Posted 18 June, 2026
Postdoctoral Researcher/Research Associate - Timber Engineering (Biofabricate Project), 1 FTE, School Of Engineering, University of Galway 011831
University Vacancies Ireland
Galway, Galway, Ireland
Temporary
Reference: 567801439
Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for a full-time, fixed-term 38-month contract position as a Postdoctoral Researcher/Research Associate with the Timber Engineering Research Group (TERG) at the School of Engineering, University of Galway, Ireland.
This position is funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) and is available from 1 September 2026 to contract end date of 30 October 2029.
The Integrated BIO-based Innovations for Sustainable Manufacturing, Construction, and Pharmaceutical Applications from Irish Forest Biomass (BIOFABRICATE) project is funded in Ireland by DAFM under the 2025 Thematic Research Call (Project Ref: 2025R_544). This research is being carried out as part of a consortium led by University of Galway in collaboration with partners in Trinity College Dublin, Technological University Dublin, Atlantic Technological University Galway, Dublin City University and Teagasc, and includes 6 industry partners.
Project Background:
BIOFABRICATE aims to develop and validate advanced bio-based materials, products and technologies from the growing supply of Irish forest biomass, for applications in engineered timber construction, manufacturing, food packaging and pharmaceuticals.
The role at University of Galway directly supports the development of sustainable bio-based solutions for advanced engineered wood products (EWPs) using Irish forestry resources. The overall project focuses on low-emission pulping to produce micro- and nanocrystalline cellulose and their application in high-value sectors. Novel adhesives and coatings derived from lignin, tannin, proteins, and microbial processes will address durability, flammability, and moisture challenges and tested in EWP applications. A bioengineering framework will enable investigation of fungal-derived biocoatings with enhanced fire-retardant and antimicrobial properties. The project also promotes adhesive-free, recyclable design, while prototyping structural EWP components from Irish timber. Performance validation and comprehensive lifecycle assessment will ensure environmental, technical, and economic viability for sustainable construction applications.
The research this role encompasses will be conducted using the equipment, technical expertise, office and research space within the School of Engineering at University of Galway. The Alice Perry Engineering building houses state-of-the-art Structural Engineering facilities, testing laboratories, research space and computer suites.
Salary: Postdoctoral Researcher/Research Associate salary scale €47,273 - €60,250 per annum, (subject to the project's funding limitations), and pro rata for shorter and/or part-time contracts.
The default position for all new public sector appointments is the 1st point of the salary scale. This may be reviewed, and consideration afforded to appointment at a higher point on the payscale (subject to the project's funding limitations), where evidence of prior years' equivalent experience is accepted in determining placement on the scale above point 1, subject to the maximum of the scale.
(Research Salary Scales - University of Galway)
Closing date for receipt of applications is 17:00 (Irish Time) on 10th July 2026. It will not be possible to consider applications received after the closing date.
Interviews are planned to be held on 20th July 2026.
*Please review full job description for further details and essential requirements.
Document
011831 Job Description.pdf 290.61 KB
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This position is funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) and is available from 1 September 2026 to contract end date of 30 October 2029.
The Integrated BIO-based Innovations for Sustainable Manufacturing, Construction, and Pharmaceutical Applications from Irish Forest Biomass (BIOFABRICATE) project is funded in Ireland by DAFM under the 2025 Thematic Research Call (Project Ref: 2025R_544). This research is being carried out as part of a consortium led by University of Galway in collaboration with partners in Trinity College Dublin, Technological University Dublin, Atlantic Technological University Galway, Dublin City University and Teagasc, and includes 6 industry partners.
Project Background:
BIOFABRICATE aims to develop and validate advanced bio-based materials, products and technologies from the growing supply of Irish forest biomass, for applications in engineered timber construction, manufacturing, food packaging and pharmaceuticals.
The role at University of Galway directly supports the development of sustainable bio-based solutions for advanced engineered wood products (EWPs) using Irish forestry resources. The overall project focuses on low-emission pulping to produce micro- and nanocrystalline cellulose and their application in high-value sectors. Novel adhesives and coatings derived from lignin, tannin, proteins, and microbial processes will address durability, flammability, and moisture challenges and tested in EWP applications. A bioengineering framework will enable investigation of fungal-derived biocoatings with enhanced fire-retardant and antimicrobial properties. The project also promotes adhesive-free, recyclable design, while prototyping structural EWP components from Irish timber. Performance validation and comprehensive lifecycle assessment will ensure environmental, technical, and economic viability for sustainable construction applications.
The research this role encompasses will be conducted using the equipment, technical expertise, office and research space within the School of Engineering at University of Galway. The Alice Perry Engineering building houses state-of-the-art Structural Engineering facilities, testing laboratories, research space and computer suites.
Salary: Postdoctoral Researcher/Research Associate salary scale €47,273 - €60,250 per annum, (subject to the project's funding limitations), and pro rata for shorter and/or part-time contracts.
The default position for all new public sector appointments is the 1st point of the salary scale. This may be reviewed, and consideration afforded to appointment at a higher point on the payscale (subject to the project's funding limitations), where evidence of prior years' equivalent experience is accepted in determining placement on the scale above point 1, subject to the maximum of the scale.
(Research Salary Scales - University of Galway)
Closing date for receipt of applications is 17:00 (Irish Time) on 10th July 2026. It will not be possible to consider applications received after the closing date.
Interviews are planned to be held on 20th July 2026.
*Please review full job description for further details and essential requirements.
Document
011831 Job Description.pdf 290.61 KB
Apply
