Postdoctoral Building Researcher

Overview

Postdoctoral Building Researcher - Streamlined Energy Retrofit Processes in Buildings

Contract: Full Time/Specified Purpose [approx. 2 years]

The International Energy Research Centre (IERC) in Tyndall National Institute at University College Cork invites applications for a Post-doctoral Researcher who will contribute to the development of a streamlined method for the energy renovation of buildings using prefabricated elements and novel technologies. The successful candidate will have completed a PhD degree in building energy and physics, civil engineering, architecture or a closely related discipline.

IERC researchers are expected to participate in fully collaborative projects, particularly where specific expertise can make a direct contribution and advance IERC’s strategy and objectives. IERC researchers are expected to have academic and industry background, together with a sound understanding of the wider energy landscape beyond their area of research. All researchers will be expected to initiate and/or contribute to writing of proposals for national and international external funding streams.

This post is a full-time, specified purpose position linked to funding opportunities of the IERC and as such can be extended.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

- To drive and conduct a specified programme of research under the supervision and direction of the Senior Researcher, including participation in dissemination of results.
- Participate and work with research partners within the project scope.
- Lead and conduct administrative and management work associated with the research project and programmes.
- Contribute or initiate proposal development for new research projects including proposal and grant writing.
- Deliver outcomes in a timely fashion within the quality assurance processes and methods defined for project development and delivery.
- Collaboratively engage in the research and scholarly activities of the research group, including other research projects if required.
- Interact closely, as needed, with postgraduate research students who are studying for a Masters or a PhD and play a key role in supporting these students in their day to day research in conjunction with an academic supervisor.
- Participate in Education and Public Engagement activities, as required.
- Ensure all activities are compliant with the Tyndall Quality Management system and required Health and Safety standards.
- To carry out any additional duties as may reasonably be required within the general scope and level of the post.

Essential Criteria

- The successful candidate will have completed at least a PhD qualification with proven track record of publications in the fields of building energy and physics, civil engineering, architecture or closely related disciplines.
- Strong experience and command of leading simulation packages (e.g. EnergyPlus, TRNSYS, Dymola, etc.).
- Excellent communication skills in English.
- Availability to travel within Europe for project-related meetings as required.
- A passion for personal growth and development.
- A good team spirit to work well with other team members.

Desirable Criteria

- Evidence of creative skills/creativity
- Two years’ research experience after PhD with demonstrable measurable outcomes in energy renovation of existing buildings, with the use of prefabricated elements and within a European context as advantage.
- Demonstrated capability in managing, supervising and undertaking research projects with tight deadlines.
- Demonstrated capability of self-initiative and unsupervised work while working within a project team to achieve results.
- Working knowledge of Building information modelling (BIM) as an advantage
- Programming of bespoke modules for whole-building simulation programs as an advantage.
- Experience related to at least one of the following as distinctive advantage:

- A) Circular economy and/or lifecycle analysis related to building renovation.
- B) Industrial processes for energy renovation or mass production of significant building components.
- Experience with European competitive research programs (such as Horizon or MSCA) as an advantage.
- Knowledge of the European building stock features as an advantage.
- Experience working collaboratively with industry.

Appointment may be made on the IUA Scale for Post-Doctoral Researchers Point 1 €46,306- €52,863 pa. Salary placement on appointment will be in accordance with public sector pay policy.

Informal enquiries can be made in confidence to Dr Carlos Ochoa. Further information on the Department is available at www.ierc.ie.

Closing date of applications is 1pm 30th September, 2025.

Application Instructions

Please attach an up to date CV/Resume AND a brief motivation letter (400 words) 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. 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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