Senior Post-Doctoral Researcher, School of Food and Nutritional Sciences, Food Packaging and Material Sciences Group
36 Months, Fixed-Term, Whole-Time Post
Position Summary
Applications 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 Solutions
Post Duration: 36 Months, Whole-Time
Salary: €53,770 - €58,479 per annum, IUA PD2
For an information package including further details of the post see https://ore.ucc.ie/.
Informal enquiries can be made in confidence to Professor Joe P. Kerry, Email: joe.kerry@ucc.ie
Applications must be submitted online via the University College Cork vacancy portal (https://ore.ucc.ie/). Queries relating to the online application process should be referred to recruitment@ucc.ie, quoting the job-title and project name.
Candidates should apply, in confidence, before **12 noon (Irish Local Time) on Friday,**13th of June 2025
No 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 https://www.ucc.ie/en/edi/policies/ and initiatives at https://www.ucc.ie/en/edi/implementation/ 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 EMPLOYER