Organisation/Company University College Dublin Research Field Engineering » Chemical engineering Engineering » Chemical engineering Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Application Deadline 13 Mar 2026 - 11:15 (UTC) Country Ireland Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time 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
Applications are invited for a temporary post of a UCD Post-doctoral Research Fellow Level 1 within UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science.
As part of the Horizon Europe-funded SMACC+ (Sustainable Microalgae and Cyanobacteria-Based Bioactive Compounds for Cosmeceuticals and Nutraceuticals), UCD seeks to appoint a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join our team focusing on the development of environmentally sustainable and scalable extraction and purification technologies for high-value compounds derived from marine microalgae and their growing media. The BIOVAL project aims to develop a biorefinery pipeline leveraging innovative extraction processes to valorise microalgal biomass for food and cosmetic applications. Thus, the successful candidate will work mainly towards developing a cascade extraction and process scale‑up together with other partners, contributing to the development, optimisation, and scale‑up of clean/green extraction and purification technologies, including supercritical fluid extraction, ultrasound‑assisted extraction, and microwave‑assisted extraction amongst others for the extraction of multiple compounds (lipids, phenolics and proteins) and membrane technologies for exopolysaccharides. Analytical procedures for the purification and chemical characterization of lipophilic and hydrophilic compounds of interest and the biomass (phenolic compounds, proteins/peptides, carbohydrates and minerals) will also be required.
Closing date: 12:00 noon (local Irish time) on 13 March 2026.
Applications must be submitted by the closing date and time specified. Any applications which are still in progress at the closing time of 12:00 noon (Local Irish Time) on the specified closing date will be cancelled automatically by the system. UCD are unable to accept late applications.
UCD do not require assistance from Recruitment Agencies. Any CVs submitted by Recruitment Agencies will be returned.
The PD1 position is intended for early‑stage researchers, either just after completion of a PhD or for someone entering a new area for the first time. If you have already completed your PD1 stage in UCD or will soon complete a PD1, or you are an external applicant whose total postdoctoral experience, inclusive of the duration of the advertised post, would exceed 4 years, you should not apply and should refer to PD2 posts instead.
Communication skills, Experience in bioactive compound extraction and bioactivity testing, Strong laboratory skills in analytical chemistry, Life Cycle Assessment, Marine bioresources or microalgal biomass valorisation in the EU
Additional Information
Eligibility criteria
PhD in Food Science, Chemistry & Technology, Biotechnology, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
Proven experience in bioactive compound extraction, and bioactivity testing.
Experience in process optimisation (response surface methodology or others).
Strong laboratory skills in analytical chemistry, and bio‑refining techniques for main compounds of interest.
A demonstrated commitment to research and publications.
An understanding of the operational requirements for a successful research project.
Evidence of research activity (publications, conference presentations, awards) and future scholarly output (working papers, research proposals, and ability to outline a research project).
Excellent Communication Skills (Oral, Written, Presentation etc).
Excellent Organisational and Administrative skills including a proven ability to work to deadlines.
Candidates must demonstrate an awareness of equality, diversity and inclusion agenda.
Familiarity with sustainability assessment methods such as Life Cycle Assessment (LCA).
Knowledge of marine bioresources or microalgal biomass valorisation in the EU.
Experience working in EU‑funded or other multi‑partner or multidisciplinary projects.
Demonstrated skills in scientific writing, grant reporting, and stakeholder engagement.
#J-18808-Ljbffr