Towards a Good Jobs Economy: Job Quality, Wellbeing, and Policy Futures in Ireland and Northern Ireland
Deadline for applications: 13th of Jan, 2026
The 3-year studentship is fully funded, covering all fees and providing a stipend. This PhD will explore job quality and wellbeing across Ireland and Northern Ireland, generating evidence-based policy recommendations to promote good jobs and enhance wellbeing. This PhD project examines how job quality shapes wellbeing across Ireland and Northern Ireland, with an in-depth focus on one sector selected based on findings from an initial cross-border quantitative analysis (early 2026) using the Working in Ireland Survey 2 (WIIS 2; Working in Ireland Survey | UCD Smurfit School).
The research will begin with a sector-specific review of relevant literature and policy frameworks, followed by analysis of a sector-specific sub-sample of the survey data to identify key dimensions of job quality and wellbeing outcomes most relevant to the selected priority sector. Building on these insights, the project will undertake comparative case study research within the chosen sector across both jurisdictions, engaging employers, employees, and policymakers.
The study will generate practical, evidence-based recommendations to inform policies that promote good jobs and enhance wellbeing across the island.
For more information visit the recruitment page here.
