Organisation/Company MUNSTER TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY Department Human Resources Research Field All Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Positions PhD Positions Country Ireland Application Deadline 5 Sep 2025 - 13:00 (Europe/Dublin) Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 35 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
POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHER – MTU IRELAND
Support of development and optimization of farm-based green biorefinery demonstration facility (DOT.GREEN project)
MTU has been awarded funding under the TU RISE programme to expand researcher human capital through building a substantial additional cohort of researchers, integrating postgraduates, Post Doctoral Researchers, and highly experienced research leaders.
MTU invites applications for the following post, which will be filled on 24-month Fixed Term Whole-Time Contract, with the latest contract start date of 1 January 2026.
Successful candidate will be working on a DOT.GREEN project, with fully secured funds for candidate’s salary and project activities, including travel and professional development of postdoctoral researcher.
Note: Successful candidate must hold a PhD degree at their contract start date.
Faculty of Science & Informatics:
TU-RISE POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHER – Job ID 025074
Support of development and optimization of farm-based green biorefinery demonstration facility (DOT.GREEN project)
Applications should be made using MTU e-Recruitment system only. Applications will notbe accepted in any other format.
Closing date for receipt of completed applications:
The successful candidate will have minimum academic qualifications and experience as follows:
* 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 driver’s license is required in order to access the farm and other relevant sites.
* 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
Specific Requirements
Main duties and responsibilities will 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 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.
Languages ENGLISH Level Excellent
Research Field Other Years of Research Experience 1 - 4
Additional Information
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:
* Paid maternity leave
* Employment Assistance Programme
* Staff Discount Scheme
* Gym Access (reduced membership cost)
Eligibility criteria
* 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 driver’s license is required in order to access the farm and other relevant sites.
Selection process
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.
* 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 addressthe 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 comments
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 www.mtu.ie/vacancies 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 ( turisepostdoc@mtu.ie ).
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 see https://www.mtu.ie/edi/ for more information including our equality statement.
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