Postdoctoral Researcher – Composite Structures Testing

The successful candidate will work in the Sustainable and Resilient Structures Research Group under the supervision of Dr William Finnegan and Prof. Jamie Goggins but will have a key role in managing the successful delivery of selected MaREI projects, along with the day-to-day running of the project.  

In addition, the successful candidate will also work on technical aspects related to the design, analysis, manufacture and laboratory testing of composite structures, along with supporting several other renewable energy projects within the Research Group. The role’s main research activities will be related to the development of finite element models for composite parts, along with experimental validation studies in the form of mechanical materials testing and structural testing of demonstrators. The design and manufacture of demonstrators, full-scale structures and interface fixtures will also form part of the technical aspects of the role. 

Research 

• Research into composite materials and sustainable structures, which will include design, analysis, manufacture and laboratory testing. This will be done under the supervision and direction of your Principal Investigator. 
• The successful candidate is expected to contribute to the research programme of the Sustainable and Resilient Structures Research group (https://www.universityofgalway.ie/structures/) in the SFI MaREI Research Centre (www.marei.ie) at the University of Galway (https://www.universityofgalway.ie).  This will be under general guidance of the Principal Investigators/ Project Leaders. 
• Develop methods and techniques appropriate to the type of research pursued that add to the intellectual understanding of the field.  
• Thorough knowledge and understanding of the policy, practices and procedures, relevant to the role, the Postdoctoral Researcher/Research Associate will provide advice to junior colleagues on policy and standards, which may include broader University/ sector/ external sponsor or funder (e.g. Commercial Awareness, Research Ethics, Knowledge Transfer, Patents, Intellectual Property Rights, Health and Safety, Equal Opportunities & Diversity). 

• on research programmes and methodologies, often in collaboration with colleagues and sometimes subject to the approval of the head of the research programme on fundamental issues. 

Dissemination 

• The successful candidate is expected to lead at least two publication in a high quality peer reviewed journal per year.  
• Engage in the dissemination of the results of the research in which you are engaged as directed by and with the support of and under the supervision of your Principal Investigator.  

• Contribute to the dissemination of research findings as appropriate to the discipline in high quality/impact peer reviewed publications, conference presentations, knowledge share events. 
• Attend and contribute to relevant meetings/conferences. 
• Present on research progress and outcomes e.g. to bodies supervising research; steering groups; other team members, as agreed with the PI/project leader. 

Management 

• Successfully managing research projects. 

• Identify potential funding sources and to prepare and write bids for funding proposals.  To contribute and support the development of research grant funding applications. 
• Participate in the selection of staff working on their own projects. 
• Develop and implement quality assurance measures. 
• To carry out any additional duties as may reasonably be required within the general scope and level of the post. 

Support 

• Support and, where appropriate, co-supervise the work of undergraduate and postgraduate students e.g. Final Year Project Students, ME Project Students. 
• Peer review manuscripts for publication and/or research bids, where appropriate. 
• Contribute to teaching that shall normally be no more than 50 hours per annum in an associated school and under the supervision of an Academic Faculty member. 

Other 

• Expected to make a sustained contribution to the Sustainable and Resilient Structures Research Group’s research reputation and income. 

• Continue to update knowledge and develop skills. 
• Develop internal and external contacts with researchers in related areas. 
• Contribute to work of the College/School/Research Unit through activities such as student Open Days, other promotion activity as appropriate. 
• To carry out any additional duties as may reasonably be required within the general scope and level of the post.  

The ideal candidate should have a strong background in sustainable and resilient structures and is expected to have performed original scientific research within the renewable energy and/or composites engineering sector. Candidates should have excellent communication and organisational skills; be highly motivated and passionate about renewable energy; and have strong documentation, oral and interpersonal skills.  

• PhD in Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Physics or Materials Science on the topic of renewable energy and/or a Primary Degree (level 8) in a relevant discipline with 4+ years full-time research experience in renewable energy and/or composites engineering post primary degree (required as a minimum to be shortlisted)  

• BE Degree in Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Physics or Materials Science on the topic of renewable energy. 
• Experience in laboratory testing, especially mechanical and/or structural testing, and/or design, manufacture and/or testing of fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) composite structures. 
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills (English language). 
• Demonstrable experience in both independent and collaborative research. 
• Experience of working on industry-led research projects and initiatives. 

• Evidence of scientific publication and dissemination of results in peer reviewed scientific papers. 

• Experience in developing numerical models using finite element analysis. 
• Evidence of innovative thinking, able to work both independently and in cross-disciplinary teams. 

Postdoctoral Researcher Salary scale, currently €42,033 to €54,153 per annum (subject to the project’s funding limitations), and pro rata for shorter and/or part-time contracts.  

The default position for all new public sector appointments is the 1st point of the salary scale. This may be reviewed, and consideration afforded to appointment at a higher point on the payscale (subject to the project’s funding limitations), where evidence of prior years’ equivalent experience is accepted in determining placement on the scale above point 1, subject to the maximum of the scale.  

Research Salary Scales – University of Galway). 

Applications to include a covering letter, CV, and the contact details of three referees should be sent, via e-mail (in word or PDF only) to Ms Gráinne Morahan: ei.yawlagfoytisrevinu@naharom.enniarg. 

Please put reference number University of Galway 171-23 in subject line of e-mail application.