Post-Doctoral Researcher – Climate, Behavioural and Citizen Science

Atlantic Technological University - Department of Environmental Science

Placed On: 22nd January 2026

Closes: 5th February 2026

Job Ref: 024876

Description of Post

The Department of Environmental Science at ATU is involved in cross-cutting innovative research in the domain of Environmental Science, and Climate Change. The Earth-hub lab has several research projects that contribute towards building resilient Environmental and Social systems. RE-CAP is an EPA research initiative that is focused on identifying and strengthening Ireland’s Local Authority Climate Action Plans (LA-CAPs).

RE-CAP project will carry out a national review of Local Authority Climate Action Plans (LACAPs) across four key sectors – Energy, Transport, Land Use & Nature, and Water & Coastal Management. The work will examine how local climate actions are organised, coordinated and delivered, and will identify examples of good practice as well as common challenges and gaps across all 31 local authorities across Ireland.

In Sligo, the project will create a living lab to study how behavioural and institutional factors affect participation through three original research activities – a Climate Commons Simulation to explore decision-making, a Policy Proximity Bias Experiment to examine visibility and trust, and a Coordination Friction Index to assess how internal systems support or slow down action.

Essential Qualifications

• Relevant PhD in the area of environmental sciences/engineering, Applied Climate Research, Climate Actions, Climate Change, Environmental Sustainability, Behavioural change, or Citizen Science, or any related discipline’ or exceptionally, equivalent* research experience (including industrial R&D).
• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Ecology, Agriculture,
• Demonstrates previous research experience and knowledge in the environmental science discipline with specific focus on Living Labs and Citizen Science.
• Relevant publications in peer-reviewed international journals and grant writing experience.
• Ability to contribute to drafting EU research grant applications.

* EU defines PhD equivalent 4 years fulltime research after primary degree*