Postdoctoral Researcher - Integrated Marine & Terrestrial Biorefinery Systems (Blue Pasture) About the Project Blue Pasture is a flagship, challenge-led research programme funded by Research Ireland's National Bioeconomy Research Centre BiOrbic. It establishes Ireland's first integrated bluegreen biorefinery framework, linking marine and terrestrial biomass streams in a nationally strategic research initiative. Role Overview The Circular Bioeconomy Research Group at MTU Kerry invites applications for a Researcher to take a senior technical role in the development and validation of integrated biorefinery systems. Working closely with the Principal Investigator and a multidisciplinary consortium, you will lead process development, pilot translation and scale-up readiness activities within the BiOrbic challenge structure. This role suits a researcher seeking applied, translational research experience with a clear pathway from lab-scale to pilot and market relevance and who is ready to hit the ground running. Key Responsibilities Lead development and optimisation of integrated biorefinery processes for marine and terrestrial biomass Translate validated processes from laboratory scale to pilot-scale operation Generate robust process data, performance metrics and technical documentation to support scale-up Contribute to pilot trials, process validation and systems-level performance assessment Provide technical input to techno-economic, regulatory and demonstration-scale planning Collaborate with academic and industry partners across MTU, UCD and the national bioeconomy ecosystem Co-author peer-reviewed publications, technical reports and stakeholder-facing output Participate in dissemination and engaged-research activities aligned with BiOrbic's mission Essential Criteria MSc/PhD in bioprocess engineering, biochemical engineering, food or bioresource engineering, marine biotechnology, or a closely related discipline Demonstrated experience in bioprocess development or biomass processing Strong experimental and analytical skills with the ability to generate reproducible, high-quality data Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary research team Excellent written and verbal communication skills Desirable Criteria Experience with marine biomass, alternative crops or biorefinery systems. Exposure to pilot-scale processing or scale-up activities. Awareness of regulatory, techno-economic or sustainability considerations in bio-based systems. Interest in applied research with clear industrial and policy relevance. What We Offer A leading role in a nationally strategic bioeconomy research programme. Hands-on experience progressing research from laboratory to pilot scale. Access to MTUs bioprocessing and pilot infrastructure. Close engagement with national and international research and industry partners. Salary in line with MTU Postdoctoral Researcher Point 1to 6, inclusive of statutory employer pension contributions. Strong positioning for future careers in bioeconomy research, scale-up and innovation leadership. Salary:An annual salary of €46,805 will apply. Contract duration 24 months. Immediate start. Application Procedure:All applications must be made online. Informal Enquiries: Informal enquiries ONLY to Dr. Helena McMahon by email to Location This post is based in Munster Technological University Kerry Campus. Citizenship Requirement:Candidates should note that eligibility to compete for posts is open to citizens of the European Economic Area (EEA) or to non-EEA nationals with a valid work permit. The EEA consists of the Member States of the European Union, United Kingdom along with Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. Swiss citizens under EU agreements may also apply. It is an offence under the Employment Permits Acts 2003 and 2006 for both an employer and an employee if a non-EEA National is in employment without an appropriate employment permit. Employment permit holders can only work for the employer named on the permit. Closing date for applications is 1.00pm Wednesday, 6th May 2026 Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted. Skills: demonstrate experience in Biomass excellent written & verbal communication skills contribute to pilot trials