🌊🔬 The BRICONS Project – Building Resilient Irish Coasts through Oyster Restoration is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Fellow (PD1 level) to join an exciting, interdisciplinary research team at University College Dublin 🌱📈 BRICONS is funded by the Marine Institute under the Marine Research Programme and explores the potential of native oyster reef restoration…

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BRICONS

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Now Open: Postdoctoral Research Fellow Role within the BRICONS Project

🌊🔬 The BRICONS Project – Building Resilient Irish Coasts through Oyster Restoration is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Fellow (PD1 level) to join an exciting, interdisciplinary research team at University College Dublin 🌱📈

BRICONS is funded by the Marine Institute under the Marine Research Programme and explores the potential of native oyster reef restoration as a nature-based solution to enhance marine biodiversity, ecosystem services, and coastal resilience under climate change conditions

About the Role

The successful candidate will play a leading role in the coordination and delivery of field-based oyster restoration research, with a strong focus on Dublin Bay, and collaboration with partner sites in Galway and Belfast. The role involves environmental monitoring, habitat characterisation, biodiversity surveys, and the deployment of innovative monitoring tools including underwater video systems and baited cameras.

You will also contribute to the procurement and deployment of restoration materials such as artificial reefs and shell cultch, and support the reintroduction and translocation of native oysters (Ostrea edulis) in close collaboration with project partners and local stakeholders.

This is a research-focused position designed to support early-career researchers in developing advanced research skills, publications, funding proposals, and mentoring experience within a vibrant multidisciplinary team.

Duration: 24 months (with possibility of renewal)
Salary: €46,305 per annum
Application Ref: 019379

Key Responsibilities

  • Participate in professional development and research dissemination activities
  • Conduct a defined programme of research under the supervision of the Principal Investigator
  • Lead and coordinate marine field surveys and environmental monitoring
  • Contribute to biodiversity assessments, data analysis, and scientific publications
  • Support the development of structured monitoring programmes across project sites
  • Engage with collaborators, stakeholders, and the wider research community

Essential Criteria

  • PhD in Marine Ecology or a closely related discipline
  • Strong experience in marine fieldwork and habitat surveys
  • Proficiency in statistical data analysis (e.g. R, Python, MATLAB)
  • Evidence of research output (publications, conferences, proposals)
  • Excellent organisational and communication skills
  • Awareness of equality, diversity, and inclusion principles

Desirable Experience

  • Scientific diving qualifications (CMAS*** or equivalent)
  • Experience with native oyster aquaculture techniques
  • Public engagement and stakeholder collaboration
  • Boat handling or marine species identification experience
  • Experience working in multidisciplinary research teams

The successful candidate will join UCD’s School of Biology and Environmental Science, part of the UCD College of Science, and work closely with experts in marine ecology, coastal engineering, data science, and industry. This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to impactful research addressing climate resilience and coastal sustainability in Ireland.

How to Apply

Applicants are requested to carefully read the two documents attached below before submitting an application:

Informal Enquiries

Dr. Paul Brooks
Assistant Professor, UCD
Email: paul.brooks@ucd.ie

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