Postdoctoral Researcher/Research Associate position on ‘Future Proofing the University City Interface’ now available!

  • September 24, 2019

Postdoctoral Researcher/Research Associate

in Future Proofing the University City Interface

Department of Geography

Ref. No. NUIG 177-19

Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for a fixed-term position as a Postdoctoral Researcher with the Department of Geography at the National University of Ireland, Galway. This position is available from November 1, 2019 for 12 months.

Job Description:

The Department of Geography seeks a highly qualified Postdoctoral Researcher to engage with the interface between NUI Galway and its surrounding urban context.  Key to this engagement is the ongoing urban transformation of Nuns’ Island in the heart of Galway City, a 24-acre site in which the University is a key stakeholder.  Foremost in this exercise will be the identification of cultural and innovative endeavours in both teaching and relevant urban practice. Further work would involve envisaging how these both could come together in the one place, thus ensuring the best possible future growth scenarios for the University and the City.

It is anticipated that the successful candidate will have an interest in exploring the opportunities presented by the redevelopment of a new urban quarter in Galway.  This will be set within the context of examples of best practice across Europe and beyond in the successful matching of the strengths of a city’s unique social, cultural and entrepreneurial mix with that of its University.

Applications from those working on the broad fields of Economic, Urban and/or Cultural Geography and those already familiar with the transformative effects of urban regeneration, transformation and stakeholder engagement, are of particular interest. The post will require working with colleagues from a variety of backgrounds; a keen interest in the future of innovative education practices, as well as a strong knowledge of social scientific research methods and practices are key requirements for this post.

Duties: 

  • Data gathering and analysis. This will involve the use of primarily qualitative methodologies;
  • Reviewing and assessing international literatures on transformative urbanism, innovative pedagogical practices and creative, holistic urban development;
  • Undertake interviews with key stakeholders involved in the programme and beyond, process resulting data, and contribute to the development of analyses;
  • Implement on-street surveys and other methods of broader public engagement;
  • Contribute to writing and editing of papers, reports, articles and evaluation and monitoring reports;
  • Organise communication, dissemination and outreach actions related to the project;
  • Participate in dissemination of research findings and contribute to future funding applications;
  • Participate in the wider research and scholarly activities of the Institute.

Requirements:

Essential Criteria:

  • A PhD in Geography or cognate discipline. Preference will be given to candidates who can demonstrate appropriate experience and knowledge of working in research areas that relate to the Urban restructuring, creative cities and critical pedagogies discourses.
  • An ability to work effectively and in a mutually supportive manner within an interdisciplinary team of researchers.
  • Evidence of internationally peer reviewed publication and a desire to publish and communicate research widely are essential.
  • Excellent communication (written and verbal) and presentation skills and a high level of initiative, commitment to deadlines and team interaction is also crucial.
  • Significant knowledge and appropriate experience of using qualitative and/or mixed-method approaches to social research.
  • Experience of conducting focus groups and interviews with senior level stakeholders identified above, would be an advantage.

Desirable Criteria

  • PhD in a relevant area (Geography or cognate discipline) AND / OR extensive professional experience in monitoring and evaluation.
  • Record of experience working with colleagues from across academic disciplines in the management of complex information and multi-annual projects.
  • Relevant research and/or professional track record, as evident in publications or other professional outputs.
  • Familiarity with quantitative data analysis techniques and software [e.g. SPSS and surveying software] would be an advantage.
  • Experience with Social Network Analysis methodologies will be an advantage.
  • Prior experience of engaging with cultural organisations or arts practitioners to monitor and evaluate creative arts/heritage/cultural events.
  • Experience of conducting focus groups and interviews with senior level stakeholders.
  • Excellent and demonstrable knowledge of relevant computer software (including, for example, MS Office, and qualitative data analysis).
  • Evidence of internationally peer-reviewed publication and a desire to publish and communicate research widely.
  • An awareness of legal and ethical requirements regarding data protection and confidentiality.

Salary: €37,223

Start date: November 1 2019

Continuing Professional Development/Training:

Researchers at NUI Galway are encouraged to avail of a range of training and development opportunities designed to support their personal career development plans.

Further information on research and working at NUI Galway is available on Research at NUI Galway.

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

Further information about the Moore Institute is available at www.mooreinstitute.ie.

Informal enquiries concerning the post may be made to Dr. Patrick Collins p.collins@nuigalway.ie

N.B. Garda Vetting is a requirement of 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 christina.costello@nuigalway.ie

Closing date for receipt of applications is 5.00 pm Friday, October 11, 2019.

Interviews will take place towards the end of week commencing October 14, 2019

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.