Postdoctoral Researcher (TRACE Project) - Ryan Institute, University of Galway 011286

Pantalent; Ireland; On-site; EUR 46,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading university in Ireland is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher to join the TRACE project focused on improving the agri-food sector through innovative technologies. The role involves coordinating research studies, laboratory analysis, and contributing to academic publications. Candidates should hold a PhD in marine biology, zoology, or biochemistry, with strong project management and scientific writing skills. The position is full-time from September 2025 to June 2029, with a salary range of €46,305 - €59,063 per annum.

Qualifications

• Strong track record in managing projects and completing scientific studies.
• Experience in molecular and bioinformatics studies.
• Excellent report and scientific writing skills in English.

Responsibilities

• Design and coordinate research studies on multiple pilot sites.
• Communicate with other research partners and stakeholders.
• Lead contributions to peer-reviewed journal publications.

Skills

Project management

Scientific writing

Communication skills

Laboratory management

Education

PhD in marine biology, zoology, and/or biochemistry

Tools

Bioinformatics tools

Job description

Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for a Full time, fixed term position as a Postdoctoral Researcher withSchool of Natural SciencesandSchool of Engineering, andRyan Instituteat the University of Galway, Ireland.

This position is funded by PEACEPLUS PROGRAMME (Special EU Programmes Body) innovation challenge (www.seupb.eu/peaceplus) on the Technological Revolution towards a Agri-food Circular Economy (TRACE) project. The position is available from 1st September 2025 to contract end date of 30th June 2029.

The TRACE project aims to establish a cross-border innovation hub to transform the agri-food sector in Northern Ireland (NI) and the Republic of Ireland (ROI), with a focus on the Products of Animal Origin (POAO) supply chain. By applying advanced technologies, TRACE will improve efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and strengthen cross-border trade. The POAO trade is crucial to both economies—NI’s agri-food sector contributes £5bn annually and supports over 113,000 jobs. Yet, disruptions from Brexit, the pandemic, and new regulations have created bottlenecks and raised sustainability concerns. TRACE will deploy technologies like hyperspectral imaging, computer vision, IoT sensors, and blockchain to monitor food quality, safety and animal welfare in real-time and enhance transparency. AI and machine learning will analyse data from pilot sites to identify inefficiencies and opportunities. TRACE will strengthen innovation, sustainability, and competitiveness in the POAO sector, aligning with initiatives like the Shared Island Fund and City Deals, and equipping SMEs to meet future challenges.

Salary:Postdoctoral Researcher salary scale €46,305 - €59,063 per annum, (subject to the project’s funding limitations), and pro rata for shorter and/or part-time contracts.

The default position for all new public sector appointments is the 1st point of the salary scale. This may be reviewed, and consideration afforded to appointment at a higher point on the payscale (subject to the project’s funding limitations), where evidence of prior years’ equivalent experience is accepted in determining placement on the scale above point 1, subject to the maximum of the scale.(Research Salary Scales - University of Galway)

NB: Garda vetting is a requirement for this post (as appropriate to Child Protection Policy)

Closing date for receipt of applications is 17:00 (Irish Time) on 12th September 2025. It will not be possible to consider applications received after the closing date.

Interviews are planned to be held via Teams following the closing of the application.

Job Description:
The successful candidate will be responsible for undertaking the research tasks, achieving the deliveries and milestones of the TRACE project. More specifically the duties include:
• Design and coordinate research studies on multiple pilot sites.
• Undertake and support laboratory analysis on collected samples inc. nutritional, physiological, molecular, and food quality.
• Assist with sustainability assessments inc. life cycle inventory and assessment.
• Communicate and work with other research partners, pilot sites, and stakeholders in achieving research deliverables and milestones.
• Leading and contributing to peer-reviewed academic journal publications in high impact journals and associated communication, dissemination and education, public engagement, and training activities.
• Support student training and mentoring.
• Assist with funding proposals and bidding of projects.
• Day to day project management including data curation and processing, technical reporting, procurement, health and safety compliances, and meeting project milestones and deliverables.
• Any other duties assigned commensurate to this level of post.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Essential Requirements:
• Holds a PhD degree in the research area of marine biology, zoology, and/or biochemistry.
• Strong track record in managing projects and undertaking scientific studies to completion.
• Previous track record working in the research field of fisheries and/or aquaculture or similar, including undertaking aquatic invert or fish research trials.
• Due the nature of the project, the candidate will need to hold an Irish/EU/UK driving licence (this needs to be stated during the application process).
• Excellent communication and dissemination skills including in academic, industry and public settings.
• Track record in scientific publishing.
• Experience in molecular and bioinformatics studies, animal welfare indicators and/or nutritional chemistry.
• Excellent technical report and scientific writing skills in English.
• Experience in laboratory management.

Desirable Requirements:
• Ideally possess their own vehicle to travel to pilot sites.
• Hold qualification in either LAST Ireland or UK ASPA, or equivalent.
• Past experience in research grant writing and funding success.
• Experience in managing multiple projects.
• Experience in training and mentoring students and researchers.

*Please review full job description for further details and essential requirement