Offer Description
Applications are invited for a temporary post of a UCD Post-doctoral Research Fellow Level 1 in Heterotrophic Microalgal Cultivation on Brewery Co-products within UCD School of Biosystems and Food Engineering.
Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Scientist to join the AlgaeBrew2Scale project at the UCD Algae Group. AlgaeBrew2Scale is developing a breakthrough technology that transforms brewery co-products into valuable biobased ingredients.
This is a postdoctoral research position that involves the execution of a defined research programme under the supervision of the Principal Investigator. The successful candidate will focus on cultivation of heterotrophic microalgae on brewery co-products.
This is a research focused role, where you will conduct a specified programme of research supported by research training and development under the supervision and direction of a Principal Investigator.
The primary purpose of the role is to further develop your research skills and competences, including the processes of publication in peer-reviewed academic publications, the development of funding proposals, the mentorship of graduate students along with the opportunity to develop your skills in research led teaching.
Fixed Salary: €47,273 Per Annum
Closing date: 12:00 noon (local Irish time) on 13 October 2026.
Applications must be submitted by the closing date and time specified. Any applications which are still in progress at the closing time of 12:00 noon (Local Irish Time) on the specified closing date will be cancelled automatically by the system. UCD are unable to accept late applications.
UCD do not require assistance from Recruitment Agencies. Any CVs submitted by Recruitment Agencies will be returned.
The PD1 position is intended for early-stage researchers, either just after completion of a PhD or for someone entering a new area for the first time. If you have already completed your PD1 stage in UCD or will soon complete a PD1, or you are an external applicant whose total Postdoctoral experience, inclusive of the duration of the advertised post, would exceed 4 years, you should not apply and should refer to PD2 posts instead.
Prior to application, further information (including application procedure) should be obtained from the Work at UCD website: https://www.ucd.ie/workatucd/jobs/
Where to apply
Website: https://www.aplitrak.com/?adid=eWFzZW1pbi5vemRlbWlyLjcxNDUwLjk5MDhAdW5pY2R1Ymxpbi5hcGxpdHJhay5jb20
Requirements
Research Field: Technology
Education Level: PhD or equivalent
Skills/Qualifications: Communication and interpersonal skills, Microalgal Biotechnology, Biosystems and Food Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Bioprocess Engineering, Growth optimisation of autotrophic microalgae on brewery wastewater, total N, total P, COD, TOC
Additional Information
Eligibility criteria
Mandatory:
- A PhD in Microalgal Biotechnology, Biosystems and Food Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Bioprocess Engineering or other cognate areas.
- Previous experience in growth optimisation of autotrophic microalgae on brewery wastewater and other agri-food waste media.
- Previous experience in pretreating waste to formulate microalgal growth medium and analysing real-time growth-medium composition (e.g. total N, total P, COD, TOC) during cultivation.
- Previous experience in conducting carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus mass balance during microalgal cultivation and balancing C:N:P ratio of waste to mitigate nutrient deficiency.
- Demonstrated experience in analysing the biochemical composition (e.g. lipids and pigments) of microalgal biomass with high-spec equipment.
- Demonstrated experience in semi-continuous or continuous or fed-batch microalgal growth operation in order to mitigate fluctuations in waste composition.
- Ability to work independently, solve practical problems on the ground, and manage objectives and deliverables.
- Excellent organisational and administrative skills including a proven ability to work to deadlines.
- A demonstrated commitment to research and publications.
- An understanding of the operational requirements for a successful research project.
- Evidence of research activity (publications, conference presentations, awards) and future scholarly output (working papers, research proposals, and ability to outline a research project).
- Excellent Communication Skills (Oral, Written, Presentation etc).
- Excellent Organisational and Administrative skills including a proven ability to work to deadlines.
- Candidates must demonstrate an awareness of equality, diversity and inclusion agenda.
The PD1 position is intended for early stage researchers, either just after completion of a PhD or for someone entering a new area for the first time. If you have already completed your PD1 stage in UCD or will soon complete a PD1, or you are an external applicant whose total Postdoctoral experience, inclusive of the duration of the advertised post, would exceed 4 years, you should not apply and should refer to PD2 posts instead.
Desirable:
- Proficiency in elemental analysis of wastewater and biomass (e.g. with ICP).
- Experience in setting own research agenda.
- Proven record of mentoring undergraduate or Master students to support and guide their professional development.
- Proficiency in HPLC and GC for wastewater and biomass composition analysis.
- Proficiency in flow cytometry for discriminating microalgal and bacterial populations.
- Previous experience in scaling up microalgal cultivation on wastewater.
Selection process: https://www.ucd.ie/workatucd/jobs/
Website for additional job details: https://www.ucd.ie/
Work Location(s)
Number of offers available: 1
Company/Institute: University College Dublin
Country: Ireland
City: Dublin
Contact
Website: https://www.ucd.ie/
E-Mail: hrhelpdesk@ucd.ie
Phone: 01 716 4900