UCD Postdoc Lvl 1, Biosystems and Food Engineering, 3 months

University College Dublin; Ireland; On-site; EUR 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

University College Dublin invites applications for a Post-doctoral Research Fellow Level 1 in the UCD School of Biosystems and Food Engineering. The role supports the Micro-lysis project, aiming to convert fresh microalgal biomass into lipid and protein ingredients.

The successful candidate will characterise microalgal cell-wall structure, optimise extraction methods, publish regularly, and mentor graduate students while developing research-led teaching skills under PI supervision.

Qualifications

• PhD in Biosystems and Food Engineering/Microalgae Biotechnology or related field is required.
• Experience in treating fresh microalgal biomass with mechanical/chemical/enzymatic methods.
• Experience in microalgal cell-wall isolation and characterisation with high-spec techniques (e.g., HPAEC-PAD, TEM, FTIR).
• Experience analysing biochemical composition of microalgal biomass (lipids, pigments) with high-spec techniques (GC, HPLC).
• Experience in processing microalgal biomass from wastewater (e.g., brewery waste).
• Proven ability to develop and optimise an integrated biorefinery process for lipid and protein fractions.
• Experience conducting mass and energy balance for biorefinery processes.
• Evidence of research activity and future scholarly output.

Responsibilities

• Characterise microalgal cell-wall structure and apply insights to optimise lipid and protein extraction.
• Execute a defined research programme under PI supervision.
• Publish in peer-reviewed journals and contribute to funding proposals.
• Mentor graduate students and develop research led teaching skills.

Skills

Communication skills

Organisational skills

Research skills

Team mentoring

Academic writing

Education

PhD in Biosystems and Food Engineering/Microalgae Biotechnology or related

Tools

HPAEC-PAD

TEM

FTIR

GC

HPLC

Job description

Organisation/Company University College Dublin Research Field Biological sciences » Other Environmental science » Other Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Application Deadline 16 Oct 2026 - 11:21 (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.

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Scientist role within the Micro-lysis project at UCD Algae Group. Micro-lysis aims to develop a breakthrough biorefinery platform that transforms fresh microalgal biomass into valuable lipid and protein 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 characterise microalgal cell-wall structure and apply the resulting insights to optimise lipid and protein extraction from fresh biomass.

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 12 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, Biosystems and Food Engineering, Microalgae Biotechnology, Treating fresh microalgal biomass with mechanical methods, Chemical methods and enzymatic methods, Cellulase, Viscozone, HPAEC-PAD, TEM, FTIR, GC, HPLC

Additional Information

Eligibility criteria

Mandatory:

• A PhD in Biosystems and Food Engineering/Microalgae Biotechnology or other cognate areas.
• Previous experience in treating fresh microalgal biomass with mechanical methods (e.g. microwave and ultrasound), chemical methods and enzymatic methods (e.g. Cellulase and Viscozone).
• Previous experience in microalgal cell-wall isolation and characterisation with high-spec techniques (e.g. with HPAEC-PAD, TEM, and FTIR).
• Previous experience in analysing the biochemical composition of microalgal biomass (e.g. lipid, pigments) with high-spec techniques (e GC and HPLC).
• Prior experience in processing microalgal biomass grown on wastewater (e.g. brewery waste).
• Demonstrated experience in developing and optimising an integrated biorefinery process for the cascading fractionation of fresh microalgal biomass into lipid and protein fractions.
• Prior experience in conducting mass and energy balance of microalgal biorefinery process.
• 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.

• Previous experience in using green biobased solvents for lipid extraction from fresh microalgal biomass
• 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 biomass analysis.