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

28 Months, fixed-term, whole-time post

Position summary

Applications are invited for a Senior Postdoctoral Researcher to join our team on the DAFM-funded project “Duckweed as a novel, sustainable source of protein for Ireland (Duck-Feed)”.

Internationally, there has been strong interest in the development of Lemnaceae (Duckweed sp.) biomass as a source of plant protein, and as a replacement of soybean in feeds. Rapid growth, high protein content and a desirable amino acid profile are amongst the key features that make duckweed species promising candidates as a native protein source for Ireland. The Duck-Feed project is a multi-partner project focusing on all key bottlenecks of growth, processing, use and public acceptance, that need addressing to integrate this crop in Irish-farming. The key objectives of the Duck-Feed project are to develop improved, small scale outdoor cultivation systems, develop Lemna growth on farm waste-streams, optimise protein extraction technology, assess feed quality, economic and environmental viability, and public acceptance of duckweed as a native, protein-rich feedstock.

The current vacancy is for a motivated individual who is experienced in plant sciences research. Excellent communication with the different groups within the project as well as outreach and stakeholder engagement will be required.

Post Duration: 28 Months

Salary:  €50,540 - €54,966 p.a. (IUA PD2 Salary Scale) 

Project Title: Duckweed as a novel, sustainable source of protein for Ireland (Duck-Feed) 

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

Informal enquiries can be made in confidence to Prof. Marcel Jansen, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences; Email: [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 Thursday, 7th 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. 

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