Research Associate/Postdoctoral Researcher - ARDEN at the National University of Ireland Galway

Research Associate/Postdoctoral Researcher - ARDEN

 School of Physics, College of Science and Engineering, NUI Galway

Ref. No. NUIG RES 264-21

Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for a full-time fixed term position as a Research Associate/Postdoctoral Researcher with the School of Physics at the National University of Ireland, Galway.

This position is funded by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland and is available immediately for one year.

ARDEN is a new research project which will measure indoor air quality, ventilation and thermal comfort in domestic dwellings participating in the SEAI Deep Energy Renovations pilot programme. This project will be led by researchers at the National University of Ireland, Galway.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact that retrofitting domestic dwellings to a higher energy efficient standard has on indoor air quality and thermal comfort. The project will investigate changes in air quality and energy use in the dwelling before and after the energy retrofit.

For further information on this project please consult www.nuigalway.ie/arden

Job Description and Duties:

The successful candidate will be responsible for designing and executing field surveys to collect indoor air pollutant, occupant comfort and building ventilation data in domestic dwellings participating in SEAIs Deep energy Retrofit pilot programme.

The specific duties of the post holder will be;

• Liaising with relevant project stakeholders to recruit  home owners who have had a deep energy retrofit (DR) completed in their dwelling to participate in the research work
• Conducting indoor air quality, thermal comfort and ventilation assessments in participating dwellings
• Keeping up to date with new research, research related methods and techniques and developments in Building Energy research
• Completing administrative work and assisting with the financial management of the research project
• Contributing to research grant proposals where relevant
• Manage own personal and research resources (for example laboratory or survey equipment) appropriately
• Understand the legal requirements regarding data protection and confidentiality data protection requirements
• Analyzing project data to understand the impact of DR on occupant comfort and exposure to indoor air pollutants.
• Assisting with project outreach activities and the dissemination of project data both to project participants, at scientific conferences and to non-scientific audiences.
• Be familiar with the publication process, make substantial contributions to project publications.

Qualifications/Skills required:

Essential Requirements:

• Minimum PhD in Science or Engineering or 4 years research experience post primary degree
• Demonstrate a sufficient depth and breadth of knowledge in the area of Environmental or occupational Exposure assessment
• Evidence of scientific publication and dissemination of results at conferences
• Knowledge of building ventilation technologies and testing
• Excellent verbal and written communication (English language) skills
• Knowledge of practice and procedures relevant to measurement of indoor air pollutants in private dwellings
• Driving licence

Desirable Requirements:

• Excellent communication skills
• Familiarity with research on outdoor and indoor air pollution studies
• Experience in statistical analysis of environmental research data
• Experience in science outreach activities

Salary: €39,132 to €45,157 per annum (public sector pay policy rules pertaining to new entrants will apply).

Start date: Position is available from earliest possible start date.

Further information on research and working at NUI Galway is available on Research at NUI Galway Researchers at NUI Galway are encouraged to avail of a range of training and development opportunities designed to support their personal career development plans. NUI Galway provides continuing professional development supports for all researchers seeking to build their own career pathways either within or beyond academia.  Researchers are encouraged to engage with our Researcher Development Centre (RDC) upon commencing employment - see www.nuigalway.ie/rdc for further information.

For information on moving to Ireland please see www.euraxess.ie

Further information about the School of Physics is available at http://www.nuigalway.ie/physics/

Informal enquiries concerning the post may be made to Dr Marie Coggins marie.coggins@nuigalway.ie

NB: Gárda vetting is a requirement for this post (as appropriate to Child Protection Policy)

To Apply:

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 Dr Marie Coggins (marie.coggins@nuigalway.ie)

Please put reference number NUIG RES 264-21 in subject line of e-mail application.

Closing date for receipt of applications is 5.00 pm Friday, February 11th, 2022

Due to the University closure related to COVID-19, interviews may have to take place virtually and start dates may need to be delayed

NUI Galway reserve the right to readvertise or extend the closing date for this post.

All positions are recruited in line with Open, Transparent, Merit (OTM) and Competency based recruitment

National University of Ireland, Galway is an equal opportunities employer.