Applications are invited for a Temporary post of a Post-doctoral Research Fellow Level 1 within UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science.

Traditional plastics derived from fossil oil are a family of hundreds of materials with a wide range of properties. Their strength, flexibility, light weight, and easy and low-cost production make them ideal materials for application in a large number of industrial and consumer products. While their popularity and widespread application have helped society to generate jobs, reduce food waste, save etc., the majority of plastics is single-use, contributing to pollution and the loss of a valuable resource. Plastics used in food and drink packaging are made from a range of polymers, which are highly customised with specific additives to meet functional and/or aesthetic requirements. This diversity makes the end-of-life management challenging, ultimately resulting in materials being incinerated or disposed in landfills.

A H2020 project UPLIFT aims to develop and scale-up chemical- and bioprocesses to allow for the up-cycling of plastic packaging waste materials. The project is a collaboration among 16 universities, industries and SMEs. The present study, which is integrative part of UPLIFT, focuses on developing whole cell biocatalysts using systems biology and metabolic engineering, which will allow the of plastics such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) to biodegradable polymers of specific characteristics, as well as other valuable molecules.

This is a research focused role, where you will conduct a specified programme of research supported by research training and development under the supervision and direction of a Principal Investigator.

The primary purpose of the role is to further develop your research skills and competences, including the processes of publication in peer-reviewed academic publications, the development of funding proposals, the mentorship of graduate students along with the opportunity to develop your skills in research led teaching.

Post-doctoral Research Fellow Level 1 Fixed Salary: 42,033 per annum.

Closing date: 17:00hrs (local Irish time) on 29th of May 2023.

Applications must be submitted by the closing date and time specified. Any applications which are still in progress at the closing time of 17:00hrs (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 CV's submitted by Recruitment Agencies will be returned.

Prior to application, further information (including application procedure) should be obtained from the Work at UCD website: https://www.ucd.ie/workatucd/jobs/.