Post Doctoral Researcher/Senior Postdoctoral Researcher

Post Doctoral Researcher/Senior Postdoctoral Researcher - GIS for Bioenergy - IERC

Contract: Full Time/Fixed Term

The International Energy Research Centre (IERC) at Tyndall National Institute, University College Cork, invites applications for Post-Doctoral / Senior Post-Doctoral Researcher in Energy Engineering.

Tyndall National Institute is Ireland's largest Research and Technology Organisation (RTO) and is recognised as an international research leader in semiconductor, chip and digital technologies, particularly as applied to the fields of Energy and Climate Mitigation, Information & Communications, Health & Life Sciences, Agritech & Food Security and emerging fields such as quantum, and novel computing paradigms.

Tyndall is a home to a research community of 600 people of over 50 nationalities and has an Athena Swan Bronze award, reflecting our commitment to ensuring equity of opportunity for all researchers regardless of gender or ethnicity. We are actively improving our internal processes to build on the Athena Swan award and have a vibrant People and Culture team driving initiatives.

IERC is Ireland's leading not-for-profit professional energy research centre conducting holistic collaborative research into the decarbonisation of the energy systems associated with:

1. Low carbon grids
2. Energy citizens and communities
3. SMEs and industry
4. Smart cities and buildings and the built environment
5. Energy in agriculture

The position is initially for approximately 2 years, with the potential for extension pending further funding.

Purpose of the Role

Working closely with researchers in IERC and the School of Applied Social Sciences, the role will support the identification of optimal locations for bioenergy installations and analyse the uptake barriers on a case-by-case basis. Further, new locations will be mapped for technology specific installations. The optimal locations will be selected by considering different sustainability criteria. An economic impact study will be conducted to attract investors, policy makers as well as local authorities and public.

What We Offer

1. Individual Development Plans: Staff work with their managers to create detailed career "roadmaps" that take into account their interests and aspirations as well as the business needs of their Centre and the Institute.
2. Learning & Development Opportunities: Staff can take advantage of learning and development opportunities, including leadership and management development skills, project management, industry and job specific learning, and including general business, finance, and technology skills.
3. Opportunities for mentoring and day-to-day technical supervision of PhD students in the group
4. Opportunities for Outreach and public engagement activities
5. Support for preparation of competitive research proposals.

The successful candidate would also be expected to participate in IERC's research activities, contribute to the bid and proposal activity for new funding and engage in a variety of internal and external facing activities.

Key Responsibilities

1. Develop and integrate a suite of project evaluation tools that are specific to the project. These models include:
   1. Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) – Geographical Information System (GIS) model
      • Collection for Infrastructure mapping
      • Optimal site selection
   2. Jobs and Economic Development Impacts modelling
2. To be a thought leader and proactively generate research initiatives and ideas.
3. Providing the technical and project management capability that underpins the research project coordination function for all phases of the project, including development, delivery and closeout, budget management and resource management to enhance and deliver the requirements of the funding body.
4. Anticipate and highlight potential innovation opportunities that meet and grow the strategic needs of the IERC and Tyndall National Institute.
5. Initiate and take ownership in research grant proposal writing for EU, Research Ireland and other funding streams.
6. To engage in the wider research and scholarly activities of the research group, such as outreach activities.
7. To interact closely with postgraduate research students who are studying for a Masters or a PhD within Tyndall National Institute and the School of Applied Social Sciences and have a role in supporting these students in their day to day research in conjunction including, when appropriate, acting as primary academic supervisor.
8. To carry out administrative work to assist the programme of research as necessary.
9. Participate in Education and Public Engagement activities, as required.
10. To initiate, enforce and comply with UCC and Tyndall's health and safety and quality policies.
11. Carry out any additional duties as may reasonably be required within the general scope and level of the post.

Essential Criteria

1. A PhD in Energy Engineering, Geographical Information Systems or a related area
2. Proven track record of research publications
3. Demonstrated experience of using design and modelling tools such as ArcGIS, QGIS or other geographical information system tools
4. Knowledge of Multi Criteria Decision Analysis methods/tools
5. Evidence of high levels of initiative and self-starter.
6. Flexibility to travel
7. Excellent communication, organisation and interpersonal skills
8. Experience in managing research projects.
9. Experience of working in multi-disciplinary teams including social sciences

Desirable Criteria

1. Evidence of entrepreneurial experience and creative skills/creativity
2. Previous project management experience
3. Strong critical thinking, analytical and problem-solving skills
4. Previous experience in managing and supervising postgraduate students
5. Research experience in a University/Research Institute/Industry
6. Presentations at conferences
7. Evidence of professional experience working with industry and demonstrating an understanding of industry needs
8. Previous experience in report writing for research projects.

The IERC provides a supportive and collaborative working environment to ensure equal employment and advancement opportunities.

Tyndall National Institute has a proactive entrepreneurial culture and we welcome applications from candidates who possess entrepreneurial and creative skills/experience, including the creation of technology start-ups.

Informal enquiries can be made in confidence to Dr Pádraig Lyons.

Further information on the IERC is available at www.ierc.ie

Appointment may be made on the Post-Doctorate Researcher & Senior Postdoctoral Researcher Scale, with a salary range €44,847 - €51,313 & €52,715 - €57,332 per annum. Salary placement on appointment will be in accordance with the public sector pay policy.

Closing date for this position is 15 April 2025.

Application Instructions
Please make sure to attach an up to date CV/Resume AND a brief motivation letter outlining how you meet the 'Essential Criteria' for this role.

Please note that Garda vetting and/or an international police clearance check may form part of the selection process. The University, at its discretion, may undertake to make an additional appointment(s) from this competition following the conclusion of the process. Please note that an appointment to posts advertised will be dependent on University approval, together with the terms of the employment control framework for the higher education sector. At this time, Tyndall National Institute does not require the assistance of recruitment agencies. Tyndall National Institute at University College, Cork is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

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