4 Years, Fixed-Term, Whole-time Post

Position Summary

Would you like to work with a world-leading research group on a project directly contributing to the development of Ireland’s future climate and energy policy? Applications are invited for the post of Research Assistant to join the MaREI Centre based in the Environmental Research Institute, University College Cork. The Research Assistant will provide dedicated support to the CAPACITY project and to the Energy Policy & Modelling Group.

The Energy Policy and Modelling Group (EPMG) has been engaged in energy policy and energy modelling research for over 20 years. The results of this research have been published in journal papers, conference proceedings and reports which have directly informed the development of national and European energy and climate mitigation policy. The Climate Action Pathways & Absorptive Capacity (CAPACITY) project is funded by the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC) for 5 years. The objectives of the project are to i) develop and maintain a suite of energy system models to contribute to the evidence base for Irish climate and energy policy and ii) to support absorptive capacity building across relevant government departments, agencies, and semi-state bodies.

The Research Assistant will provide a key support role to both the CAPACITY project and the Energy Policy and Modelling Group within MaREI. The Research Assistant will be responsible for supporting the co-ordination of the CAPACITY research programme, project reporting and engagement activities with relevant government departments, agencies, and semi-state bodies. The candidate will be required to build close working relationships with the research team and government stakeholders and to implement efficient and effective project management standards across the Energy Policy and Modelling Group.

MaREI is a key research centre within UCC’s Environmental Research Institute (ERI) which is an internationally recognised Institute for environmental research dedicated to the understanding and protection of our natural environment and to developing innovative technologies, tools and services to facilitate a transformation to a zero carbon and resource efficient society. The MaREI Centre is an SFI funded research centre headquartered in the ERI and includes 13 other Universities and Third Level Institutes from across Ireland, has 103 industrial partners and has research funding of approximately €60m. It combines the expertise of a wide range of research groups and industry partners, with the shared mission of solving the main scientific, technical and socio-economic challenges across the climate, energy and marine spaces. MaREI is also funded by SEAI, EI, EPA, ERDF, EU, HEA, Marine Institute, DCCAE and IRC, as well as through contributions from our industry partners. Researchers in the MaREI Centre have over 30 years of experience in conducting fundamental and applied research supported by competitively won national and international funding, and commercial contracts with government agencies and industry. MaREI’s strengths lie in the multi-disciplinary nature of its research teams, allowing it to combine insights across areas such as Offshore Renewable Energy, Materials & Structures, Observations & Operations, Coastal & Marine Systems, Biofuels in the Circular Economy, Energy Policy & Modelling and Energy Management.

Project Title: CAPACITY

Post Duration: 4 years

Salary: €28,701 - €38,390 p.a. (IUA Salary Scale)

For an information package including further details of the post see https://ore.ucc.ie/.

Informal enquiries can be made in confidence to Dr Fionn Rogan, MaREI, Email: f.rogan@ucc.ie .

Applications must be submitted online via the University College Cork vacancy portal (https://ore.ucc.ie/). Queries relating to the online application process should be referred to recruitment@ucc.ie, quoting the job-title and project name.

Candidates should apply, in confidence, before 12 noon (Irish Local Time) on Friday, 9 December 2022. No late applications will be accepted.

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.

UCC is committed to creating and fully embracing an inclusive environment where diversity is celebrated. As a University we strive to create a workplace that reflects the diversity of our student population where people from a wide variety of backgrounds learn from one another, share ideas, and work collaboratively. UCC is committed to being an employer that recognises the value of diversity amongst its staff. We encourage applicants to consult our policies at https://www.ucc.ie/en/edi/policies/ and initiatives at https://www.ucc.ie/en/edi/implementation/ and we welcome applications from everyone, including those who are underrepresented in the protected characteristics set out in our Equal Opportunities & Diversity Policy.

UNIVERSITY COLLEGE CORK IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES EMPLOYER