Researcher in Chemical Sciences (Dublin City University)

Background & Role The School of Chemical Sciences at Dublin City University invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher in materials science, (bio)ink/hydrogel formulation, electrochemical and electrochemiluminescence biosensors to work on the formulation and optimisation of multicomponent bioactive bioinks, e.g., biomolecules incorporation in a conductive stimuli-responsive polymer matrix, that will enable the sensors to be 3D bioprinted and applied in the electrochemical detection of pathogens. The main goal of this specific project is to develop stable advanced functional conductive bioinks, e.g., active biomolecules incorporated in an electronically conducting, stimuli-responsive polymer matrix, allowing sensor platforms to be 3D (bio)printed at low temperatures in complex printed architectures for the electrochemical detection of pathogens. The project is led by Dr Loanda Cumba in the SCS at DCU, in collaboration with Prof Yann Pellegrin - Nantes University (France) and Prof. Robert Forster – DCU (Ireland). Duties and Responsibilities Please refer to the job description for a list of duties and responsibilities associated with this role. Qualifications and Experience Please refer to the job description for full details on the qualifications and experience required for this role. Candidates will be assessed on the following competencies: Discipline knowledge and Research skills – Demonstrates the ability to design and implement part of a programme of research (for example by using critical thinking and the application of relevant research methodologies). Understanding the Research Environment – Demonstrates a thorough understanding of the research environment both nationally and internationally and the ability to contribute substantially to grant applications. Communicating Research – Demonstrates the ability to communicate their research effectively to the research community and wider society (for example by publishing their research in high quality peer reviewed journals) and the ability to teach and tutor students. Managing and Leadership skills - Successfully manages research projects including the management and supervision of postgraduates and/or junior research staff. Mandatory Training Post holders will be required to undertake the following mandatory training: Orientation, GDPR, Research Integrity and Compliance. Other training may need to be undertaken when required. Essential Training The post holder will be required to successfully complete essential health and safety training and specific technical and other training as required for the delivery of the programme. Salary Scale: Postdoctoral Researcher (IUA Level 2) Salary Scale €44,847 - €57,332 per annum *Appointments will be commensurate with qualifications and experience and will be made on the appropriate point of the salary scales, in line with current Government pay policy. Closing date: Wednesday, 18th December 2025 Remote Working Policy From 1 November 2024, DCU will operate its newly agreed Remote Working Policy. Employees may be approved for up to 2 days of remote working per week (or an appropriate pro rata amount for those part time). Any remote working arrangement will be reflective of the predominant on-campus working environment and the core University value of 'Student Focused'. Employees will be based on campus for the majority of their working week to ensure a sustained on campus engagement and experience. The terms of the remote working policy will apply. For more information on the School of Chemical Sciences, please visit: https://www.dcu.ie/chemistry Informal Enquiries in relation to this role should be directed to: Dr Loanda Cumba, Assistant Professor, Dublin City University. Email: Loanda.Cumba@dcu.ie, Please do not send applications to this email address, instead apply as described below. Application Procedure: Please submit your application through the online system. In order to be considered for the role to which you are applying for, you must upload: 1) Curriculum Vitae 2) Cover Letter 3) Completed application form (blank forms can be downloaded from the bottom of the Vacancy). Please note, if all items are not uploaded, the application will be deemed incomplete, and will not be processed. Dublin City University is an equal opportunities employer. In line with the Employment Equality Acts 1998 – 2015, the University is committed to equality of treatment for all those who engage with its recruitment, selection and appointment processes. The University’s Athena SWAN Bronze Award signifies the University’s commitment to promoting gender equality and addressing any gender pay gaps. Information on a range of university policies aimed at creating a supportive and flexible work environment are available in the DCU Policy Starter Packs Contact Email : talent@dcu.ie Contact No : +00353 1 700 5149 Click on the link(s) below to view documents Filesize Notes Application Form 84.2 &nbsp Job Description 225.7 &nbsp If you apply for this position please say you saw it on Academicoxy

Background & Role
The School of Chemical Sciences at Dublin City University invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher in materials science, (bio)ink/hydrogel formulation, electrochemical and electrochemiluminescence biosensors to work on the formulation and optimisation of multicomponent bioactive bioinks, e.g., biomolecules incorporation in a conductive stimuli-responsive polymer matrix, that will enable the sensors to be 3D bioprinted and applied in the electrochemical detection of pathogens.

The main goal of this specific project is to develop stable advanced functional conductive bioinks, e.g., active biomolecules incorporated in an electronically conducting, stimuli-responsive polymer matrix, allowing sensor platforms to be 3D (bio)printed at low temperatures in complex printed architectures for the electrochemical detection of pathogens. The project is led by Dr Loanda Cumba in the SCS at DCU, in collaboration with Prof Yann Pellegrin - Nantes University (France) and Prof. Robert Forster – DCU (Ireland).

Duties and Responsibilities
Please refer to the job description for a list of duties and responsibilities associated with this role.

Qualifications and Experience
Please refer to the job description for full details on the qualifications and experience required for this role.

Candidates will be assessed on the following competencies:
Discipline knowledge and Research skills – Demonstrates the ability to design and implement part of a programme of research (for example by using critical thinking and the application of relevant research methodologies).
Understanding the Research Environment – Demonstrates a thorough understanding of the research environment both nationally and internationally and the ability to contribute substantially to grant applications.
Communicating Research – Demonstrates the ability to communicate their research effectively to the research community and wider society (for example by publishing their research in high quality peer reviewed journals) and the ability to teach and tutor students.
Managing and Leadership skills - Successfully manages research projects including the management and supervision of postgraduates and/or junior research staff.

Mandatory Training
Post holders will be required to undertake the following mandatory training: Orientation, GDPR, Research Integrity and Compliance. Other training may need to be undertaken when required.

Essential Training
The post holder will be required to successfully complete essential health and safety training and specific technical and other training as required for the delivery of the programme.

Salary Scale: Postdoctoral Researcher (IUA Level 2) Salary Scale €44,847 - €57,332 per annum

*Appointments will be commensurate with qualifications and experience and will be made on the appropriate point of the salary scales, in line with current Government pay policy.

Closing date: Wednesday, 18th December 2025

Remote Working Policy
From 1 November 2024, DCU will operate its newly agreed Remote Working Policy. Employees may be approved for up to 2 days of remote working per week (or an appropriate pro rata amount for those part time). Any remote working arrangement will be reflective of the predominant on-campus working environment and the core University value of 'Student Focused'. Employees will be based on campus for the majority of their working week to ensure a sustained on campus engagement and experience. The terms of the remote working policy will apply.

For more information on the School of Chemical Sciences, please visit: https://www.dcu.ie/chemistry

Informal Enquiries in relation to this role should be directed to:
Dr Loanda Cumba, Assistant Professor, Dublin City University.
Email: Loanda.Cumba@dcu.ie,

Please do not send applications to this email address, instead apply as described below.

Application Procedure:
Please submit your application through the online system. In order to be considered for the role to which you are applying for, you must upload:

1) Curriculum Vitae
2) Cover Letter
3) Completed application form (blank forms can be downloaded from the bottom of the Vacancy).

Please note, if all items are not uploaded, the application will be deemed incomplete, and will not be processed.

Dublin City University is an equal opportunities employer.

In line with the Employment Equality Acts 1998 – 2015, the University is committed to equality of treatment for all those who engage with its recruitment, selection and appointment processes.

The University’s Athena SWAN Bronze Award signifies the University’s commitment to promoting gender equality and addressing any gender pay gaps. Information on a range of university policies aimed at creating a supportive and flexible work environment are available in the DCU Policy Starter Packs

Contact Email :    talent@dcu.ie    Contact No :    +00353 1 700 5149
Click on the link(s) below to view documents    Filesize    Notes
Application Form    84.2    &nbsp
Job Description    225.7    &nbsp