, this is an opportunity to develop products that could improve quality of life for ageing populations and support healthier weight management.
Key Responsibilities
- Contribute to the development and assessment of novel high-protein formulations
- Evaluate potential for integration into everyday diets
- Investigate how functional high-protein products can be designed to meet nutritional needs of ageing and weight-management populations
- Apply multidisciplinary approaches to hypothesis-driven research
Candidate Profile and Eligibility
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Education | First or 2.1 Honours degree (or Master’s) in Food Science, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Agricultural Science, Science or related discipline |
| Skills | Strong data handling and analytical skills |
| Approach | Ability to apply multidisciplinary approaches to hypothesis-driven research |
| Communication | Good written and verbal communication skills |
| Teamwork | Ability to work effectively as part of a research team |
| University Requirements | Meet UCC postgraduate entry and English language requirements |
Supervision Team
| Supervisor | Institution | Expertise |
|---|---|---|
| Dr Noel McCarthy | Teagasc (Primary) | Dairy chemistry and dairy processing |
| Dr Majella O’Keeffe | UCC (Co-supervisor) | Clinical dietician |
| Dr Tom O’Callaghan | UCC (Co-supervisor) | School of Food and Nutritional Sciences |
What They Offer
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Stipend | €25,000 per annum |
| Tuition Fees | Covered up to €6,000 per annum |
| Duration | 4 years |
| Start Date | October 2026 |
| Research Environment | Teagasc Moorepark (dairy chemistry and processing facilities) + UCC |
| Training | Walsh Scholars Programme (structured training, workshops, professional development) |
| International Placement | Up to 12 weeks (Teagasc International Training Awards) |
My Application Tips
- Highlight your food science, chemistry, or biochemistry background – The project focuses on dairy protein formulations
- Emphasize data handling and analytical skills – Strong quantitative abilities are required
- Show interest in nutrition and health – Understanding of sarcopenia, protein metabolism, and ageing
- Demonstrate multidisciplinary approach – The project spans food science, nutrition, and clinical applications
- Include reference number 2025209 in the subject line – As specified
Who Should Apply
We seek PhD candidates with backgrounds in food science, chemistry, biochemistry, or agricultural science who want to research nutrition for healthy ageing. The project focuses on how high-protein dairy formulations support muscle maintenance in older adults and weight-management populations. It provides training in dairy chemistry, processing, and nutritional science.
How to Apply
Send a CV and covering letter detailing your qualifications and experience to Dr Noel McCarthy at noel.mccarthy@teagasc.ie
Subject Line: “Walsh Scholars PhD Application – Ref 2025209”
Application Deadline: June 19, 2026 – 5:00 PM
Interviews: Early to mid-July 2026 (online interviews can be accommodated)
Informal enquiries: Dr Noel McCarthy – noel.mccarthy@teagasc.ie
