Key duties and responsibilities

This title will apply to newly qualified Postdoctoral Researchers and will be considered as a period of training as the researcher will have dual goals in terms of the research project and their own career development. The researcher will be mentored by the Principal Investigator (PI). It is expected that a researcher would spend not more than 3 years at the Post Doctoral level, subject to the term of the project and would then be eligible to compete for a Senior Post Doctoral post advertised by the University.

The primary focus of the Postdoctoral Researcher will be research; however, a particular emphasis during this stage should include the following:

• To conduct a specified programme of research under the supervision and direction of the Principal Investigator/Project Leader.
• To engage in appropriate training and professional development opportunities as required by the Principal Investigator, School or College in order to develop research skills and competencies.
• To gain experience in grant writing.
• To 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 a Principal Investigator.
• To become familiar with the publication process.
• To acquire generic and transferable skills (which may include project management, business skills and postgraduate mentoring/supervision).
• To engage in the wider research and scholarly activities of the Research Group, Centre, School or College.
• To interact closely with postgraduate research students who are studying for a Masters or a PhD and possibly have an agreed role in supporting these students in their day to day research in conjunction with an academic supervisor.
• To carry out administrative work to support the programme of research.
• To carry out additional duties as may reasonably be required within the general scope and level of the post.
• To contribute to costing research grant proposals and assist in the financial management of a research project.

The successful candidate will provide a cover letter with evidence for how they meet the following essential criteria:

• A PhD qualification in geosciences, plant sciences, chemistry, environmental science or a related discipline.
• Appropriate research experience, particularly with handling and analysing quantitative data sets.
• Appropriate technical competence and accomplishment.
• A capability of working within a project team to achieve results.
• Excellent written and verbal English language skills.
• Willing and able to undertake field work.
• Good communication, organisation and interpersonal skills.
• A commitment to gaining practical experience working on a research project.
• Ability to work well within a team.

Please note that Garda vetting and international police clearance check may form part of the selection process.