Research Ireland

University College Dublin is advertising multiple research openings within the InterPoll project funded by Research Ireland. The opportunities include two PhD positions in bee ecology and a postdoc in bee molecular ecology at the UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science.

PhD 1: Understanding behavioural interactions between managed and wild pollinators in the field (4 years). This project focuses on field ecology, pollinator behaviour, and interactions between managed honeybees and wild bumblebees/pollinators across Irish field sites. The work includes extensive field sampling, behavioural observations, and collaboration with landowners and stakeholders.

PhD 2: Experimentally testing mechanisms behind interactions between managed and wild pollinators (4 years). This project uses lab and semi-field experiments to study mechanisms behind pollinator interactions, including work at the UCD Rosemount Environmental Research Station, insect cages, honeybee presence/forage availability, and plant/pollinator traits.

Postdoc in bee molecular ecology (3.5 years). The postdoctoral role is part of the same InterPoll team and will involve molecular work on samples collected from the field sites. The postdoc is expected to work closely with the PhD students and the wider research group.

Funding: The PhD scholarships are funded, with a stipend of €25,000 per year tax free, plus EU fees. Research and travel costs are covered by the grant. Non-EU applicants must be able to cover any fee shortfall. The postdoc funding details are not specified in the post text.

Eligibility highlights: For the PhD positions, applicants should have at least an undergraduate degree in ecology, zoology, environmental science, or a related discipline, with a minimum 2.1 classification. A full, clean driving licence is required. Teamwork, collaboration, and interest in scientific writing are emphasized.

How to apply: Apply via the linked form for the PhD positions and via the UCD jobs portal for the postdoc (Job ID 019630). For the PhD, upload a cover letter, CV, and an example of scientific writing as a single PDF. No transcripts are required at this stage.

Deadline: PhD applications close on 17 May 2026, 5pm. The postdoc closes on 18 May 2026. Expected start date for the PhD positions is 1 September 2026.