Postdoctoral Researcher in Nutrition, Food Science, Sensory Science, or Public Health (SWEETWISE) University College Dublin in Ireland

The SWEETWISE project at University College Dublin (UCD) is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher for a 4-year position focused on developing safe, evidence-based strategies for sugar reduction across the food system. This multidisciplinary research programme brings together experts in nutrition, food science, sensory science, and public health, with collaborative partners at Trinity College Dublin and TU Dublin. The project addresses critical public health challenges related to excess dietary sugar intake, obesity, metabolic disease, and dental caries, with a particular emphasis on non-nutritive sweeteners, food matrix reformulation, and implications for metabolic health, policy, and industry practice.

The successful candidate will contribute to research on sugar reduction and sweetener strategies, working across disciplines that link food structure, sensory perception, dental caries models, and metabolic outcomes. Responsibilities include coordinating research activities, contributing to food reformulation strategies, mentoring PhD students, reporting on project deliverables, and engaging in science communication and policy-relevant outputs. The role is research-focused, offering opportunities for professional development, publication, and leadership within a collaborative academic–industry network.

Applicants must have a PhD in Nutrition, Food Science, Public Health, Sensory Science, or a closely related discipline, with experience in human studies, protocol development, and participant recruitment. Strong research, publication, and communication skills are essential. The position is intended for early-stage researchers, and those with more than 4 years of postdoctoral experience are not eligible. The salary is €46,305 per annum, with standard UCD employment benefits. The application process is online, and further details are available on the UCD jobs portal.

For more information or informal discussion, candidates may contact Emma Feeney, Lecturer / Assistant Professor at UCD.