Summary
Maynooth University is inviting applications for a Post-Doctoral Researcher to join the “Ancient Woodlands Ireland” research project. Funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food, and the Marine, and the National Parks and Wildlife Service, this multidisciplinary project aims to deliver an all-island Ancient Woodlands Inventory for Ireland by combining GIS, remote sensing, paleoecology, and contemporary ecology.
Designation
Post-Doctoral Researcher
Research Area
Forest Ecology, Global Change, Vegetation Surveys, and Soil Microbiome Analysis.
Location
Department of Biology, Maynooth University, Ireland.
Job Description
The successful candidate will work primarily with Dr. John Devaney and Prof. Fiona Walsh on Task 5 of the project, focusing on the assessment of ancient woodland plant and soil indicators. Key responsibilities include:
- Conducting vegetation surveys at selected ancient and recent woodland sites across Ireland.
- Supplementing new data with existing national forest vegetation datasets to generate ancient woodland indicator plant species lists.
- Evaluating the potential use of soil microbiome data as an indicator of woodland ancientness.
- Extracting DNA from soil samples and comparing microbiomes using phylogenetic cluster analysis.
- Contributing to the overall goal of enhancing the protection and restoration of Ireland’s ancient woodlands.
Eligibility/Qualification
Candidates should ideally possess the following:
- A PhD in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, or a related discipline.
- Strong experience in conducting field-based vegetation surveys.
- Technical proficiency in DNA extraction and soil microbiome analysis.
- Familiarity with phylogenetic cluster analysis.
- Knowledge of GIS and remote sensing applications is highly desirable.
Salary
The appointment will be made at the Post-Doctoral Researcher (2026) scale: €47,273 per annum (Point 1), in accordance with public sector pay provisions.
How to Apply
Interested candidates must submit their applications through the Maynooth University eRecruitment portal. MU Staff members must log in through ESS to apply. Applicants are advised to ensure their application is fully submitted before the system deadline, as late or incomplete applications will be automatically cancelled.
Apply Link: Official Application Portal
Last Date for Apply
Applications must be received by Monday, 23rd November 2026 at 23:30hrs (local Irish time).
