Title: Researcher 2 Nut RI Research Group Department: Biological Sciences Contract Type: 3.5 Year Fixed Term Contract Location: Bishopstown Campus, Cork Reporting to: Dr Janette Walton Overview of the Nut RI Research Group: The National Dietary Survey research team which forms part of the Nut RI research group at Munster Technological University (MTU) is seeking to recruit an ambitious and motivated senior researcher to support research activities within the team.
The National Dietary Survey research team investigates the dietary intake of the Irish population and its potential impact on nutrition and health in collaboration with other Irish Universities through the Irish Universities Nutrition Alliance (IUNA) ( Since 1996, national databases of dietary intake and health status have been developed through national nutrition surveys of the Irish population.
These databases are used widely for research related to nutrition and public health.
Research topics include obesity prevention, healthy eating guidelines, benefits and safety of food fortification and food supplements, and safety of intakes of food additives and contaminants.
The research funded by the Irish Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine also supports the work of agencies that are responsible for food and nutrition policy and regulation in Ireland and the EU.
Duties of the Post: The purpose of this role will be to deliver a number of specific research tasks within the National dietary surveys research team.
She/he will act as project co-ordinator for MTU-led tasks within the dietary surveys with responsibility for co-ordination of overall projects including analysis and reporting of MTU-led tasks within the dietary surveys.
In addition, she/he will assist in the supervision and mentorship of Ph D students.
The successful applicant will be an ambitious researcher with a minimum of a Ph D in Human Nutrition (or equivalent).
The successful candidate will have experience of project management of large multi-centre projects from project set up, ethical approval, day-to-day management, management of staff and reporting of projects to funders.
The successful candidate will have experience of working with April 2026 Page 2 of 5 Ref: 026735 food consumption databases, food composition databases, large dietary datasets and statistical software packages and evidence of research outputs appropriate for career stage.
The appointed candidate will work under the supervision of Dr Janette Walton and will be based at Munster Technological University.
The successful applicants will be expected to: - Manage and conduct all administrative and management tasks associated with the research programme - To lead and provide assistance in conducting research activities, including planning, organizing and analysis within the overall scope of a research project.
- Disseminate the outcomes of the research, including peer-reviewed academic publications of international standing - Take a leading role in the further development of the research programme and in seeking and pursuing appropriate external funding - Engage in appropriate training and professional development opportunities as required by the Principal Investigator Qualification Requirements and Selection Criteria for role: The successful applicant will have: Essential - A Ph D qualification in Human Nutrition or a related scientific discipline - At least three years post-Ph D or subsequent to gaining the equivalent research experience - Excellent communication, organisation and interpersonal skills.
- Experience of working well within a team to achieve results.
- A capability of working with large dietary datasets - Experience of working with statistical software - Fluent in spoken and written English Desirable - Project management experience - Experience of working with food consumption and food composition datasets - Experience of working with SPSS statistical software (or similar) - Strong technical and/or scientific publication portfolio April 2026 Page 3 of 5 Ref: 026735 NOTE: In addition to the minimum qualifications, it may be necessary to introduce further shortlisting criteria.
Therefore, candidates may be shortlisted on the basis of qualifications and suitable experience based on details given in the application.
Candidates should note that they may be called for more than one interview.
Upon completion of interview, a panel will be formed from appointable candidates.
Remuneration, Benefits and Facilities: Salary scale effective 1 February 2026 Remuneration will be €54,850 per annum (Point 1 of the Researcher 2 Salary Scale) The rate of remuneration for all appointments may be adjusted from time to time with government policy.
Additional Benefits: Comprehensive Sick Leave Policy 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 Interview & Additional Information: Interview Process: If invited to interview, candidates are likely to be assessed at the interview under the following criteria.
Additional criteria may be added for the interview as the need arises.
Qualifications (Academic & Professional) Relevant Industry/Professional Experience Postgraduate Supervisory Experience Communications & Interpersonal Skills Research Knowledge and Experience Team Working and Organisational Skills Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend for interview.
April 2026 Page 4 of 5 Ref: 026735 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 EURAXESS Ireland must be strictly adhered to.
Any appointment offer to Non-EEA candidates is subject to the granting of a work permit by the 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 e Recruitment system only.
Applications will not be accepted in any other format or through any other channel of communication.
Please log on to to apply for this position.
Closing date for receipt of completed applications is 1.00 pm on Monday, 27 April 2026.
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.
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.
April 2026 Page 5 of 5 Ref: 026735 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.