Applications are invited for a temporary post of a UCD Post-doctoral Research Fellow Level 2 within Geography.

Public participation is a cornerstone of good plan-making and Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA). It allows local information and concerns to be captured, interested and affected parties to be engaged in the assessment and plan-making processes, and conflict and opposition to plan implementation to be reduced.

However, SEA processes worldwide seem to be much better at providing information than at engendering a two-way flow of information that includes public feedback integration. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are measurable values that demonstrate how effective an intervention, such as SEA, is in achieving its objectives.

In SEA, KPIs can be used to measure inputs such a human and financial resources, activities such as SEA screening, scoping and public participation, outputs such as a quality SEA environmental report and informed planning decision, and outcomes such as environmental enhancement or more sustainable forms of development. The aim of this research project is twofold:

• Review the extent and effectiveness of public participation in SEA practice and to enhance participation in Irish SEAs by developing a Guidance Note on good practice and a video on how to get involved in the process, piloting a good practice approach within the project timeline if possible; and
• Review preliminary KPIs for SEA in Ireland, and develop a robust performance framework and associated effective KPIs that will be tested in live SEAs within the project timeline.

This is an advanced academic research role, building on your prior experience as a post-doctoral fellow, where you will conduct a specified programme of research supported by research training under the supervision and direction of a Principal Investigator.

The primary purpose of the role is to develop new or advanced research skills and competences, on the processes of publication in peer-reviewed academic publications and scholarly dissemination, the development of funding proposals, and the supervision and mentorship of graduate students along with the opportunity to develop your skills in research led teaching.

Fixed salary: €46,442 per annum

Closing date: 17:00hrs (local Irish time) on the 9th of February 2022.

Applications must be submitted by the closing date and time specified. Any applications which are still in progress at the closing time of 17:00hrs (Local Irish Time) on the specified closing date will be cancelled automatically by the system. UCD are unable to accept late applications. UCD do not require assistance from Recruitment Agencies. Any CV's submitted by Recruitment Agencies will be returned.

Prior to application, further information (including application procedure) should be obtained from the Work at UCD website: https://www.ucd.ie/workatucd/jobs/.