Postdoctoral Researcher/Lecturer in Social Media, Wellbeing and Society

National Anti-Bullying Research and Resource Centre

UNESCO Centre for Tackling Bullying in Schools and Cyberspace

Level on the Framework Post Duration Post-Doctorate Researcher Scale, Level 2 Fixed Term Contract of 36 months

Funder: Facebook Instagram

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.

Introduction

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).

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.

Background and Role

This post is funded by a donation from Facebook Instagram. The successful candidate will work as part of a team and in collaboration with colleagues across DCU Institute of Education on a newly funded project which is concerned with researching, developing and delivering a module on social media and the sociological and psychological implications for children and young people’s wellbeing. The post also involves undertaking research related to the Centre’s wider work in tackling bullying in schools and online safety. The project involves delivering modules to student teachers to support their preparation to work with children, parents and colleagues to tackle bullying and online safety. The selected candidate will work under the mentorship of the Centre’s Director and contribute to the development of the Centre/UNESCO Chair’s programme of activities.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

The main duties of the position will include, but are not limited to:

• Undertaking a specified programme of research on the development of social media networks and implications for society and wellbeing of children and young people
• Develop and deliver modules on social media, wellbeing and society for inclusion in teacher education programmes nationally and internationally
• Producing appropriate dissemination material and results of the research (i.e. producing high quality scientific publications, reports) in which he/she is engaged the mentorship of the Principal Investigator
• Delivering research outputs and providing input into reports as required
• Attending and presenting results at project progress meetings (nationally and internationally)
• Liaising with both internal and external stakeholders
• Supporting the Principal Investigator, Centre Director and research group in the design, development and implementation of the broader research programme
• Contributing to the organization of academic and policy seminars and workshops
• Contributing to all aspects of the research programme under the supervision and direction of the Principal Investigator
• Contributing to teaching and outreach activities of the group
• Providing support and advice to PhD students working on similar topics
• Engaging in appropriate training and development opportunities as required by the Centre Director/Principal Investigator
• Carrying out administrative work associated with the programme of research as necessary

Skills and Experience

Applicants for the position must have a doctorate in a related discipline (e.g., cyberpsychology, education, sociology, technology). The ideal candidate will have expertise in the field of online safety, social media or cyberbullying. 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 and the UNESCO Chair on Tackling Bullying in Schools and Cyberspace.

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

Salary: Post-Doctorate Researcher Scale, Level 2, Pt 1 €37,223 -  max. Pt 4 €40,661

Closing date: 01^st March 2019

Start date: As soon as possible

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 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 & Leadership skills - Demonstrates the potential to manage a research project including the supervision of undergraduate students.

Informal enquiries to:

Dr. Mairéad Foody, National Anti-Bullying Research and Resource Centre, Dublin City University E-mail: Mairead.foody@dcu.ie Phone: +353 (0)1 884 2220

Please do not send applications to this email address, instead apply as described below

Application Procedure

Application forms are available from the DCU Current Vacancies (open Competitions) website at http://www.dcu.ie/vacancies/current.shtml and also from the Human Resources Department, Dublin City University, Dublin 9. Tel: +353 (0) 1 8842112.

Please clearly state the role that you are applying for in your application and email subject line:

Job 1143 Postdoctoral Researcher in Bullying

Applications should be submitted by email to hr.applications@dcu.ie or by Fax: +353 (0)1 7005500 or by post to the Human Resources Department, Dublin City University, Dublin 9.Human Resources Department, Dublin City University, Dublin 9. Tel: +353 1 700 5149; Fax: +353 1 700 5500 Email: hr.applications@dcu.ie

Dublin City University is an equal opportunities employer