Research Assistant-Technical, ERI/MaREI/ Circular Economy Energy and Environmental Systems (CEEES) Research Group

7 Feb 2025
Job Information

Organisation/Company

University College Cork

Department

HR Research

Research Field

Environmental science » Other

Researcher Profile

Other Profession

Positions

Research Support Positions

Country

Ireland

Application Deadline

21 Feb 2025 - 12:00 (Europe/Dublin)

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Full-time

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by a EU programme

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description

6 Months, Specific Purpose, Whole-Time Post

Position Summary

Applications are invited for the post of Research Assistant to join the MaREI Centre in University College Cork (UCC), based at Environmental Research Institute, Ellen Hutchins Building, Lee Road, Cork. 

The Research Assistant will primarily work on the ADAPT project in the assessment of biogas production in food processing residues. Tasks include - but are not limited to; operation and monitoring of 500mL batch laboratory scale anaerobic digesters (AMPTS-II system), operation and monitoring of 5L laboratory scale continuously stirred tank reactors, and operation and monitoring of a laboratory scale up-flow anaerobic sludge blanket.

The MaREI Centre for energy, climate, and marine

The successful Research Assistant-Technical will be based in the MaREI Centre for energy, climate and marine headquartered in the Environmental Research Institute in University College Cork.  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 a Research Ireland (RI) funded research centre headquartered in the ERI and includes 13 other Universities and Third Level Institutes across Ireland, has 50 industrial partners and has accumulated research funding of over €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 by 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 MRE Technologies, Materials & Structures, Observations & Operations, Coastal & Marine Systems, Bioenergy, Energy Policy & Modelling and Renewable Energy Management.

MaREI’s Circular Economy Energy and Environmental Systems (CEEES) Research Group focus on renewable advanced fuel production in circular economy systems consists of approximately 20 researchers. The breadth of the work includes for analysis of systems including ocean (offshore wind and seaweed) to conversion (hydrogen, electro-fuels, gaseous and liquid biofuels) to end use (industry, transport fuel). 

Detailed laboratory work includes for production of biohydrogen and biomethane generated by feedstocks such as agricultural residues, lignocellulosic crops, macro-algae (seaweed) and micro-algae. Research covers biological and thermochemical bioenergy pathways. The group investigates a range of innovative technologies at laboratory scale including for Power to Gas, demand driven biogas and novel biogas upgrading technologies. Fundamental and applied aspects of biomass gasification, pyrolysis, and methanation are also investigated. Work includes for desktop analyses such as chemical kinetic modelling, process simulation, geographic specific bioresources, lifecycle analysis, sustainability analyses and techno-economic studies. The research facilitates the development of roadmaps, which describe how Ireland can initiate a green gas industry and contribute to mandatory renewable energy targets for renewable heat and transport fuels.

The CEEES research group is led by Dr Archishman Bose (Eli Lilly Lecturer at Process and Chemical Engineering), Dr Richard O’Shea (Lecturer in Sustainability in Enterprise), Dr David Wall (Senior Lecturer in Transportation) and Prof Jerry D Murphy (Director of the SFI MaREI Centre and Chair of Civil Engineering).

Project Title: ADAPT

Post Duration: 6 Months, Whole-Time Post

Salary: €31,962 - €41,943 per annum, IUA Research Assistant 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 Richard O’Shea, Lecturer in Sustainability in Enterprise, School of Engineering and Architecture, Tel: + 353 (0) 21 490 3503; Email: richard.oshea@ucc.ie

Where to apply

Website

https://ore.ucc.ie/

Requirements
Skills/Qualifications

Role Description

This title will apply to a person of appropriate qualifications e.g., BSc or an MSc, employed on a contract for the purpose of assisting in the performance of research in the University. A Research Assistant will usually work under the direction of one or more Principal Investigator’s/Senior Researchers within a dedicated laboratory on one or more research projects.

The key duties and responsibilities include:

• To work under the direction of the Principal Investigator/Project Leader.
• To perform a variety of technical duties involved in supporting the research project(s) or programme.
• To work with the Principal Investigator to review work assignments and to develop plans to support the research/area.
• To maintain lab books and lab reports.
• Collection of data, research and record maintenance.
• To make minor modifications to existing laboratory procedures and techniques to meet the needs of the particular equipment as required.
• To order and maintain lab equipment and to provide the general essential laboratory services of the unit, i.e. these include but are not limited to the cleaning and maintenance of glass ware, research equipment and laboratory space as directed by the Principal Investigator of his/her nominee.
• To determine and set up instruments, material and apparatus and operate laboratory equipment required for specific tests relevant to the research project(s) or programme, as required.
• To prepare culture media, chemicals, reagents and solutions relevant to the research projects, as required.
• To maintain a sufficient inventory of materials, supplies and equipment.
• To demonstrate practical procedures as required.
• To ensure Health and Safety in the lab.
• To perform other related duties incidental to the work described herein.
• To carry out any additional duties as may reasonably be required within the general scope and level of the post.

 

Health & Safety: In addition to the statutory safety duties of all employees (as prescribed in safety legislation and the relevant local safety statement) each staff member is responsible for:

• Discharging any safety functions delegated to them by their Head of College \ School \ Department \ Centre \ Unit, in relation to the areas/ activities under their control
• Co-operating and assisting the University and the Head of College \ School \ Department \ Centre \ Unit in the discharge of their statutory safety responsibilities
• Ensuring that all work under their control, is undertaken safely and without risk to health and complies with the provision of all relevant statutory legislation

Note:  As the university continues to expand and evolve, it is likely that flexibility in regard to the allocation of specific duties will be necessary.  Accordingly, the list of duties specified above is not intended to be exclusive or restrictive; duties may be added or withdrawn but any such alteration will take place after consultation with the appointee.

Specific Requirements

SELECTION CRITERIA

The successful candidate will be expected to have:

Essential Criteria

• A graduate qualification (BSc or MSc) in Engineering, Biotechnology, Microbiology, or equivalent.
• Undergraduate experience in laboratory practices and in conducting laboratory experiments.
• Demonstrated ability to use standard lab equipment and techniques.
• Demonstrated ability to work well within a team.
• Demonstrated commitment to research.
• Ability to maintain records and excellent computer skills
• Excellent organisational and administrative skills, including a proven ability to work to deadlines.

 

Please note that Garda vetting and international police clearance check may form part of the selection process.

Candidates are requested to make a personal assessment of these criteria against their own qualifications, skills and abilities to assess whether they should apply for the post

Please note: Candidates who do not demonstrate that they meet the criteria as detailed above will not be short listed.

The University, at its discretion, may undertake to make an additional appointment(s) from this competition following the conclusion of the process.

Languages

ENGLISH

Research Field

Environmental science » Other

Additional Information
Additional comments

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, 21st of February 2025 

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

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

University College Cork

Country

Ireland

State/Province

Cork

City

Cork

Geofield

Contact

City

Cork

Website

http://www.ucc.ie/en/

Street

Western Road

E-Mail

richard.oshea@ucc.ie

STATUS: EXPIRED

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