TU-RISE POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHER Support of development and optimization of farm-based green biorefinery demonstration facility ( project) Reporting to: Co-director of Circular Bioeconomy Research Group Faculty: Sciences & Informatics Dept. of Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Group/Centre: Circular Bioeconomy Research Group (CircBio), Centre of Applied Biosciences Research (CABR) Location: Shinagh Farm (Farm Zero C), Bandon, Co. Cork. Duration:24-month Fixed Term Whole-Time Contract Funding/Project:TU-RISE Project Acronym: Recruitment Type:External Competition Munster Technological University (MTU) is a multi-campus technological university, contributing to the region through the provision of academic programmes that support student development and opportunities, education and research. MTU has an extensive and impressive regional footprint with six campuses across the South-West region of Ireland, in Cork and Kerry, and a student body of 18,000. Jointly funded by the Irish Government (Higher Education Authority) and the EU through the European Regional Development Fund, the TU Research and Innovation Supporting Enterprise (TU-RISE) programme supports the building of research capacity in higher education institutions in the technological sector. Under the TU RISE programme, MTU was awarded funding to expand our researcher human capital through building a substantial additional cohort of researchers, integrating postgraduates, Post Doctoral Researchers, and highly experienced research leaders, who, working with our already-established research community, will add critical capacity focused on expanding engagement and on MTUs regional, national, and international ambitions. MTU is seeking persons with a relevant PhD qualification and suitable experience to fill the roles of Post Doctoral Researchers. The Post Doctoral Researchers contract must start by 1 January 2026 and end by 31 December 2027 at the latest. These appointments are open to new recruits only; extension of existing staff contracts cannot be funded. Successful candidates must hold a PhD degree at their contract start date. Overview of the Role & Research Area This position of Post-doctoral Researcher to support development and optimisation of farm-based green biorefinery demonstration facility will support the upscaling of green biorefinery research from pilot to demonstration scale. The researcher will work with the green biorefinery and Farm Zero C team (MTU, UCD, Carbery, BiOrbic and partners) as part of the TU RISE (Development, OpTimisation and exploitation of Irelands first GREEN biorefinery pilot and demonstration facilities) project towards the scaling of green biorefinery research within a 5 tonne per hour demonstration facility. The work will inform best ways to commercialisation and help to address bottleneck that exist from earlier stage research. The role will also help to optimise the day-to-day logistics and planning activities of a green biorefinery demonstration plant. This will include setting out test conditions in collaboration with PI and research/engineering team, developing procedures for process data collection, and characterising different product outputs. This work will support optimisation and identify the best processing pathways and feedstocks. In collaboration with the green biorefinery pilot plant team at MTU and the wider Farm Zero C Biorefinery Team, the researcher will also identify new options for scaling of new opportunities to demonstration scale, considering new research and their requirements for scaling (viability, integration, technical and financial requirements). The project will be co-supervised by the highly experienced green biorefinery project team of James Gaffey (CircBio), Helena McMahon (CABR), Joanna Przyborksa (CircBio), Niall OLeary (Hincks Centre for Entrepreneurship & Excellence), Joanna Tierney (CABR), Patrick Quille (CABR), and Breda ODwyer (Cantillon Academy). Main duties and responsibilitieswill include, but are not limited to: Research (general) Conduct a specific programme of research and scholarship under the general guidance of a member of the academic staff or Principal Investigator (PI)/Project Leader (PL). Engage in training and development opportunities as required by the PI/PL. Engage in the dissemination of the results of the research in which they are engaged, as directed by, with the support of and under the supervision of the PI/PL. Engage in postgraduate student supervision. Engage with industry partners, as per research programme requirements. Acquire generic and transferable skills (including project management, business skills and postgraduate mentoring/supervision), subject to availability within the University. Research (specific to the project) Create a feedstock and production schedule for the demonstration scale plant to support optimal feedstock management and timely processing during scale up testing. Develop test procedures and parameters to develop a production run schedule. Develop protocols for management and analysis of products and intermediates from production runs. Support in the operational aspects of biorefinery day-to-day implementation. Conduct analysis of products/intermediate samples from demonstration process. Collect and analyse data to compare different production runs and to evaluate performance of scaling options. Review future technology (feedstock and product) opportunities, considering the requirements for scaling within the current version of plant. Engage with enterprises and other stakeholders on the possible adoption of green biorefinery technologies and future research collaboration. Administration/Management Carry out additional duties as may reasonably be required within the general scope and level of the post. Assist in the management/co-ordination of key aspects of the research programme (e.g., financial management, reporting, equipment management, etc.). Funding Contribute to identifying external funding sources and assist with writing grant proposals. Key Skills & Experience Required The successful candidate will have minimum academic qualifications and experience as follows: Essential: Hold a PhD in a relevant discipline at the contract start date. Self-starter who is comfortable with working independently at project level, while still contributing to the team environment at a research unit level. Demonstrable research skills, proposal and report writing, and project management skills, as indicated by a track record of projects, publications and other research outputs. Fluency in English and excellent written and oral presentation skills. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Skills & Experience (specific to the project): PhD in a related area (e.g., biology, biochemistry, biotechnology, food technology, biorefinery feedstock or product analysis). Demonstratable experience involving related scaledprocess for biomass utilisation, either at pilot or demonstration scale. Experience in managing logistics and scheduling of research production runs. Experience in analytics of biomass and biomass products and relevant analytical techniques for assessing parameters such as mass, DM, ash, protein and carbohydrate analysis). Familiar with bioresource extraction technologies. Experience in capturing, comparing and analysing data related to biomass-related samples. Experience in development of mass and energy balances. Excellent track record of delivering technical reports and/or publications. A full drivers license is required in order to access the farm and other relevant sites. Desirable: Proven record of high-quality research. At least three years post-PhD or equivalent research experience. Strong publication record. Knowledge and understanding of policy, practices, and procedures that are relevant to the role, to include knowledge and understanding of Research Ethics, and may also include broader university, sectoral, and external sponsor or funder policies. Previous experience working in a commercial or demonstration scale biomass processing facility such as a biorefinery or anaerobic digestion (bioenergy) plant Previous experience of research in a demonstration of farm-related environment MTUs Research Office will provide support for recruited PDs to enhance their knowledge and skills, such as understanding of funding opportunities, research proposal writing, project management, communication skills, etc., providing them with tools to effectively contribute to project objectives. Terms of Appointment: Salary Scale:Post Doc Researcher €46,305 to €54,307 per annum (1/8/2025 rates), depending on experience Fixed term Contract:24 months to 31st December 2027 at the latest Hours:35 hours per week Annual leave:26 days per annum Additional Benefits: Comprehensive Sick Leave Policy Paid maternity leave Employment Assistance Programme Staff Discount Scheme Gym Access (reduced membership cost) On site Facilities: On site Car Parking On site dining facilities On site TFI Bike Sharing Station The Interview Process If invited to interview, it is likely candidates will be assessed at the interview under the following criteria (additional criteria may be added for the Interview as the need arises): Appropriateness of the candidate to the role and assessment of current skills set to the outlined criteria for the role. Essential and Desirable skills set. Fluency in written and presentation skills in English. Independent motivation and team contributions. Important Notes Screening and short-listing only takes place on the basis of information submitted on the application. In addition to the minimum criteria, it may be necessary to introduce further shortlisting criteria. Candidates should note that they may be called for more than one interview. Please ensure that full information is given on qualifications and that the information is accurate and corresponds to the original transcript of qualifications. Please ensure that those you nominate as referees are contacted by you and will be able to supply a reference without delay if requested. The University regrets that it cannot pay expenses for candidates attending interviews for this post or for taking up the position, if appointed. Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted. Appointments will be subject to Garda vetting. Applicants must directly address the essential and desirable skills and experience listed above. Highlight how your qualifications, experience, and achievements meet the essential criteria, using specific examples. For desirable skills/experience, emphasise any additional strengths or expertise that make you a standout candidate, and tailor their application to demonstrate their alignment with the role to add value to the University. Additional Information A successful candidate will be required to submit a passport, documentary evidence confirming academic qualifications, and to undergo a medical examination. Garda vetting and/or an international police clearance may also be required. References will be sought in relation to successful candidate. MTU welcomes applications from non-EEA citizens. However, employee permit regulations set by the Department of Enterprise, Trade & Employment must be strictly adhered to. Any appointment offer to Non-EEA candidates is subject to the granting of a work permit by Euraxess Ireland or relevant Immigration permissions/stamp. Candidates may be required to produce documentary evidence to support any statements made by them on their application form or any supporting documentation. Candidates should note that any inaccurate information will invalidate their application. Application Process Applications by MTU eRecruitment system only. Applications will not be accepted in any other format. Please log on to to apply for this position. Closing date for receipt of completed applications is 1.00 pm on Friday 5th September 2025 For informal enquiries prior to application, please contact Research Office, by e-mail (). The information given in this document is of a general information nature only and should not be taken as contractual. MTU is an equal opportunities employer. MTU is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to the employment policies, procedures and practices which do not discriminate on grounds such as gender, civil status, family status, age, disability, race, religious belief, sexual orientation or membership of the travelling community. MTU supports equality of opportunity, diversity and inclusion and encourages underrepresented groups to make applications and accommodates candidates with disability to apply for posts. Please seefor more information including our equality statement. Skills: Hold a PhD in a relevant discipline Demonstrable research skills Self-starter comfortable working independently Fluent in English Excellent Communication & Interpersonal Skills Benefits: Paid maternity leave Paid Sick Leave Employee Assistance Programme