3 Days Left: Post Doctoral Researcher

Overview of the Role & Research Area

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher in Scaling Inclusive Education Solutions to join the ReLearn (Radical Learning: Reimagining Higher Education through Design-Led Inclusion) Project, an interdisciplinary initiative focused on inclusive curriculum design, learning space innovation, and educational accessibility. The successful candidate will work at the intersection of higher education innovation, professional training, and business model development, contributing to the design, implementation, and scaling of continuous professional development (CPD) and micro-credential offerings based on the project’s research findings. This role will involve working closely with MTU’s Innovation & Enterprise Office, Teaching & Learning Office, faculty leadership, external stakeholders, and community organisations to develop sustainable, scalable education solutions. This is a unique opportunity for a researcher passionate about lifelong learning, workforce development, and inclusive education, with a focus on bridging academic research, policy, and professional training.

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to transformative education reform, working closely with community stakeholders, students, and faculty to develop innovative, inclusive curriculum models that challenge traditional pedagogical structures.

Main duties and responsibilities

Research (general)

- Conduct a specific programme of research and scholarship under the general guidance of a member of the academic staff or Principal Investigator (PI)/Project Leader (PL).
- Engage in training and development opportunities as required by the PI/PL.
- Engage in the dissemination of the results of the research in which they are engaged, as directed by, with the support of and under the supervision of the PI/PL.
- Engage with industry partners, as per research programme requirements.
- Acquire generic and transferable skills (including project management, business skills and postgraduate mentoring/supervision), subject to availability within the University.

Research (specific to the project)

- Develop and implement CPD and micro-credential frameworks, ensuring alignment with national and EU accreditation standards.
- Design, pilot, and evaluate at least two CPD courses, focused on inclusive curriculum development, learning space design, and digital learning solutions.
- Collaborate with faculty, external stakeholders, and policymakers to identify CPD needs and integrate the project’s research findings into professional training programmes.
- Develop a Business Model Canvas (BMC) and sustainability strategy for scaling CPD offerings and licensing educational innovations.
- Work with MTU’s Innovation & Enterprise Office to explore funding models, institutional rollouts, and cross-sector partnerships.
- Engage in impact assessment, evaluating the effectiveness of CPD programmes and micro-credential adoption in higher education and community learning.
- Contribute to policy recommendations and publish a whitepaper on CPD, micro-credentials, and lifelong learning as tools for educational equity.
- Present findings at national and international education conferences, positioning MTU as a leader in scalable, inclusive learning solutions.

Administration/Management

- Carry out additional duties as may reasonably be required within the general scope and level of the post.
- Assist in the management/co-ordination of key aspects of the research programme (e.g., financial management, reporting, equipment management, etc.).

Funding

- Contribute to identifying external funding sources and assist with writing grant proposals.

Languages: ENGLISH – Level Excellent

Research Field: All Years of Research Experience 1 - 4

Additional Information

Terms of Appointment:

- Salary Scale:Post Doc Researcher €46,305 to €54,307 per annum (1/8/2025 rates), depending on experience
- Fixed term Contract:24 months to 31st December 2027 at the latest
- Hours:35 hours per week
- Annual leave:26 days per annum

Additional Benefits:

- Paid maternity leave
- Employment Assistance Programme
- Staff Discount Scheme
- Gym Access (reduced membership cost)

Selection process

The Interview Process

If invited to interview, it is likely candidates will be assessed at the interview under the following criteria (additional criteria may be added for the Interview as the need arises):

- Appropriateness of the candidate to the role and assessment of current skills set to the outlined criteria for the role.
- Essential and Desirable skills set.
- Fluency in written and presentation skills in English.
- Independent motivation and team contributions.
- 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.
- Please ensure that full information is given on qualifications and that the information is accurate and corresponds to the original transcript of qualifications.
- Please ensure that those you nominate as referees are contacted by you and will be able to supply a reference without delay if requested.
- The University regrets that it cannot pay expenses for candidates attending interviews for this post or for taking up the position, if appointed.
- Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted.
- Appointments will be subject to Garda vetting.

Applicants must directly address the essential and desirable skills and experience listed above. Highlight how your qualifications, experience, and achievements meet the essential criteria, using specific examples. For desirable skills/experience, emphasise any additional strengths or expertise that make you a standout candidate, and tailor their application to demonstrate their alignment with the role to add value to the University.

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 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 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. Please log on to www.mtu.ie/vacancies to apply for this position.

Closing date for receipt of completed applications is

5.00 pm on Friday 31st October 2025

For informal enquiries prior to application, please contact Research Office, by e-mail ( turisepostdoc@mtu.ie ).

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

MTU is an equal opportunities employer.

MTU is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to the employment policies, procedures and practices which do not discriminate on grounds such as gender, civil status, family status, age, disability, race, religious belief, sexual orientation or membership of the travelling community

MTU supports equality of opportunity, diversity and inclusion and encourages underrepresented groups to make applications and accommodates candidates with disability to apply for posts. Please see https://www.mtu.ie/edi/ for more information including our equality statement.

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