Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for a part-time fixed term position at 0.6 full-time equivalent (FTE) as Research Fellow within the Sustainable and Resilient Structures Research Group (www.nuigalway.ie/structures) in the SFI MaREI Centre (www.marei.ie) based in the School of Engineering (http://www.nuigalway.ie/engineering/) and Ryan Institute (http://www.nuigalway.ie/ryaninstitute/) at the National University of Ireland, Galway.
This position is funded by Science Foundation Ireland and is available from June 2021. It is at 0.6 full-time equivalent (FTE) and is initially for a period of 2 years (subject to extension if additional funding becomes available).
The Research Area:
The Sustainable and Resilient Structures Research Group (www.nuigalway.ie/structures) in the SFI MaREI Centre (www.marei.ie) have expertise in developing sustainable and resilient structures for buildings and energy infrastructure. The team applies leading-edge scientific and engineering methods to develop the improved infrastructure and built environment required for sustainable social and economic development. The research group have a strong history of collaboration with industry and international research institutes. The Sustainable and Resilient Structures Research Group is part of the SFI MaREI Centre for Energy, Climate and Marine and lead the Materials & Structures research area within that national research centre. We have developed a world-leading large structures test cell in the Alice Perry Engineering building at NUI Galway. This is one of the few test facilities in the world available for accelerated life testing of full-scale tidal turbine blades, but it is also used for testing other large scale structural systems. In this state-of-the-art testing facility, located in the Alice Perry Engineering building in NUI Galway, the team are collaborating with and testing novel structures for world-leading leading marine renewable energy companies, testing large aerospace structures and testing various construction technologies.
Job Description:
The successful candidate will work in the Sustainable and Resilient Structures Research Group (www.nuigalway.ie/structures) under the supervision of Prof Jamie Goggins to investigate the use of advanced materials for energy, buildings and aerospace applications. There will be a specific focus on composite materials and sustainable structures, which will include design, analysis and laboratory testing.
Duties:
Research
- Research into composite materials and sustainable structures, which will include design, analysis and laboratory testing. This will be done under the supervision and direction of your Principal Investigator.
- The successful candidate is expected to define research objectives and proposals for own (or joint) research in line with research strategy whilst contributing to the research programme of the Sustainable and Resilient Structures Research group (www.nuigalway.ie) in the MaREI Centre (www.marei.ie) at NUI Galway (www.nuigalway.ie). This will be under general guidance of the Principal Investigators/ Project Leaders.
- Demonstrate a thorough understanding of the research area(s) both nationally and internationally.
- Develop methods and techniques appropriate to the type of research pursued that add to the intellectual understanding of the field.
- Develop a growing reputation within their field of research.
- Thorough knowledge and understanding of the policy, practices and procedures, relevant to the role, the research fellow will provide advice to junior colleagues on policy and standards, which may include broader University/ sector/ external sponsor or funder (e.g. Commercial Awareness, Research Ethics, Knowledge Transfer, Patents, Intellectual Property Rights, Health and Safety, Equal Opportunities & Diversity).
- Decide on research programmes and methodologies, often in collaboration with colleagues and sometimes subject to the approval of the head of the research programme on fundamental issues.
Dissemination
- The successful candidate is expected to lead at least two publications in high quality peer reviewed journals per year.
- Engage in the dissemination of the results of the research in which you are engaged as directed by and with the support of and under the supervision of your Principal Investigator.
- Contribute to the dissemination of research findings as appropriate to the discipline in high quality/impact peer reviewed publications, conference presentations, knowledge share events.
- Present on research progress and outcomes e.g. to bodies supervising research; steering groups; other team members, as agreed with the PI/project leader.
- Attend and contribute to relevant meetings/conferences.
Management
- Successfully managing research projects.
- Support the Principal Investigator and research group in the design and development of the research programme.
- Complete administrative and management work associated with your programme of research.
- To identify potential funding sources and to prepare and write bids for funding proposals. To contribute and support the development of research grant funding applications.
- Where appropriate, act as project leader and as a line manager of research teams.
- Co-ordinate the work of research staff. Organise and conduct meetings with research staff to clarify objectives, develop work plans/timetables for research and support staff and communicate progress.
- Participate in the selection of staff working on their own projects.
- Develop and implement quality assurance measures.
- Deal with contract negotiation and financial allocation with other collaborators for research projects.
- Plan and implement commercial and consultancy activities
- To carry out any additional duties as may reasonably be required within the general scope and level of the post.
Support
- Support and, where appropriate, co-supervise the work of undergraduate students e.g. Final Year Project Students. At Research Fellow, co-supervision, tutoring, mentoring and training of research graduate students associated with your research group is expected.
- Contribute to teaching that shall normally be no more than 50 hours per annum in an associated school and under the supervision of an Academic Faculty member.
- Take responsibility as requested for day-to-day advice and support of graduate research students associated with your research group.
- Play a leadership role for junior colleagues
- Peer review manuscripts for publication and/or research bids.
- Provide expert advice on research issues to research fellows and other colleagues.
Other
- Expected to make a sustained contribution to the Sustainable and Resilient Structures Research Group’s research reputation and income.
- Continue to update knowledge and develop skills.
- Develop internal and external contacts with researchers in related areas.
- Contribute to work of the College/School/Research Unit through activities such as student Open Days, other promotion activity as appropriate.
- To carry out any additional duties as may reasonably be required within the general scope and level of the post.
Qualifications/ Skills required:
The ideal candidate should hold a PhD in Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Physics, Materials Science or equivalent, have a strong background in composite materials and structures and is expected to have performed original scientific research within composite structures. Candidates should have excellent communication and organisational skills; be highly motivated and passionate about renewable energy; and have strong documentation, oral and interpersonal skills. The position requires communication with the different partners of the consortium, thus excellent communication skills are mandatory.
Essential Requirements:
- Honours degree (at least 2.1 or equivalent) in Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Physics, Materials Science or equivalent
- PhD in Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Physics or Materials Science on the topic of fibre reinforced composite structures.
- Evidence of experience in design, manufacture and/or testing of fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) composite structures
- Evidence of leading novel composite structures research and development project teams
- Demonstrable experience in both independent and collaborative research
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills (English language)
- Evidence of scientific publication and dissemination of results in peer reviewed scientific papers
Desirable Requirements:
- Experience in laboratory testing, especially mechanical and/or structural testing.
- Evidence of commercial development of novel composite technologies
- Evidence of innovative thinking, able to work both independently and in cross-disciplinary teams
- Appropriate supervisory or teaching experience may be an advantage
Employment permit restrictions apply for the research assistant category of the post
Salary:
€55,811 to €60,814 per annum per annum pro rata for shorter and/or part-time (public sector pay policy rules pertaining to new entrants will apply).
Start date: Position is available from earliest possible start date June 2021
Continuing Professional Development/Training:
Further information on research and working at NUI Galway is available on Research at NUI Galway Researchers at NUI Galway are encouraged to avail of a range of training and development opportunities designed to support their personal career development plans. NUI Galway provides continuing professional development supports for all researchers seeking to build their own career pathways either within or beyond academia. Researchers are encouraged to engage with our Researcher Development Centre (RDC) upon commencing employment - see www.nuigalway.ie/rdc for further information.
For information on moving to Ireland please see www.euraxess.ie
Further information about the Sustainable and Resilient Structures Research Group at NUI Galway is available at www.nuigalway.ie/structures, the SFI MaREI Centre at www.marei.ie, the School of Engineering at http://www.nuigalway.ie/engineering/ and the Ryan Institute at http://www.nuigalway.ie/ryaninstitute/
Informal enquiries concerning the post may be made to Prof Jamie Goggins (Jamie.goggins@nuigalway.ie)
To Apply:
Applications to include a covering letter, CV, and the contact details of three referees should be sent, via e-mail (in word or PDF only) to Prof Jamie Goggins: Jamie.Goggins@nuigalway.ie
Please put reference number NUIG-RES-093-21 in subject line of e-mail application.
Closing date for receipt of applications is 5.00 pm Sunday 30th May 2021
Interviews are planned to be held during the week of 7th June 2021, which will be held virtually using MS Teams
We reserve the right to re-advertise or extend the closing date for this post.
National University of Ireland, Galway is an equal opportunities employer.
All positions are recruited in line with Open, Transparent, Merit (OTM) and Competency based recruitment
