Senior Post-Doctoral Researcher, School of Food and Nutritional Sciences, Food Packaging and Material Sciences Group

Job title: Senior Post-Doctoral Researcher, School of Food and Nutritional Sciences, Food Packaging and Material Sciences Group

Company: University College Cork


Job description: Job Information Organisation/CompanyUniversity College Cork DepartmentHR Research Research FieldBiological sciences » Nutritional sciences Researcher ProfileEstablished Researcher (R3) PositionsPostdoc Positions CountryIreland Application Deadline13 Jun 2025 – 12:00 (Europe/Dublin) Type of ContractTemporary Job StatusFull-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?NoOffer Description36 Months, Fixed-Term, Whole-Time PostPosition SummaryApplications are invited for the role of Senior Post-Doctoral Researcher within the Food Packaging and Material Sciences Group at the School of Food and Nutritional Sciences.The Food Packaging and Material Sciences Research Group in the School of Food and Nutritional Sciences is a globally recognised and dynamic research collective in the fields of food packaging, food processing and material sciences. A primary objective of the research grouping is to tackle societal issues linked to these research areas to deliver meaningful solutions. Not surprisingly, the research position on offer connects with this objective. Consequently, we are seeking a Senior Post-Doctoral Researcher to co-ordinate and conduct research funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM).The primary objective of this DAFM-funded project is to develop and demonstrate use of new generation, more functional, and sustainable packaging materials with enhanced moisture barrier properties to positively impact shelf-life extension, enhanced safety, and reduced food and packaging waste around low moisture, moisture-sensitive foods, thus addressing environmental concerns associated with such packaging materials and formats, as well as unwanted food waste. Natural and sustainable hydrophobic substances will be screened, optimised, characterised and subsequently integrated into conventional packaging materials, including sustainable, recyclable and biodegradable polymers, to produce advanced multi-functional packaging materials with enhanced moisture barrier features. Whilst potentially suitable for a wide range of food packaging applications, this project will apply and validate these technologies at laboratory- and industrial-scale, where possible, to conventional packaging materials and systems utilised for low moisture, moisture-sensitive food products.Under the direction of Professor Joe Kerry, the successful candidate will be responsible for managing, performing, analysing, and presenting research results to stakeholders. The successful candidate will; join a team of multidisciplinary researchers, interact regularly with industry collaborators, have the opportunity for training and professional development and be presented opportunities to travel to various scientific conferences to present research results. Experience with engaging in collaborative research with stakeholder groups including seafood producers, packaging suppliers and scientific community is desirable.The successful candidate will be expected to assist with supervision of postgraduate students and lead and/or assist with the planning and execution of industry workshops, seminars, meetings, and webinars. The successful candidate will report directly to, and work closely with the Principal Investigator, Prof. Joe P. Kerry. Additionally, the candidate will be expected to closely interact with our project partner, Professor Michael Morris based in Trinity College Dublin, and his team.Applicants should hold a PhD degree in Food Science, Packaging Science, Chemistry, Material sciences, Food Engineering or a related science discipline. Experience in packaging science, shelf-life analysis, chemical analysis, microbiological analysis, material science, chemistry, relevant analytical techniques, life-cycle assessment is required for this post.The successful candidate will be expected to carry out research using a variety of methodologies and therefore, should be proficient in collecting and analysing qualitative and/or quantitative data. Candidates must demonstrate excellent communication, planning, organisation, team working, practical, problem solving, scientific writing and project management skills.The successful candidate must be able to work both independently at their own initiative and who can also work as part of a team.Project Title: Improved Shelf-life of Packaged, Water-Sensitive, Low Moisture Foods Through Zein Augmented Packaging SolutionsPost Duration: 36 Months, Whole-TimeSalary: €53,770 – €58,479 per annum, IUA PD2For an information package including further details of the post see .Informal enquiries can be made in confidence to Professor Joe P. Kerry, Email:Where to apply E-mailjoe.kerry@ucc.ieRequirementsSkills/QualificationsRole DescriptionThis is an advanced research training role, building on their prior experience as a Post-Doctoral Researcher in UCC or elsewhere, where you will conduct a specified programme of research and research training under the guidance of a Principal Investigator. The primary purpose of the role is to deliver research results and objectives, develop new or advanced research skills and competencies, the successful development of funding proposals and to interact in the supervision and mentorship of graduate students, in conjunction with an academic supervisor.The Post-Doctoral/Senior Post-Doctoral phase has an expected duration up to a maximum of 6 years, subject to the term of the project, on a full-time or part-time basis. Movement to the grade of Senior Post-Doctoral researcher in the University will be by competing for an advertised post. External appointments made directly to Senior Post-Doctoral research positions must have previous post-doctoral experience of at least 3 years.Achievement of the expected progression within Post Doc and Senior Post Doc is transferable between the Irish HEI’s. This can be reflected in the starting pay of a PD researcher. Similarly, as the PD scheme is an intergenerational training scheme completion of PD1 or PD 2 levels in one HEI will normally render that researcher ineligible for appointment at a similar level in another Irish HEIThe successful candidate will be required:

• To conduct and lead a specified programme of research under the supervision and direction of a Principal Investigator/Project Leader.
• To secure competitive research funding for research proposals
• To engage in appropriate and professional development opportunities as required by your Principal Investigator, School or College.
• To assume a role in the design as well as the execution of research, contributing significantly to the development of research proposals and funding successes.
• To support the Principal Investigator and research group in the design and development of a research programme.
• To engage in the dissemination of the results of the research, as directed by and with the support of and under the supervision of the Principal Investigator.
• To engage in the wider research activities of the Research Group, School or College.
• To interact closely with postgraduate research students who are studying for a Masters or a PhD and have an agreed role in supporting these students in their day to day research in conjunction with the supervisor or supervision team.
• To conduct administrative and management work associated with the research project.
• To carry out any additional duties as may reasonably be required within the general scope and level of the post.
• To engage in costing research grant proposals and take on financial management of projects.

Health & Safety: In addition to the statutory safety duties of all employees (as prescribed in safety legislation and the relevant local safety statement) each staff member is responsible for:

• Discharging any safety functions delegated to them by their Head of College \ School \ Department \ Centre \ Unit, in relation to the areas/ activities under their control
• Co-operating and assisting the University and the Head of College \ School \ Department \ Centre \ Unit in the discharge of their statutory safety responsibilities
• Ensuring that all work under their control, is undertaken safely and without risk to health and complies with the provision of all relevant statutory legislation

Note: As the university continues to expand and evolve, it is likely that flexibility in regard to the allocation of specific duties will be necessary. Accordingly, the list of duties specified above is not intended to be exclusive or restrictive; duties may be added or withdrawn but any such alteration will take place after consultation with the appointee.Specific RequirementsSELECTION CRITERIAThe successful candidate will be expected to have:Essential Criteria

• A relevant PhD qualification and significant experience in transdisciplinary or engaged research on societal transitions involving multiple actors, preferably in the marine sciences.
• Extensive competence and experience in a research area.
• Demonstrable experience of playing a leading role in the delivery of multi-partner European Projects.
• Strong project management experience including monitoring of project deliverables, timelines and budget.
• Good communication, organisation and interpersonal skills.
• Experience in liaising with external project partners and engaging with stakeholders, including citizens and communities.
• Supervisory skills.
• Leadership potential.
• Experience of applying for and securing funding.
• Publication record.

Please note that Garda vetting and international police clearance check may form part of the selection process.Candidates are requested to make a personal assessment of these criteria against their own qualifications, skills and abilities to assess whether they should apply for the postPlease note: Candidates who do not demonstrate that they meet the criteria as detailed above will not be short listed.The University, at its discretion, may undertake to make an additional appointment(s) from this competition following the conclusion of the process.Languages ENGLISHResearch Field Biological sciences » Nutritional sciencesAdditional InformationAdditional commentsApplications must be submitted online via the University College Cork vacancy portal ( ). Queries relating to the online application process should be referred to , quoting the job-title and project name.Candidates should apply, in confidence, before 12 noon (Irish Local Time) on Friday, 13th of June 2025No late applications will be accepted.Please note that an appointment to posts advertised will be dependent on University approval, together with the terms of the employment control framework for the higher education sector.UCC is committed to creating and fully embracing an inclusive environment where diversity is celebrated. As a University we strive to create a workplace that reflects the diversity of our student population where people from a wide variety of backgrounds learn from one another, share ideas, and work collaboratively. UCC is committed to being an employer that recognises the value of diversity amongst its staff. We encourage applicants to consult our policies at and initiatives at and we welcome applications from everyone, including those who are underrepresented in the protected characteristics set out in our Equal Opportunities & Diversity Policy.UNIVERSITY COLLEGE CORK IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES EMPLOYERWork Location(s)Number of offers available 1 Company/Institute University College Cork Country Ireland State/Province Cork City Cork GeofieldContact CityCork WebsiteStreetWestern RoadSTATUS: EXPIREDShare this page

Expected salary: €53770 – 58479 per year

Location: Cork

Job date: Sat, 07 Jun 2025 22:21:17 GMT

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