Hosted by: UCD School of History, College of Arts and Humanities, University College Dublin, Ireland
The UCD School of History is offering a generously funded PhD studentship specialising in One Health and public health history in West Africa, c.1850–2000.
The PhD will be supervised by Dr Oluwaseun Otọsẹẹ Williams, Assistant Professor in One Health and Ad Astra Fellow at UCD.
Research Theme
The studentship supports projects on the historical study of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) in Anglophone West Africa, focusing on one or more conditions such as:
- Schistosomiasis
- Onchocerciasis
- Lymphatic Filariasis
- Human African Trypanosomiasis
Comparative studies across different West African colonies or countries are especially encouraged.
Funding & Duration
- Full tuition fee waiver
- €25,000 annual stipend
- €4,000 annual research budget for archival or field-related expenses
- Funding for up to 4 years, renewable annually based on progress
- Expected start date: September 2026
Open to EU and non-EU candidates.
Application Deadline
1 May 2026
Submit applications to: oluwaseun.williams@ucd.ie
Required Application Materials (via email)
- Personal statement and CV (combined as one document)
- Writing sample (e.g., MA thesis chapter or essay)
- Two academic references
- 1000–1500 word research proposal (with indicative bibliography)
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews in late May 2026.
Outcome details will be communicated to all applicants.
Academic Environment
The UCD School of History is recognized as one of Europe’s leading centres for historical research, offering:
- A vibrant academic community
- Strong international collaborations
- Access to UCD’s network of research centres, including:
- UCD Centre for the History of Medicine in Ireland
- UCD One Health Centre
- UCD Humanities Institute
The successful candidate will join an active cohort of scholars working across medical humanities, welfare and medicine histories, and related interdisciplinary fields.
Who Should Apply
This opportunity is ideal for candidates interested in:
- Medical humanities
- Global health history
- African history
- Colonial/postcolonial studies
- Interdisciplinary work across One Health, medicine, and society
Applicants from all relevant areas of West African studies are strongly encouraged.
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