Dublin City University
Level 1 on Research Career Framework Post Duration – One Year

Introduction

Dublin City University (www.dcu.ie) is a research-intensive, globally-engaged, dynamic institution that is distinguished both by the quality and impact of its graduates and by its focus on the translation of knowledge into societal and economic benefit. 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 is Ireland’s fastest growing university, and now hosts more than 17,000 students across its three academic campuses: DCU Glasnevin Campus, DCU St Patrick’s Campus and DCU All Hallows campus.

DCU has a strong track record in attracting both Irish and European Union research funding under Horizon 2020 (and all previous Framework Programmes), Marie Curie Actions and Erasmus. We offer a dynamic and internationally-focused environment in which to advance your academic career.

School of Chemical Sciences

From the very early years of DCU, the School of Chemical Sciences has played a significant role in the rapid development of the University to the point where we can now compete with some of the best European Universities.

At the postgraduate research level, the School of Chemical Sciences possesses an outstanding track record, currently home to more than 95 postgraduates students, engaged in taught and research based MSc and PhD programmes, in diverse fields. These range from the development of chemical and biological sensors, and intelligent materials, to drug design and discovery, and advances in science education. The School houses a suite of state-of-the-art research equipment including high resolution electron microscopy and a range of both mass and magnetic resonance spectrometers

Background & Role

In collaboration with an industrial partner, we are developing an electrolyser system for the on-site production of Hydrogen Peroxide from renewable electricity. This approach involves the immobilisation of custom catalysts for the continuous production of hydrogen peroxide within a Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) electrolyser.

We are interested in candidates with a background in electrochemistry, who can apply their scientific and laboratory skills to the development of a working prototype electrolyser.

Research Career Framework

As part of this role the researcher will be required to participate in the DCU Research Careerb 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.

Key Responsibilities

Reporting to the Principal Investigator, the Postdoctoral Researcher will:

• Conduct a specified programme of research under the supervision and direction of the Principal Investigator;
• Engage in the dissemination of the results of the research in which he/she is engaged with the assistance of, and under the supervision of the Principal Investigator. This may include publication in high quality peer reviewed journals and the delivery of conference papers;
• Protect inventions and assist in the filing of patent applications under the guidance of the Principal Investigator;
• Engage in appropriate training and development opportunities as required by the Principal Investigator, the School, or the University;
• Liaise with both internal and external stakeholders including industry and academic partners/collaborators, including travel where necessary;
• Assist in identifying and developing future research and funding initiatives;
• Carry out administrative work associated with the programme of research as necessary.

Minimum Criteria

Applicants should have a PhD in electrochemistry, electrochemical engineering or a closely related branch of physical/chemical science. Candidates should have experience in experimental electrochemistry and possess a demonstrable knowledge of electrocatalysis.

Applicants should possess the ability to work collaboratively within an R&D team that includes both academic researchers and industrial partners.

Desirable Criteria

Experience in electrode processing, coating and testing for electrolysers or fuel cells would be particularly welcome, however this is not essential as full training can be provided.

Candidates will be assessed on 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;

Communicating Research – Demonstrates the ability to impart their research to 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 & Leadership skills - Demonstrates the potential to manage and lead a research project including the supervision of undergraduate students.

Mandatory Training

Post holders will be required to undertake the following mandatory compliance training: GDPR and Compliance. Other training may need to be undertaken when required.