Current Vacancies

This PhD project will focus on applying a full life cycle sustainability analysis, considering environmental, economic and social impacts, to assess the sustainability of the of the bovine and ovine co-product valorisation processes developed in CirCoVal. The CirCoVal project focuses on the valorisation of red meat co-products with the least value to the industry – currently a source of losses to their producers – and the of purification wastewater produced at the abattoirs. A number of circular processes (including anaerobic digestion, pyrolysis, transesterification and fermentation) will be developed, scaled up, and economically assessed to provide a suite of potential options for the individual producers in the agri- food sector to choose from. The sustainability of the CirCoVal processes will be explored through life cycle assessment (LCA) using data collected from project partners and industry. The LCA research will ensure that the environmental performance and related impacts of the products developed in CirCoVal will be taken into account throughout the project, focusing on appropriate environmental, economic and social methods in the context of LCA.

The PhD student will work under the primary supervision of Dr Fionnuala Murphy in the UCD School of Biosystems & Food Engineering and co-supervision of Dr Egle Gusciute in the UCD School of Sociology. There will be a specific focus on interacting with project partners (Technological University of the Shannon, Teagasc, Tyndall National Institute, Dawn Meats, Kepak, Ashbourne Meats Processing, Arigna Fuels, Loop Head Together and the Irish Bioeconomy Foundation) during all stages of the project to best understand the value chain and for on-site data collection.

The ideal candidate will have an excellent degree in a quantitative science-based discipline such as engineering, food science, agricultural science, environmental science, industrial ecology or similar. The candidate will be expected to broaden their knowledge to include economic and social sustainability in the life cycle assessment. Some knowledge or experience of the food industry and life cycle assessment would be helpful.

Excellent scientific, organisational and project management skills, a commitment to research, excellent problem-solving skills, the ability to work independently and as part of a multi-disciplinary team and excellent interpersonal and communications skills will all be necessary.

To apply please follow the instructions in the following link HERE

The EU’s Food 2030 strategy highlights the need for strategies to narrow the innovation gap and to increase market take-up and societal relevance of food products. Horizon Europe’s Farm to Fork strategy has as its core principal, the provision of solutions for sustainable and healthy food systems, and devising tailored solutions for SME food processors. Current concerns raised by the Coeliac Society of Ireland (which have been supported by international studies) highlight that, unlike wheat products, gluten-free staples are predominantly not fortified with iron and micronutrients, resulting in a significant lack of these nutrients in the gluten-free diet. Pulse crops, such as faba beans, are high-yielding crops in Ireland. They naturally gluten-free are an rich source of protein, fibre, vitamins and minerals such as iron, magnesium, potassium, and folate. Pulse crops are beneficial for the environment and soil health, as they have the ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen, thus reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers. However such crops are underutilized for food processing in Ireland. GFreeIE will take a transformative systems approach to agri-food innovation, from farm gate to consumer plate, by applying Irish faba beans, coupled with pseudocereals (which also have excellent nutritional profiles) to deliver safe, nutritious and appealing innovative gluten-free food solutions that are environmentally, socially and economically beneficial.

This PhD project will focus on applying a full life cycle sustainability analysis, considering environmental, economic and social impacts, to assess the sustainability of the GFreeIE approach of gluten-free breads and breakfast cereals based on Irish faba beans. The life cycle sustainability assessment will focus on engaging with consumers to assess the potential social benefits. The sustainability of the processes for production of novel gluten-free bread and cereal based products will be explored through life cycle assessment (LCA) using data collected from project partners which will produce the faba bean ingredient) and which will produce the gluten-free products. The LCA research will ensure that the environmental performance and related impacts of the products developed in GFreeIE will be taken into account throughout the project, focusing on appropriate environmental, economic and social methods in the context of LCA.

The PhD student will work under the primary supervision of Dr Fionnuala Murphy in the UCD School of Biosystems & Food Engineering and co-supervision of Dr Egle Gusciute in the UCD School of Sociology. There will be a specific focus on interacting with project partners in Teagasc and University College Cork during all of these stages of the project to best understand the value chain and for on-site data collection. The PhD student will have a unique opportunity to develop interdisciplinary skills in applying a full life cycle sustainability analysis which considers environmental, economic and social impacts, which are in high demand and sought after in academia, research, policy and industry settings.

The ideal candidate will have an excellent degree in a quantitative science-based discipline such as biosystems and food engineering, food science, agricultural science, environmental science, industrial ecology or similar. The candidate will be expected to broaden their knowledge to include economic and social sustainability in the life cycle assessment and it is expected that the candidate will have an interest in a holistic approach (environmental, economic and social) to sustainability. Some knowledge or experience of the food industry and life cycle assessment would be helpful. Some knowledge of survey research would be helpful but not necessary.

Excellent scientific, organisational and project management skills, a commitment to research, excellent problem-solving skills, the ability to work independently and as part of a multi-disciplinary team and excellent interpersonal and communications skills will all be necessary.

To apply please follow the instructions in the following link HERE

The BioAssess Project, funded by Sustainable Energy Authority Ireland and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, aims to provide a novel framework which assess the environmental, economic and social impacts of the use of biomass for bioenergy and in the bioeconomy in Ireland. The framework will identify any unintended consequences of the use of biomass in different sectors and will inform industry, local authorities and policymakers on how to develop schemes and policies for the sustainable use of biomass. BioAssess will engage with key stakeholders through the Industry Advisory panel including members from industry (energy and farming), local authorities and policymakers, and through project workshops (e.g. farmers, foresters, bioenergy processors, bioeconomy companies etc.) to ensure uptake of the BioAssess framework. BioAssess is led by University College Dublin, with collaborators University of Galway and Munster Technological University.

A Senior Postdoctoral (level 2) position is sought to develop the environmental life cycle assessment framework. The postdoctoral researcher will work on all project work packages and in collaboration with project partners in Munster Technological University and University of Galway. The postdoctoral researcher will also act as assistant project manager to the Principal Investigator in UCD (Dr Fionnuala Murphy). Expertise in life cycle assessment and knowledge of biomass production is essential.

This is an advanced research focused role, building on your prior experience as a post-doctoral fellow, where you will conduct a specified programme of research supported by research training under the supervision and direction of a Principal Investigator.

The primary purpose of the role is to develop new or advanced research skills and competences, on the processes of publication in peer-reviewed academic publications and scholarly dissemination, the development of funding proposals, and the supervision and mentorship of graduate students along with the opportunity to develop your skills in research led teaching.

To apply please select EXTERNAL applicants  HERE
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