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Eugene Costello

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3 days ago

Postdoctoral Researcher in Palaeoecology University College Cork in Ireland

Degree Level

Postdoc

Field of study

Environmental Science

Funding

Available

Deadline

Nov 20, 2026

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Country

Ireland

University

University College Cork

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Keywords

Environmental Science
Biology
Biodiversity
Archaeology
Earth Science
History
Palynology
Historical Ecology
Paleoecology
Paleobotany
Cattle

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About this position

University College Cork is offering a 36-month fixed-term, full-time Postdoctoral Researcher position in Palaeoecology within the School of Archaeology and the Radical Humanities Laboratory. The post is part of the DeepCattle project, an ERC Consolidator Grant-funded research programme that investigates the deep history of commercial cattle farming in Europe.

DeepCattle aims to trace the origins and expansion of beef and dairy production in rural Europe, and to understand how these changes shaped trade, urban growth, society, and biodiversity. The project combines historical and archaeological research with palaeoecological approaches, particularly palynology and sedimentary ancient DNA, to reconstruct the expanding environmental footprint of cattle farming from the Middle Ages onward.

The successful candidate will join an interdisciplinary team led by Prof. Eugene Costello, in collaboration with Dr. Benjamin Gearey at UCC and Dr. Peter Heintzman at the Centre for Palaeogenetics, Stockholm University. The researcher will assist with lake and peatland coring in Ireland, Scotland, and Sweden, conduct palynological analysis of collected cores at UCC, and contribute to sedimentary ancient DNA analysis in collaboration with the Centre for Palaeogenetics in Stockholm.

This role is especially suitable for candidates with expertise in palaeoecology and palynology who are eager to work across disciplinary boundaries and develop advanced skills in sedimentary ancient DNA at a world-class facility. The project is highly interdisciplinary and will appeal to researchers interested in environmental history, archaeology, landscape change, and the long-term ecological consequences of agricultural intensification.

The position is based at University College Cork in Cork, Ireland. It is a research post funded through the EU Horizon Europe / ERC framework, with salary on the IUA PD1 Research Salary Scale (€47,273-€53,925 p.a.). Applicants must hold a PhD or equivalent in a relevant field. Garda vetting and/or an international police clearance check may be required.

Applications must be submitted online via the UCC vacancy portal. Candidates should apply in confidence before 12 noon (Irish local time) on Friday, 20 November 2026. Informal enquiries may be directed to Prof. Eugene Costello at [email protected], and queries about the online application process can be sent to [email protected].

Funding details

Available

What's required

Applicants must hold a PhD or equivalent in a relevant field, with expertise in palaeoecology including palynology. Preference is for candidates interested in integrating palaeoecological data with historical and archaeological evidence, and those motivated to develop sedimentary ancient DNA skills. Garda vetting and/or an international police clearance check may form part of the selection process.

How to apply

Apply online through the University College Cork vacancy portal. Submit the application before 12 noon Irish local time on 20 November 2026. Check the full information package and selection criteria at UCC before applying.

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