Ref: NUIG 044-2 Post-doctoral position - HAVEN Exposure Science Research Group, School of Physics, NUI Galway

Health Impact Assessment of  Energy Renovations on Irish Domestic Dwellings - HAVEN

Postdoctoral Researcher - Health Impact Assessment of Energy Renovations on Irish Domestic Dwellings - HAVEN Exposure Science Research Group, School of Physics, NUI Galway

                                                                                                                                               Ref. No. NUIG 044-20

Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for a full time, fixed term position as a Postdoctoral Researcher with the Exposure Science research group within the School of Physics at the National University of Ireland, Galway. This position is funded by The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) and is available from March 2020 to March 2023

Project background: Ireland is faced with a significant challenge to improve the energy efficiency of our buildings by meeting higher energy performance standards and by increasing energy retrofit activity. This will reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and also improve our living standards as buildings become more comfortable, healthier and less costly to heat. As we strive towards a more energy efficient society, we need to understand the impact that energy efficient renovations have on indoor air quality, so that we can evaluate the impact on health and healthcare and non-healthcare costs. The Government of Ireland has committed to supporting up to 500,000 energy upgrades in the domestic sector over the next decade in Irelands Climate Action plan (2019). This research project will investigate the health impacts and conduct a health economic evaluation of energy retrofits in domestic dwellings.

The project team are now recruiting a postdoctoral researcher to the study. The successful candidate will be responsible for recruiting homeowners, who are planning an energy renovation, to participate in a health questionnaire survey to evaluate the health and health economic impacts from energy retrofits in domestic dwellings. The candidate will also be required to recruit participants for a control group to complete the survey. Participants will complete the health questionnaire at two time points (prior to the retrofit and after the retrofit). The candidate will also be responsible for recruiting a sample of homes to participate in an indoor air quality (IAQ) study to look at how IAQ changes before and after the energy renovation. This research data is now required to support the implementation of Ireland’s energy renovation strategy for domestic dwellings beyond 2020 and project results are expected to make a significant contribution to international building energy research.

Job Description:

The successful candidate will be responsible for recruiting project participants who are planning an energy renovation, from around Ireland, to take part in a health questionnaire survey and a study of indoor air quality in domestic dwellings. The successful applicant will be responsible for piloting and executing a health questionnaire survey and executing field surveys to collect indoor air pollutant concentration data. The role will also involve statistical analysis of all project data. The successful candidate will also be required to assist with project outreach activities and with the dissemination of project data both to project participants, at scientific conferences and to non-scientific audiences.

Qualifications/Skills required:

• Essential Requirements:
• PhD in Science, Health Science, Economics, Psychology or  Engineering
• Evidence of scientific publication and dissemination of results at workshops or conferences
• Excellent written communication (English language) skills
• Full driving licence
• Strong Quantitative skills 
• Excellent Interpersonal skills to recruit project participants

Desirable Requirements:

• A strong background in Health Science, Environmental or occupational Exposure assessment or Health Economics
• Strong quantitative skills and knowledge of statistical packages
• Basic knowledge of building ventilation technologies and testing
• Familiarity with research on outdoor and indoor air pollution studies
• Experience in science outreach activities

Salary: €37,874 – €41,374 per annum (public sector pay policy rules pertaining to new entrants will apply).

Start date: Position is available from April 2020

Further information about the School of Physics is available at http://www.nuigalway.ie/science/schoolofphysics/ Informal enquiries concerning the post may be made to Dr Marie Coggins marie.coggins@nuigalway.ie

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 Marie Coggins: marie.coggins@nuigalway.ie

Please put reference number NUIG 044-20 in subject line of e-mail application. Closing date for receipt of applications is 5.00 pm Monday 9th March 2020