Post-Doctoral Researcher School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Science

Organisation/Company University College Cork Department HR Research Research Field Environmental science " Other Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Positions Postdoc Positions Application Deadline 3 Apr 2026 - 12:00 (Europe/Dublin) Country Ireland Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Part-time Offer Starting Date 3 Jun 2026 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? No

Offer Description

We are looking for an ambitious and competent post-doctoral fellow to work on the evolutionary ecology of feralisation and farm-wild interactions in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar). The position is funded for 2 years as part of the Marine Institute Post-Doctoral Fellowship Programme. The Fellow will join the joint research group of Dr Tom Reed and Prof. Philip McGinnity at University College Cork and be embedded within a wider team of fish biologists and geneticists. This exciting new research project aims to tackle a series of fundamental questions concerning the genomic and epigenetic basis of "reverse domestication" processes, which occur when farmed salmon escape and establish potentially self-sustaining (or hybridising) populations in the wild. The topic is also highly relevant to applied conservation issues pertaining to aquaculture escapes and fisheries management.

We are looking for someone with a background in, and passion for, molecular ecology/conservation genetics, with strong bioinformatics/quantitative skills (e.g., in the analysis of NGS data). The work will involve the analysis of archival biological material from past experiments and ongoing observational studies.

• To conduct a specified programme of research under the supervision and direction of a 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 (including project management, business skills and postgraduate mentoring/supervision).
• To engage in the wider research and scholarly 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 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.

Specific Requirements

• A PhD qualification in molecular ecology, evolutionary biology, fisheries genetics or a related field.
• Experience with bioinformatics analysis, especially with next-generation sequencing data, is highly valued.
• Appropriate research experience.
• Appropriate technical competence and accomplishment.
• A capability of working within a project team to achieve results.
• Good communication, organisation and interpersonal skills.
• A commitment to gaining practical experience working on a research project.