Researcher - MeSSO Research Group

Title: Researcher 1

Department: MeSSO Research Group

Contract Type: 12 Month Fixed Term Full Time Contract (35 hours per week)

Location: Bishopstown Campus, Cork

Reporting to: Head of Department of Process Energy & Transport Engineering

Overview of MeSSO Research Group & The Role:

Established in 2013 and based in the School of Mechanical, Electrical & Process Engineering at CIT, MeSSO is an academic research group primarily concerned with the advancement of knowledge in the applied mechanical and energy systems research fields. The group has expertise in mechanical, thermal and energy systems modelling and simulation, specialising in areas such as marine renewable energy technology, agricultural systems and building energy technologies. The group publishes peer reviewed research in the areas of dairy processing control, demand side management optimisation, energy systems, high performance buildings and systems, enclosed environments, computational fluid dynamics, regression modelling, mechanistic modelling & optimisation.

The University is seeking to recruit a Researcher to join a building physics and indoor environment team working on a project involving field measurements, experimental work, statistical analysis and dynamic modelling studies relating to heating system technologies. As part of the project, the role of the researcher will be to develop and install low-cost performance monitoring solutions for heat pump systems in residential and commercial applications. The monitoring solutions will be designed to infer the operational energy performance of heat pump systems, particularly the seasonal energy performance of the systems. These systems will be used to determine whether heat pumps are performing as they should and could form the basis for next-generation performance certification, paving the way for continuous improvement of heat pump technologies by comparing monitoring data with performance values that were expected at design-stage in national asset rating systems like that of DEAP for residential buildings.

The aim of the research work is to utilise the data generated from the monitoring of a set of case study heat pump systems to statistically evaluate operational performance and establish whether there exist demand response opportunities at scale by optimising the scheduling of heat supply as well as calibrating the operating conditions under which this heat is supplied.

The project will employ expertise in field monitoring, statistical analysis, dynamic modelling and prediction of heat generation and distribution in low energy buildings and will also develop improved national compliance methodologies for assessing risks to overheating in the non-domestic Irish building stock.

The role will be based primarily in the MeSSO Research Group at Munster Technological University. MTU are seeking an enthusiastic, motivated individual with an ability to work to a high standard with a proven track record in a relevant academic research environment while still contributing to the team environment.

Duties of the Post:

1. In collaboration with existing expertise within the Research Group, develop low-cost approaches to monitoring parameters and system characteristics necessary for operational performance assessment of real heat pump and heating systems.
2. To setup field monitoring equipment and obtain short term and long-term energy performance data on heat pumps and heating systems.
3. To coordinate and manage empirical datasets from field measurements of heating systems and lead correlational analyses work.
4. To process field data obtained from monitoring campaigns and prepare seasonal performance assessments in line with various standardized approaches.
5. To conduct research at MTU and other collaborator sites to meet objectives of the project.
6. To research relevant literature and keep abreast of recent advances in the field.
7. To report and present findings on a regular basis to the research team and research partners for review purposes.
8. To prepare reports, scientific journal publications, conference proceedings, invention disclosures and patents as appropriate.
9. To contribute to research assistant supervision and training as required.

Qualification Requirements and Selection Criteria for role:Essential Criteria:

1. H21 or higher in a third level qualification in Engineering or Science (Level 8) and a Master's degree. Alternatively, 4 years relevant research experience will be considered in lieu of a Master's degree.
2. Experience with energy systems simulation and optimisation, in particular heat pumps.
3. Relevant research and industry experience.
4. Valid European driver's license and the capacity to travel independently to field monitoring locations.
5. Experience with field monitoring and empirical testing of heat pump systems and energy systems.
6. The successful candidate will have demonstrated ability to apply their expertise to solve complex problems using the data generated from the project.

Desirable Criteria:

1. PhD in Engineering, Physics or Science.
2. Experience with data monitoring systems for energy systems.
3. Mathematical modelling experience (e.g. Mechanistic, regression).
4. Data analytics experience with statistical modelling packages such as R & Python.
5. Proven track record in publishing research outcomes in high quality academic journals.
6. Proficient in documentation, presentation and project management software.

Other attributes:

1. Good communication and interpersonal skills.
2. Evidence of ability to work on own initiative as well as part of a team.
3. Ability and willingness to work in a collaborative environment.

Remuneration, Benefits and Facilities:

Salary scale effective 1 October 2024: Researcher salary scale €44,847.00 p.a. The rate of remuneration for all appointments may be adjusted from time to time with government policy.

Additional Benefits:

1. Comprehensive Sick Leave Policy.
2. Paid maternity leave.
3. Employment Assistance Programme.
4. Staff Discount Scheme.
5. Gym Access (reduced membership cost).

On site Facilities:

1. On site dining facilities.
2. On site TFI Bike Sharing Station.

Interview & Additional Information:

If invited to interview, candidates are likely to be assessed at the interview under the following criteria. Additional criteria may be added for the interview as the need arises.

1. Qualifications (Academic & Professional).
2. Relevant Industry/Professional Experience.
3. Communications & Interpersonal Skills.
4. Research Knowledge and Experience.
5. Team Working and Organisational Skills.

Additional Information:

A successful candidate will be required to submit a passport, documentary evidence confirming academic qualifications, and to undergo a medical examination. Garda vetting and/or an international police clearance may also be required. References will be sought in relation to the successful candidate.

MTU welcomes applications from non-EEA citizens. However, employee permit regulations set by the Department of Enterprise, Trade & Employment must be strictly adhered to. Any appointment offer to Non-EEA candidates is subject to the granting of a work permit by the Euraxess Ireland or relevant Immigration permissions/stamp.

Candidates may be required to produce documentary evidence to support any statements made by them on their application form or any supporting documentation.

Candidates should note that any inaccurate information will invalidate their application.

Application Process:

Applications by MTU eRecruitment system only. Applications will not be accepted in any other format or through any other channel of communication. Please log on to apply for this position.

Closing date for receipt of completed applications is 1.00 pm on Friday, 21st February 2025.

The information given in this document is of a general information nature only and should not be taken as contractual.

Important Notes & Additional Information:

1. Screening and short-listing only takes place on the basis of information submitted on the application. In addition to the minimum criteria, it may be necessary to introduce further shortlisting criteria. Candidates should note that they may be called for more than one interview.
2. Please ensure that full information is given on qualifications and that the information is accurate and corresponds to the original transcript of qualifications.
3. Please ensure that those you nominate as referees are contacted by you and will be able to supply a reference without delay if requested.
4. Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted.
5. Appointments will be subject to Garda vetting.

MTU is an equal opportunities employer.

Skills:
Research, Project Planning, Communication

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