Postdoctoral Researcher in School Bullying and Online Safety

Postdoctoral Researcher Level 1
National Anti-Bullying Research and Resource Centre

Fixed Term Contract of 24 months

Research Career Framework

As part of this role the researcher will be required to participate in the DCU Research Career Framework http://dcu.ie/hr/ResearchersFramework/index.shtml. This framework is designed to provide significant professional development opportunities to researchers and offer the best opportunities in terms of a wider career path.

Background

Dublin City University (www.dcu.ie) is a research-intensive, globally-engaged, dynamic institution that is distinguished by both the quality and impact of its graduates and its focus on the translation of knowledge into societal and economic benefit. DCU prepares its students well for success in life, and in the workplace, by providing a high-quality, rounded education appropriate to the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century. Through its mission to transform lives and societies through education, research and innovation, DCU acts as an agent of social, cultural and economic progress. DCU acts as an agent of social, cultural and economic progress. As Ireland’s University of Enterprise, it is characterized by a focus on innovation and entrepreneurship and a track-record of effective engagement with the enterprise sector. Excellence in its education and research activities has led to its consistent ranking in the top 50 of the world’s young universities (QS Top 50 under 50).

Role Overview

ABC – National Anti-Bullying Research and Resource Centre is a University Designated Research Centre within DCU’s Institute of Education. It recently received the prestigious status of UNESCO Chair in Tackling Bullying in Schools and Cyberspace. The Centre is dedicated to the study of bullying behaviour/online safety in schools and workplaces and to the development of resources and training to support employers, employees, schools, teachers and parents to prevent and intervene in bullying situations and to promote online safety. ABC leads the field of research, resource development and training in tackling bullying and online safety in Ireland and is an internationally recognised centre of excellence in bullying research.

These posts are externally funded by philanthropic donations. These successful candidates will work as part of an existing team on a funded project which is concerned with delivering an anti-bullying and online safety programme in schools across the country, reporting directly to ABC’s Project Manager. The post also involves undertaking research related to the programme and contributing to the Centre’s wider work in tackling bullying in schools and online safety.

The project involves training teachers in primary and post-primary schools to work with their colleagues, students and parents to tackle bullying and online safety. The programme will be delivered face to face and online.

The project includes collaboration between DCU and advocacy groups who have partnered to work together to deliver the programme and to collect data related to project. The post-holders will be responsible for the day-to-day aspects of the project, communication with the partners, and meeting the deliverables of the project (under supervision from the Principal Investigator and direction from the Project Manager). The selected candidates will also contribute to the development of the Centre/UNESCO Chair’s programme of activities.

Duties and Responsibilities

The duties and responsibilities attaching to the post include but are not restricted to the following:

• Develop and deliver a programme of training on tackling bullying and online safety to teachers in primary and post-primary schools under the direction of the Project Manager.
• Undertaking a specified programme of research on tackling bullying and online safety.
• Contribute to the development of resources and educational materials to be available online (i.e school curriculum, training resources, videos and seminars).
• Contribute to appropriate dissemination material and results of the research (i.e. producing high quality scientific publications, reports) in which he/she is engaged in the mentorship of the Principal Investigator.
• Delivering research outputs and providing input into reports as required in line with the project funding timelines.
• Attending and presenting results at project progress meetings (nationally and internationally).
• Visiting schools/education centres to deliver presentations, training and seminars on the research topics.
• Liaising with both internal and external stakeholders.
• Supporting the Centre Director, Project Manager and the wider research group in the design, development and implementation of a broader research programme.Contributing to the organization of academic and policy seminars and workshops.
• Contributing to all aspects of the centre’s research programme under the supervision and direction of the Centre Director.
• Contributing to teaching and outreach activities of the Centre.
• Providing support and advice to doctoral students working on similar topics.
• Engaging in appropriate training and development opportunities as required by the Centre Director/Project Manager.
• Carrying out administrative work associated with the programme of research and training as necessary
• Candidates must have experience with facilitation / Workshop delivery, be confident delivering training, workshops and talks to students, teachers and staff.

Qualifications and Experience:

• The ideal candidate will have completed a doctorate in a relevant discipline (e.g. Psychology Sociology, Education, Communications),
• will have experience working with teachers (primary/post-primary) or in the field of education and knowledge of the Irish education system.
• Candidates with a strong publication track record, or with experience in the management of research projects, are particularly encouraged to apply.
• The successful candidate should be capable of working in a team and contributing to developing the research and policy agenda and the activities of the National Anti-Bullying Research and Resource Centre/UNESCO Chair on Tackling Bullying in Schools and Cyberspace. Applications from those with a knowledge of bullying and/or online safety will be prioritised.

Please note this appointment will be subject to the candidate successfully completing the Garda Vetting and Foreign Police Certification Processes.

Competencies:

The post holder will be required to have the following competencies:

Discipline knowledge and Research skills – Demonstrates knowledge of a research discipline and the ability to conduct a specific programme of research within that discipline.

Understanding the Research Environment – Demonstrates an awareness of the research environment (for example funding bodies) and the ability to contribute to grant applications

Communication – Demonstrates the ability to communicate their research with their peers and the wider research community (for example presenting at conferences and publishing research in relevant journals) and the potential to teach and tutor students.

Managing and Leadership skills: Demonstrates the potential to manage a research project including the supervision of undergraduate students