Postdoctoral Researcher - WATERWAY

Postdoctoral Researcher – WATERWAY, 0.8 FTE, Ryan Institute, 011594

Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for a part-time (0.8 FTE) 3 year fixed-term position as a Postdoctoral Researcher with the Ryan Institute at the University of Galway, Ireland.

This 3-year position is funded through the European Urban Initiative (EUI) Innovation Action WATERWAY project, led by Galway City Council with the University of Galway as a core partner, and is available from 1st of March 2026 to contract end date of February 2029.

Project Background

The WATERWAY Project (Water And Tourism Energy Resources for a Winning Active Galway) is a novel, place-based urban climate action initiative led by Galway City Council under the European Urban Initiative’s Innovative Actions programme. It addresses key local climate and energy challenges, including limited renewable energy uptake, energy poverty, and the need for green skills development, by repurposing the city’s historic canal network to support small-scale hydropower generation and community-centred energy transitions.

The project integrates research, education, skills development, and community engagement through a dedicated Waterways Living Lab, co-creating learning experiences, training programmes and public engagement activities with stakeholders including residents, schools, industry partners and civic organisations. WATERWAY also develops a replicable urban climate transition model that aligns technical innovation, heritage revitalisation, stakeholder co-creation and sustainable tourism.

The University of Galway plays a central role in the project by leading the Living Lab research and education components, co-designing engagement processes, and supporting knowledge transfer, positioning the initiative as a model for other European cities pursuing integrated, participatory climate action

The Ryan Institute is the University’s largest interdisciplinary research institute. It offers a vibrant and welcoming interdisciplinary research environment, bringing together researchers from across science, engineering, social sciences and the humanities to work collaboratively on pressing sustainability and environmental challenges. This post will contribute to the Institute’s Science for Society and engaged research agenda.

For more information on WATERWAY: https://www.galwaycity.ie/services/climate-action/climate-action-services/eui-ia-waterway-project

The Ryan Institute: https://www.universityofgalway.ie/ryaninstitute/

Salary: Postdoctoral Researcher salary scale €46,305 – €59,063 per annum (subject to the project’s funding limitations), pro rata for part-time contracts.

Employment permit restrictions apply for this category of post.

Closing date for receipt of applications is 17:00 (Irish Time) on 24th February 2026. It will not be possible to consider applications received after the closing date.