A senior lecturer at University College Cork (UCC) is trying to stop the business school at the university from conducting interviews to hire ten professors.
Dr Joan Buckley, who is head of its management and marketing department, took legal action after she failed to make the shortlist.
The decision to make up to 10 professorial-level appointments at the UCC Business School is described in the ad as a "landmark initiative".
Dr Buckley was among the 252 applicants - but she was not called for interview.
Given her contribution to the business school, her standing and extensive research, she has described the decision as "inexplicable" not to include her in the shortlist.
She says she was "astounded and distressed" when she was notified and had to take sick leave on the advice of her GP.
She also expressed concern at the omission of her department in a foreword by UCC President Dr Michael Murphy in the Candidate Information Pack.
Today, she asked the High Court to suspend the interviews next month while she challenges what she believes to be a flawed selection process.
Her application was not granted - but the case will return to court next week to allow the university time to respond to her allegations.
