International Science and Technology University

Department: Chemistry Vacancy ID: 041544 Closing Date: 24-May-2026 Maynooth University is committed to a strategy in which the primary University goals of excellent research and scholarship and outstanding education are interlinked and equally valued. We are seeking to recruit a postdoctoral researcher to work on an SEAI-funded research project on the photoelectrochemical generation of green hydrogen, combining solar cell materials with electrochemistry. The successful candidate will join the Electro-Materials, Environmental and Renewable Energy research group in the Department of Chemistry and will work on the synthesis and design of perovskite-based materials, assessing their potential for the photoelectrochemical reduction of water into hydrogen. This project is a collaboration with Chemical Engineering at University College Dublin (UCD), and the successful candidate will work closely with the research team at UCD. Post-Doctoral Researcher (level 1) - €46,805 p.a. (1 point with increments) Appointments will be made in accordance with public sector pay provisions. Closing Date: 23:30hrs (local Irish time) on Sunday, 24th of May, 2026. Applications must be submitted by the closing date and time specified above. Any applications which are still in progress at the closing time on the specified closing date will be cancelled automatically by the system. Late applications will not be accepted. Maynooth University is an equal opportunities employer The position is subject to the Statutes of the University

Job Purpose The Professional Officer and Design Factory Centre Manager plays a key role in advancing SIT’s mission to integrate learning, research, and innovation through design-led approaches. The position supports the management and strategic development of the Design Factory, leading human-centred research, applied innovation projects, and industry collaborations that bridge education and enterprise. The incumbent will apply design thinking, systems thinking, and future-oriented methods to guide multidisciplinary teams in creating impactful products, services, and experiences. This role also oversees project management, partner engagement, and operational administration to ensure the Centre’s effective delivery of teaching, research, and partnership outcomes. Key Responsibilities Human Factors and User-Centred Research Conduct applied research using design thinking, systems thinking, and futures methodologies. Apply human factors and ergonomics to enhance product, service, and experience design outcomes. Facilitate user studies, usability testing, and co-creation workshops. Mentor students and project teams on user research and design process application. Product and Service Development Lead or support innovation projects spanning physical and digital domains. Translate research insights into design opportunities and prototypes. Support iterative prototyping, testing, and validation with stakeholders. Contribute to the development of new tools, methods, and frameworks for design innovation. Partner and Business Development Develop and manage relationships with industry, community, and government partners. Identify collaboration opportunities and prepare proposals, project scopes, and agreements. Represent the Design Factory in outreach, exhibitions, and partnership forums. Project Management Plan, implement, and monitor multiple concurrent projects. Manage budgets, procurement, and reporting for internal and external initiatives. Ensure projects meet deliverables, quality standards, and compliance requirements. Administrative and Operational Duties Oversee daily operations of the Design Factory, including facilities, safety, and scheduling. Support academic delivery through preparation of learning resources, demonstrations, and supervision of student work. Maintain records, documentation, and performance metrics for projects and collaborations. Strategic Planning and Execution Contribute to strategic planning and long-term development of the Design Factory. Identify opportunities for programme growth in human-centred design, circular innovation, and applied R&D. Support institutional goals through cross-cluster collaboration and innovation leadership. Job Requirements Degree in Design, Human Factors, Industrial Design, Engineering, Innovation Management, or a related discipline. Minimum 5 years of professional experience in user-centred design, innovation consulting, or R&D. Experience in project management and stakeholder engagement within an academic or industry context. Familiarity with design research methods, prototyping, and applied learning environments. Prior experience managing facilities, partnerships, or interdisciplinary teams is an advantage.

As a University of Applied Learning, SIT works closely with industry in our research pursuits. Our research staff will have the opportunity to be equipped with applied research skill sets that are relevant to industry demands while working on research projects in SIT. The primary responsibility of this role is to deliver on an industry funded research project where you will be part of the research team to develop advanced Nuclear Quadrupole Resonance (NQR) scanning technologies. Job Responsibilities Participate in research project with Principal Investigator (PI), Co-PI and the research team members to ensure all project deliverables are met. Undertake these responsibilities in the project: i. Conduct comprehensive literature review on NQR technology, including design approaches, scanning methods, signal processing techniques, and comparison with alternative detection technologies. ii. Support design and development of NQR prototype, including system architecture, component selection, and experimental setup. iii. Conduct lab and site tests to evaluate the performance of NQR prototype. iv. Generate design documents and test documents at every stage of development until the final prototype. Coordinate procurement and liaison with vendors/suppliers. Carry out Risk Assessment, and ensure compliance with Work, Safety and Health Regulations.  Work independently, as well as within a team, to ensure proper operation and maintenance of equipment. Job Requirements Has a bachelor’s degree in Electronics; Specialization in RF/Microwave or Digital Signal Processing (DSP) is preferred. Has solid knowledge of electronics, including circuit design, PCB layout, and hardware troubleshooting. Has relevant competence in the areas of Radio Frequency design and measurement; Familiarity with high-power amplifier systems is a plus. Has relevant experience in the areas of Digital Signal Processing (DSP) design and implementation is a plus. Experience in electromagnetic simulation using CST Studio Suite and circuit simulation with PSpice, LTspice, or equivalent is an advantage. Experience with developing software for instrument control and data acquisition using LabVIEW is helpful. Key Competencies Strong experimental skills and theoretical knowledge in electronic circuits, and RF or DSP design, with the ability to apply hands-on prototyping and system development. Able to build and maintain strong working relationships with people within and external to the university. Self-directed learner who believes in continuous learning and development Proficient in technical writing and presentation  Possess strong analytical and critical thinking skills Show strong initiative and take ownership of work