Post-Doctoral Researcher, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences/Environmental Research Institute

2 Years, Fixed-Term, Whole-time Post

Position Summary

A 24-month post-doctoral position is available on a project funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine to investigate the relationship between plant/pollinators in an agricultural context.

In this two-year project we will investigate the phenology (flowering time) and pollen development (viability and quantity) of red and white clover in mixed-species grass swards, across a range of Irish locations with distinct climate variables (e.g., soil water content, temperature, rainfall). In parallel, we will assess the diversity and activity of insect pollinators in these mixed swards and in their adjacent habitats. The abiotic and biotic data collected will lead to a mathematical model identifying the dominant drivers controlling clover flowering and associated pollinator diversity and activity, which will be further tested in controlled glasshouse experiments mimicking field conditions. This research project will allow us to: i) identify clover/pollinator interactions in an agricultural context; ii) collect data on the resilience of clover in varying climates and its impact on clover pollinators, and iii) identify the abiotic drivers (e.g., temperature, water availability) of clover/pollinator interactions.

The Post-Doctoral Researcher will primarily be based in the School of Biological, Earth & Environmental Sciences (BEES), School of the Human Environment, and the Environmental Research Institute (ERI) at University College Cork (UCC), Ireland.

Duties associated with this project will include regular field trips to three different locations in Ireland (NW, SW and SE) to collect both abiotic (temperature, rainfall and soil moisture) and biotic (clover flower numbers, plant/pollinator interactions) parameters. In addition, the postdoctoral researcher will develop pollen viability assays and glasshouse experiments to validate/test field data in addition to the development of inference models.

Applicants are expected to have a PhD in Plant Science, Ecology, Zoology, Environmental Science or a related subject. Experience in fieldwork, data collection and analysis of big datasets is required. Experience in laboratory work (e.g., analysis of gene expression, microscopy skills) and programming in R and GIS will be valued. A full driver license is essential. The position will start in February 2024, or as soon as possible thereafter.

Project Title:

ARID -Assessing the impact of changing climate on clover-pollinator interactions in Irish grasslands

Post Duration: 2 Years

Salary:  €42,781 - €49,177 (IUA PD1 Scale)

For an information package including further details of the post see https://ore.ucc.ie/.  

Informal enquiries can be made in confidence to Dr. Rossana Henriques and/or Dr. Fidelma Butler, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, UCC, Tel: + 353 (0) 21 4904561; Email: [email protected] / [email protected].    

Applications must be submitted online via the University College Cork vacancy portal (https://ore.ucc.ie/). Queries relating to the online application process should be referred to [email protected], quoting the job-title and project name.

Candidates should apply, in confidence, before 12 noon (Irish Local Time) on Friday 15th March 2024.

No late applications will be accepted.

Please note that an appointment to posts advertised will be dependent on University approval, together with the terms of the employment control framework for the higher education sector.

UCC is committed to creating and fully embracing an inclusive environment where diversity is celebrated.  As a University we strive to create a workplace that reflects the diversity of our student population where people from a wide variety of backgrounds learn from one another, share ideas, and work collaboratively. UCC is committed to being an employer that recognises the value of diversity amongst its staff.  We encourage applicants to consult our policies at https://www.ucc.ie/en/edi/policies/ and initiatives at https://www.ucc.ie/en/edi/implementation/ and we welcome applications from everyone, including those who are underrepresented in the protected characteristics set out in our Equal Opportunities & Diversity Policy. 

UNIVERSITY COLLEGE CORK IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES EMPLOYER