UCD Postdoc Lvl 1, Agriculture and Food Sci, Temp 17 months

University College Dublin; Ireland; On-site; EUR 47,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

University College Dublin invites applications for a recognised postdoctoral researcher (PD1) in soil biology and ecology. The role focuses on soil biodiversity, stakeholder engagement, literature reviews, and translating findings into practice abstracts and policy briefs under PI supervision.

This research‑focused position aims to develop your skills in publication, funding proposals, mentorship of graduate students, and research‑led teaching, with salary in the €47,273–€53,925 range and

Qualifications

• PhD in soil biology, ecology, agri-environmental science or related discipline.
• Experience in stakeholder engagement and policy briefing.
• Proven research activity with publications.
• Ability to manage deadlines and research projects.

Responsibilities

• Engage stakeholders and translate findings into practice abstracts and policy briefs.
• Review literature on soil biodiversity and ecosystem services.
• Develop and mentor graduate students; contribute to research-led teaching.

Skills

Stakeholder engagement

Communication skills

Networking

Policy briefing

Research leadership

Education

PhD in soil biology

Job description

Organisation/Company University College Dublin Research Field Agricultural sciences » Soil science Environmental science » Ecology Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Application Deadline 17 Nov 2026 - 02:23 (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

This post is part of the EU Mission Soil Project SOB4ES ( https://sob4es.eu/ ) on soil biodiversity, ecosystem services and sustainable land management. The project consortium comprises 17 EU partners and 2 associated partners. This post will mainly contribute to tasks related to stakeholder engagement, review of the literature on soil biodiversity management, and translation of research findings into accessible practice abstracts, policy briefs and consultation responses for decision makers.

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.

Salary Range: €47,273 - €53,925 Per Annum
Appointment on the above range will be dependent upon qualifications and experience.

Closing date: 12:00 noon (local Irish time) on 17 November 2026.

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, Soil biology, ecology, agri-environmental science, stakeholder engagement, participatory methods, policy briefing and related activities, Experience in networking with international project partners

Additional Information

Eligibility criteria

Mandatory:

• PhD in soil biology, ecology, agri-environmental science or related discipline.
• Experience in stakeholder engagement, participatory methods, policy briefing and related activities.
• 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.
• Experience in networking with international project partners.
• Experience in setting own research 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.