Post-doctoral Research Fellow, School of Architecture, Planning and Environmental Policy

Applications are invited for a temporary post of a UCD Post-doctoral Research Fellow Level 1 within UCD School of Architecture, Planning and Environmental Policy.

Children and young people in Ireland have limited mechanisms to participate in data-driven public decision-making in their local communities. Despite their mandate to guarantee children's rights to be heard and participate in matters that affect them, public authorities often do not have the knowledge and skills needed to facilitate their civic engagement. In light of this and growing calls at a government level to increase the provision of digital services across the public sector, there is an opportunity to integrate public participation into emerging digital strategies. This research project will develop an online platform for target stakeholders (educators, policymakers and planners) to use geospatial data to replicate real world environments within Minecraft for public and educational engagement. The platform will be a consultation and participatory planning tool for government agencies and educators to enhance their practice in widening public participation and giving young people a voice in decision-making. Pilot studies will be carried out to implement game experiences that address scenarios reflecting current real world issues in policy, planning and environmental education.

This is a research focused role, where you will conduct a specified programme of research supported by research training and development under the supervision and direction of a Principal Investigator.

The primary purpose of the role is to further develop your research skills and competences, including the processes of publication in peer-reviewed academic publications, the development of funding proposals, the mentorship of graduate students along with the opportunity to develop your skills in research-led teaching.

In addition to the Principal Duties and Responsibilities listed below, the successful candidate will also carry out the following duties specific to this project:

• Support the creation of the framework for participatory planning using Minecraft
• Implementation and Minecraft servers management
• Provide support in citizen science and data crowdsourcing activities
• Organize and manage participatory workshops in Minecraft
• Prepare relevant deliverables and journal publications

Salary: 42,033 - 48,427 per annum (Pro-Rata if Part Time)

Appointment on the above range will be dependent upon qualifications and experience.

Closing date: 17:00hrs (local Irish time) on 1st June 2023.

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.

The PD1 position is intended for early stage researchers, either just after completion of a PhD or for someone entering a new area for the first time. If you have already completed your PD1 stage in UCD or will soon complete a PD1, or you are an external applicant whose total Postdoctoral experience, inclusive of the duration of the advertised post, would exceed 4 years, you should not apply and should refer to PD2 posts instead.

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