Research Assistant – 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 completing research and dissemination on selected MaREI projects, along with the day-to-day running of the project. Primarily, the successful candidate will work on technical aspects related to the design, analysis, manufacture and laboratory testing of composite structures, along with supporting a number of 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, 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). 

Dissemination 

• The successful candidate is expected to lead at least one 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.  
• Attend and contribute to relevant meetings/conferences. 

Management 

• Support the management of selected research projects, along with day-to-day running of the project. 
• Participate in the selection of staff working on their own projects. 

• 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 students e.g. Final Year Project Students. 
• Peer review manuscripts for publication and/or research bids, where appropriate. 
• Contribute to teaching activities within the School, where appropriate. 

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 hold a BE Degree in Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Physics, Materials Science or equivalent, 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.  

• BE Degree (level 8) in Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Physics or Materials Science on the topic of renewable energy. 
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills (English language). 
• Demonstrable experience in research activities related to laboratory testing and/or fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) composite structures. 

• ME (level 9) in Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Physics or Materials Science on the topic of renewable energy and/or have 4+ years research experience in renewable energy and/or composites engineering. 
• 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. 

Research Assistant salary scale is currently, €29275 to €39158 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 the reference number University of Galway 170-23 in the subject line of the e-mail application.