Postdoctoral Researcher - SHELLWISE, 1 FTE, School of Natural Sciences (Zoology), 011639

Postdoctoral Researcher - SHELLWISE, 1 FTE, School of Natural Sciences (Zoology), 011639

Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for a full-time, fixed term position as a Postdoctoral Researcher with the  School of Natural Sciences  at University of Galway, Ireland.  

This position is supported through the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland funded SHELLWISE project and is available from May 2026 for up to 31 months. The goal of the  SHELLWISE project is to investigate the potential negative (or neutral) impacts of noise pollution and vibration from offshore wind turbines on marine shellfish health, and to measure/model underwater sound propagation from offshore wind farms. 

Ireland’s strategy to transition to a sustainable, clean energy future is imperative and requires us to increase vastly our offshore wind energy systems. As we move renewable energy systems from land to sea, there is an urgent need to evaluate the potential risks posed to wildlife health and habitats. Acoustic energy (noise) propagates through water and sediments causing disturbances due to pressure and particle velocity. Charismatic fauna, such as marine mammals and birds, have been the subject of extensive environmental impact assessments and surveys. This is not the case for spineless animals, i.e., invertebrates, which are economically and ecologically important. Marine invertebrates, notably shellfish, represent key members of benthic ecosystems, lucrative fisheries (e.g., crustaceans, shelled molluscs), and are of great value to coastal community heritage.  

Through the interdisciplinary SHELLWISE project, the Post-Doctoral Researcher will contribute to the following objectives: (1) assess how shellfish of commercial and ecological importance to Ireland may perceive sound and its disturbance (noise pollution), (2) measure the potential adverse impacts of anthropogenic noise ’stress’ on marine shellfish (physiology), and, (3) develop a noise sensitivity index. 

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 19th March 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. 

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011639 Full Job Description.pdf