Queen’s University Belfast

The School of Natural and Built Environment in conjunction with the Queen's Business School are seeking to hire a Research Assistant to work on the €20/£17.3m multi-partner, all-island geothermal energy demonstration project GEMINI supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB). The PEACEPLUS programme is co-funded by the European Union, the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the Government of Ireland and the Northern Ireland administration. The post is fixed-term for 24 months, starting 1st August 2026 (or as soon as possible thereafter). A key component of the post is to synthesis existing reports undertaken by the GEMINI lead researcher, while also undertaking behavioural research on business model governance and institutional stances. The position will require travel to the three R&D project areas on the island of Ireland, the surrounding local communities and managing multiple tasks across each of the locations. The position will also require travel to international locations to collect data on geothermal systems and conference paper presentations. About the person: Successful candidates need to: Hold a degree or equivalent in Management, Marketing, Policy or similar business area. Demonstrate experience in policy report writing, fieldwork project visits, conducting survey interviews and completing literature reviews. Have a proven track record of using qualitative and survey methodology to carry out analysis, critical evaluations and interpretations of data. Have a proven track record of policy research consultation and reporting. It is desirable but not essential, that candidates have a PhD or MRes or may be working towards a teaching and learning degree qualification. To be successful at shortlisting stage, please ensure you clearly evidence in your application how you meet the essential and, where applicable, desirable criteria listed in the Candidate Information on our website.

About the job: As a member of the Contracts team, you will play a key role in preparing, negotiating and executing contracts ensuring that the interests of the University are protected in relation to intellectual property, contract research and consultancy and technical services, thereby enabling significant commercialisation outcomes to be achieved. You will provide specialist advice and assistance in the preparation, negotiation and execution of a range of contracts and other legal documents, including Research Contracts, Collaboration Agreements, Non-Disclosure Agreements, Material Transfer Agreements, and International Consortium Agreements. You will assist in the negotiation of disputed contractual clauses, and evaluate and advise the University on risk mitigation associated with warranties and liabilities. About the person: Candidates should demonstrate clearly how they meet the following criteria: You will hold an honours degree, preferably in law or related discipline. Have at least one year's recent (within the past two years) relevant experience. Have expertise in successful contract preparation, negotiation and execution. To be successful at shortlisting stage, please ensure you clearly evidence in your application how you meet the essential and, where applicable, desirable criteria listed in the Candidate Information document on our website.