Research Assistant

Job Details

Project Title: Demonstrating high value commercial bio-products at a circular IMTA site (CIRC_IMTA_DEMO)

Post Duration: 32 Months 

Applications are invited for the post of Research Assistant in our team on the Just Transition project “Demonstrating high value commercial bio-products at a circular IMTA site (CIRC_IMTA_DEMO)”. The CIRC_IMTA_DEMO project is an ambitious, commercially focussed, interdisciplinary bioeconomy project centred on a peatland-based integrated, multitrophic (IMTA) fish-farm in the Irish midlands. The position focusses on duckweed cultivation, and stakeholder engagement. Internationally, there has been strong interest in the development of Duckweed (Lemnaceae) biomass as a source of plant protein, and as a replacement for soybean in feeds. Rapid growth, high protein content and a desirable amino acid profile are amongst the key features that make duckweed species promising candidates as a native protein source for Ireland. The key tasks of the Research Assistant are to optimise outdoor duckweed cultivation on wastewater from aquaculture activities, and to develop a vibrant programme of training and engagement activities for stakeholders.

Requirements

Excellent networking and communication skills are essential. The researcher will be based in the Irish midlands and needs to be highly independent, creative and self-motivated. Good technical skills, and a valid driving licence plus own transport are essential.

Contact Information

For an information package including further details of the post see https://ore.ucc.ie/ 

Informal enquiries can be made in confidence to Prof. Marcel Jansen, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences; Email: m.jansen@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 23rd January 2026.