Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for a full-time, fixed-term position as a Postdoctoral Researcher with the Disease Ecology lab in the School of Natural Sciences at the University of Galway, Ireland. This position is funded by Research Ireland and is available from 01-Sep-2026 to contract end date of 31-Aug-2030 (dates flexible but position is for four years).

Anthropogenic environmental change, biodiversity loss, and infectious diseases are three of the greatest challenges currently faced by humanity, with consequences for public health, conservation, societies and economies. Moreover, these challenges are inextricably linked to each other, therefore,
understanding these links is of crucial importance. ECODEMICS is a Research Ireland-funded project of 60 months aiming to disentangle the role of abiotic (temperature, pollution, connectivity) and ecological community- (dilution, amplification and competition) level drivers of host-parasite dynamics and biodiversity across metacommunities through a combination of observational, experimental and theoretical work using Daphnia spp. and
their parasites as a model system.

Salary Postdoctoral Researcher salary scale €46,805 - €59,654 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 05-Jul-2026. It will not be possible to consider applications received after the closing date. Please review full job description for further details and essential requirements.

JOB DESCRIPTION
The successful candidate will conduct a specified programme of research and scholarship under the supervision and direction of your Principal Investigator. The postdoctoral researcher will specifically be responsible for the modelling work package of the project, and work closely with PhD candidates in developing experiments necessary for parameterization and testing. Models will be developed to describe this host-parasite system and used to predict its responses to environmental change, and their applicability to a range of freshwater or other diseases will be tested. Remote/hybrid work from within the Republic of Ireland possible.

Duties:
• Conduct an independent research programme in theoretical disease ecology using Daphnia and their parasites as a model system
• Work with PhD candidates in developing experimental designs
• Develop a mechanistic understanding of the diversity-disease relationship through disentangling the forces of dilution, amplification and parasite-mediated competition
• Demonstrate the role that multiple environmental stressors (pollution, enrichment, temperature change) play in altering the outcomes of this relationship
• Scale these findings up to incorporate the role of habitat connectivity and fragmentation to create predictive models that account for the complexities of real-world scenarios
• Any other duties assigned commensurate to this level of post

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Essential Requirements:
• PhD in Theoretical Ecology, Mathematics or a related field
• Experience in writing, parameterizing and testing Ordinary Differential Equations (ODEs)
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Proficiency in R, Matlab, or other relevant computational programming Desirable Requirements:
• Experience in supervision of undergraduate or MSc projects
• Familiarity with the field of disease ecology
• Familiarity with the field of freshwater ecology
• Strong written and oral communication skills

CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Continuing Professional Development/Training:
Researchers at University of Galway are encouraged to avail of a range of training and development opportunities designed to support their personal career development plans. University of Galway provides continuing professional development supports for all researchers seeking to build their own
career pathways either within or beyond academia. Researchers are encouraged to engage with our Researcher Development Centre (RDC) upon commencing employment - see HERE for further information.

FURTHER INFORMATION/LINKS
• TO APPLY: Search Current University of Galway vacancies. Applications must be submitted online.
o How to apply guide
• For informal enquiries about the project, lab, University, or anything else, please contact Dr. Christina Tadiri, Lecturer in the School of Natural Sciences and PI of the project, christina.tadiri@universityofgalway.ie
• University's Strategic Plan
• Working in Research at University of Galway
• Moving to Ireland (Euraxess)
• Applicant Information
• We reserve the right to re-advertise or extend the closing date for this post.
• University of Galway is an equal opportunities employer.
• All positions are recruited in line with Open, Transparent, Merit (OTM) and Competency based recruitment.