UCD Post-Doc Lvl 1, Biosystems and Food Engineering, 12 Months

University College Dublin; Ireland; On-site; EUR 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

University College Dublin invites applications for a temporary Post-doctoral Research Fellow Level 1 within the School of Biosystems and Food Engineering. The role focuses on PlasTox, an ERC Starting Grant project assessing microplastic risks to GI health using machine learning and advanced spectroscopy.

You will conduct a defined research programme, develop publications, mentor students, and gain experience in research-led teaching under the supervision of a Principal Investigator.

Qualifications

• PhD in science, chemistry, food engineering or related disciplines.
• Strong expertise in microplastic research.
• Experience applying machine learning or chemometric algorithms.
• Experience with human cell culture experiments, especially on Caco-2 cells.
• Experience with LDIR, Py-GCMS and Raman.
• Demonstrated research output and ability to publish.
• Excellent communication and organisational skills.
• Awareness of equality, diversity and inclusion.

Responsibilities

• Conduct a defined programme of research under supervision of a Principal Investigator.
• Publish findings in peer-reviewed journals and contribute to funding proposals.
• Mentor graduate students and develop skills in research-led teaching.

Skills

Microplastic research

Machine learning

Chemometrics

Caco-2 cells

Raman spectroscopy

Py-GC-MS

LDIR

Matlab

Education

PhD in science/chemistry/food engineering or related

Tools

Matlab

Job description

Organisation/Company University College Dublin Research Field Chemistry » Other Chemistry » Other Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Application Deadline 16 Oct 2026 - 10:59 (UTC) Country Ireland Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

Applications are invited for a temporary post of a UCD Post-doctoral Research Fellow Level 1 within UCD School of Biosystems and Food Engineering.

PlasTox is an ERC Starting Grant funded project, and it aims to advance our understanding of potential risks posed by micro(nano)plastics to human gastrointestinal health through a combination of quantitative, experimental, and computational approaches, leveraging powerful machine learning algorithms and extensive characterisation techniques. This research project will be carried out at University College Dublin equipped with state-of-the-art analytical tools (e.g., FTIR, Raman, nano-IR, O-PTIR microspectroscopy, LDIR and Py-GC-MS).

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.

Closing date: 12:00 noon (local Irish time) on 16 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.

Communication and interpersonal skills, Strong expertise in microplastic research, Experience applying machine learning or chemometric algorithms, LDIR, Py-GCMS and Raman, Caco-2 cells

Additional Information

Eligibility criteria

Mandatory:

• *PhD in science, chemistry, food engineering or related disciplines.
• *Strong expertise in microplastic research.
• *Have experience applying machine learning or chemometric algorithms.
• *Have experience with human cell culture experiments, especially on Caco-2 cells.
• *Have experience with LDIR, Py-GCMS and Raman.
• *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.

• *Experience in setting own research agenda.
• *Experience in Matlab.