Postdoctoral Researcher

Essential:

• A PhD in a relevant discipline or, exceptionally, equivalent* research experience (including industrial R&D). *EU defines PhD equivalent as 4 years full-time research after primary degree.
• Previous experience in the manipulation and statistical analysis of large biological or environmental datasets. Desirable Qualifications and Skills

Desirable:

• Previous post-doctoral research experience
• Knowledge of phytoplankton ecology
• Excellent communication skills with an ability to interact with a range of stakeholders (regulatory authorities, state agencies, seafood producers, general public) and to disseminate project objectives and outputs in formats appropriate to the target audience.
• Highly motivated researcher with a strong publication record, commensurate with their career stage and a demonstrated ability to work as part of a dynamic team.
• Experience in time series analysis or machine learning methods and a good knowledge of R, Python, SQL or other programming languages.

Key Responsibilities:

• Review and synthesise current knowledge of the impacts of climate change on marine phytoplankton.
• Compile relevant datasets for use in the project in a consistent and accessible format, using appropriate computational processes.
• Develop, compare and apply advanced tailored statistical and machine learning approaches to model spatial and temporal variability in phytoplankton dynamics in relation to relevant drivers.
• Test model performance using suitable predictive tests (over differing time horizons) with and without environmental drivers.
• Evaluate the implications of changing phytoplankton dynamics for aquaculture productivity and provide recommendations for future management and monitoring programmes.
• Lead scientific peer reviewed publications and conference presentations communicating the research outputs from the project.
• Liaise with relevant stakeholders to communicate project outputs and place them within the context of management and climate change mitigation plans.
• Search out and apply for additional topic related research funding and collaborations.

The position will be based at ATU’s Galway campus; the post-doc will also be required to spend short periods at Marine Institute headquarters in Renville, Oranmore.

Salary: IUA PD1 point 1 (€42,783.00) to point 3 (€45,322.00) with annual increments.
Starting salary is dependent on funding availability & experience and will also be market driven and discipline related.
Pension contribution: 20% in addition to salary

In accordance with ATU’s commitment to equality of opportunity for all job applicants you are asked to request any reasonable accommodation in sufficient time to ensure you can participate fully in the recruitment process.
Please contact recruitment.galwaymayo@atu.ie should you require any assistance.