Postdoctoral Research Development Associate In Computer Systems

Purpose of Position:

The National College of Ireland seeks innovative and motivated researchers to become Postdoctoral Research Development Associates. The successful candidates will join the Cloud Competency Centre (CCC) and play a pivotal role in EU-funded projects enabling sustainable digital transformation for European businesses and focusing on computer systems and advanced digital skills.

Position: 

30-Month Postdoctoral Research Development Associate in Computer Systems (3 positions)

Reporting to: 

Head of the Cloud Competency Centre

Purpose:

Affiliated with the Cloud Competency Centre, a research centre renowned for its expertise in high-performance computing, parallel processing, open data, and distributed ledger technologies, the appointees will undertake original research in computer systems, including operating systems, distributed systems, systems architecture, and optimising compilers. Additionally, the roles include significant research development responsibilities, such as proposal coordination, managing collaborations, and overseeing grant applications.

The CCC promotes flexible working conditions, embracing remote collaboration and flexible working hours, ensuring optimal productivity and work-life balance for its team. At the CCC, we recognise the evolving landscape of work and understand the importance of providing a work environment that accommodates the needs and preferences of our diverse team. We firmly believe that offering flexible working conditions is essential for attracting leading researchers.

Here at the CCC, our commitment to flexibility goes beyond location. We understand that individuals have different working styles, rhythms, and personal commitments. As such, we encourage flexible work hours, enabling our team members to adapt their schedules to suit their individual needs, as long as the required outcomes and deadlines are met. This flexibility ensures that you have the autonomy to structure your workday effectively, allowing for optimal productivity and personal well-being.

Furthermore, we provide the necessary tools and technologies to facilitate seamless collaboration and communication. Our state-of-the-art digital infrastructure allows remote team members to participate fully in meetings, discussions, and project collaborations, ensuring that the distance does not hinder the exchange of ideas and knowledge.

Key Relationships:

• The Research Associates will be required to work closely with the Head of Cloud Competency Centre, CCC Principal Investigators of EU-funded projects, CCC Staff and European partners, Dean of the School of Computing, and other staff members in the School of Computing.

Key Responsibilities:

Research Activities:

• Develop and execute research aligned with EU-funded project objectives.
• Produce high-quality deliverables, conference papers, and journal articles.
• Develop and deploy relevant software/code.
• Contribute to postgraduate module creation and training materials.

Research Development Activities:

• Identify and pursue relevant funding opportunities, coordinating grant proposal development.
• Provide guidance to research staff on funding landscapes, funding policies, and application procedures.
• Foster strategic collaborations within academia and industry to strengthen the research profile and funding potential of the CCC.
• Manage relationships with funding bodies and external stakeholders.
• Oversee internal selection processes for funding applications.

General:

• Contribute actively to enhancing the international profile of CCC.
• Participate in EU-funded project meetings and events within Ireland and internationally.
• Undertake additional duties assigned by the Head of CCC.

Qualifications and Experience required:

• The successful candidates must possess the following qualifications and experience:
• A PhD in Computer Science or a closely related discipline.
• Strong coding skills in C/C++/Python/Java and solid working knowledge and experience of Cloud/HPC platforms and software engineering principles.
• Experience or demonstrated capability in research development, grant proposal writing, and funding acquisition processes.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with proven ability to establish effective relationships across diverse teams and international partnerships.
• Excellent organisation skills, able to manage competing deadlines.

Desirable:

• Prior experience in managing or coordinating research projects or collaborations.
• Familiarity with EU research funding mechanisms, particularly European Commission instruments such as DIGITAL Europe and Horizon Europe.

We welcome applications from individuals who meet the requirements of this position and who are committed to contributing to the success of the CCC EU-funded projects.

NATIONAL COLLEGE OF IRELAND HAS A RESPONSIBILITY TO ENSURE THAT ALL EMPLOYEES ARE ELIGIBLE TO LIVE AND WORK IN THE REPUBLIC OF IRELAND.

Salary:

€53,812 PER ANNUM (ACADEMIC I SALARY BAND ). N.B. FIXED AMOUNT AS PER RESEARCH GRANT

Annual Leave: 

34 days

Contract: 

THE POST IS FULL-TIME FOR A 30-MONTH FIXED TERM TO START ON 1 OF JUNE OF 2025 OR IMMEDIATELY THEREAFTER.

Location: 

National College of Ireland, Mayor Square, IFSC, Dublin 1

National College of Ireland’s mission is to widen participation in higher education and unlock each student's potential. The College offers students the opportunity to acquire the skills and self-confidence to change their lives, contribute to a knowledge based economy and become responsible, active citizens.

Application Process:

To apply, please e-mail your cover letter and CV as a single PDF file ONLY, using the email subject “Postdoctoral Research Development Associate in Computer Systems, NCI Reference no: NCI1086” to: recruitment-cdolan@ncirl.ie by FRIDAY 2ND OF MAY 2025 5PM GMT.

INTERVIEWS ARE EXPECTED TO BE CONDUCTED ON THE WEEK STARTING ON 19TH OF MAY 2024. The successful candidate is expected to start on 1ST OF JUNE 2024 or immediately thereafter.

NATIONAL COLLEGE OF IRELAND HAS A RESPONSIBILITY TO ENSURE THAT ALL EMPLOYEES ARE ELIGIBLE TO LIVE AND WORK IN THE REPUBLIC OF IRELAND.

Note: The functions and responsibilities assigned to the Postdoctoral Research Development Associate in Computer Systems are based on the current stated role and objectives of the College. These functions and responsibilities may alter in line with any change in the role and institutional objectives.

The successful applicant will be subject to Garda Vetting and must not have any convictions under the Sex Offenders Act 2001.

National College of Ireland is an equal opportunities employer.

The Importance of Confidentiality

We would like to assure you that protecting confidentiality is our number one priority. You can expect that all enquires, applications and all aspects of the proceedings are treated as strictly confidential and are not disclosed to anyone, outside those directly involved in that aspect of the process.

Candidates' Obligations

In submitting a completed Curriculum Vitae and supporting documentation, candidates are declaring:

• That all the particulars furnished in their application are true and correct without omission and that they are aware of the qualifications and particulars for this position.
• That to the best of their knowledge that there is nothing in relation to their conduct, character or personal background of any nature that would adversely affect the position of trust in which they would be placed by virtue of this appointment.
• Their irrevocable consent to NCI making such enquiries as deemed necessary in respect of their suitability for the post in respect of which their application is made.
• Their acceptance and confirmation of the entitlement of NCI, as appropriate to, reject their application, or to terminate their employment (in the event of a contract of employment having been entered into on foot of this competition) if they have omitted to furnish NCI with any information relevant to their application or their continued employment or where they have made any false statement or misrepresentation relevant to this application or their continuing employment with the College. #

Candidates should note that they may be required to submit documentary evidence in support of any particulars given by them in their application for the post.

Data Protection Acts 1988 to 2018 and the Freedom of Information Acts 1997 to 2014 as amended

Data collected for the purposes of recruitment activities

NCI conducts recruitment processes to fill vacancies within the college. When applying for these competitions applicants are asked to submit a range of documents, e.g., a completed application form, CV and/or a personal statement or cover letter. For the purposes of recruitment activities, we will not collect any personal data that we do not need to assess your candidature for a role with us.

Legal Basis for Processing

NCI ’s legal basis for the processing of this data is a combination of individual consent, contractual necessity and legal obligations.

Withdrawal of Consent

Applicants can withdraw their consent for the processing of their personal data at any time by notifying the College. It is important to note that withdrawal of consent prior to the completion of the process will be considered as a withdrawal of the application.

What we do with your data

People who are directly employed by NCI and are based in Ireland process all the personal data collected for both recruitment and HR purposes.

Shortlisting

HR draft up the shortlisting documents and provide the initial screening to determine if a person meets the essential criteria of the competition. A shortlisting panel is generally made up of two senior grade staff members from the relevant department for which the role is being recruited.

Sharing of your data

Where you have been successfully shortlisted for a post, each interview panel member will be furnished with a copy of the relevant information of those who will be attending interview in order that they can review applications in advance of the interview process. All such information will be returned to NCI and shredded following the competition process. Some of the interview panel will be external interviewers, who are not employees of NCI but are engaged for the purpose and are strictly subject to the rules and policies of the College.

Access

Applicants can request and receive access to their data at any time and can request and receive a copy of this data, in electronic/transferable format.

Erasure

Applicants can request the data held be erased. In this case, the application for a position is considered withdrawn.

Rectification

Applicants can have any incorrect information corrected.

Objection / Withdraw

Applications can object to this information being processed and/or can request to withdraw from the application process

Complain

Applicants can make a complaint to our internal Information Governance and Data Protection Officer

NCI Information Governance and Data Protection Officer

National College of Ireland, Mayor Street, IFSC, Dublin 1

Tel (Direct): + 353 1 4498 523 ; Tel (Reception): + 353 1 4498 500

And/or make a complaint to the relevant authority

Data Protection Commission, 21 Fitzwilliam Square South, Dublin 2, D02 RD28

Tel: +353 (0) 761 104 800

National College of Ireland is an equal opportunities employer and is a Member of the Athena SWAN Charter. NCI is committed to serving our diverse community and welcomes applications from underrepresented groups.