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Working, teaching and research at the University of Limerick

Information about the University of Limerick for Academics

institution

At the very core of UL is an instinctive drive to create knowledge for a better world.

As a young university, (founded in 1972) our very existence is due to the vision, innovation and determination of the community.

Our mission is to build a vibrant community where research excellence is valued, supported and central to all facets of our organisation and aligned to the UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDGs).

Our research addresses areas of importance to our society such as education, languages, creativity, healthcare, complexity in contemporary and historical contexts, and social inclusion and has significant impact on sectors that are vital to our economy such as pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, software, med-tech, food, communications, energy, finance and the public sector.

Underpinning our drive for research excellence and societal impact is Wisdom for Action Research Strategy 2022-2207.

At the heart of this strategy is a culture that supports our people to undertake the best research, to seek new directions in their research, to be innovative and if need be disruptive, and to collaborate in new and exciting ways to address the challenges of our time and those that will emerge in our future.

We have set out four strategic mission-orientated challenges in which research across disciplines at UL, is and will continue to make an impact.

  1. Sustainable Society

Sustainability at the heart of everything we do.

Our discoveries in materials science, energy and environment, circular economy and food security are critical to supporting a more sustainable future for all communities.

  1. Inclusive Society

We pride ourselves in our role as champions for a more diverse, equal and inclusive society.

Our research community are providing insights to the complexities of this vision across many areas including education, justice and social inclusion and the future of work.

  1. Smart Society

How do we ensure a virtuous circle where the evolution of technology and connected devices can benefit all citizens?

To address this, we are answering questions using artificial intelligence, advances in software and manufacturing, harnessing of big data and the opportunities of digital humanities.

  1. Healthy Society

The health and wellbeing of our global community has never been more critical.

We are developing strategies for more person-centred and integrated healthcare, working to support our ageing society and innovating across materials science and digital technology for health.

People – our catalysts for change

We are focused on talent with an exemplary record in attracting and nurturing world-leading researchers with success in national and EU programmes.

Our strategic emphasis on prestigious training grants such as Marie Skłodowska Curie Fellowships has resulted in a high success rate with a total of 88 fellows funded here since 2014.

UL is home to European Research Council award holders at all levels across disciplines of psychology, chemistry, bioscience, with applications in energy, society and public health.

Our Doctoral College, the first for an Irish third level institution, supports and develops the structures that enable postgraduate researchers to pursue original research and provide the opportunities for them to develop their skills.

Leading from the front 

UL hosts to two of Ireland’s national research centres (funded by Taighde Éireann – Research Ireland) which are world leaders in their respective areas, with unrivalled collaboration with industry and other stakeholders, to ensure that Ireland remains at the forefront of innovation in these sectors.

Lero – the Research Ireland Centre for Software

Lero’s overall vision is to establish Ireland as a location synonymous with high-quality software research and development, to the extent that ‘Irish software’ can enter the lexicon in the same way as ‘German automotive’ or ‘Scandinavian design’.

Its research spans a wide range of subjects including software engineering, information systems and human-computer interaction in areas such as driverless cars, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, fintech, govtech, smart communities, agtech and healthtech.

SSPC – the Research Ireland Centre for Pharmaceuticals

SSPC’s unique and innovative culture of collaboration is helping the global pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical industry to develop more environmentally sustainable methods for drug manufacturing; to increase the range of medicines available to the public and to reduce drug manufacturing costs. SSPC’s advanced research programme extends from Molecule, Materials and Medicine into the Manufacturing and Modelling space. 

Still Curious?

Check out the research section of the UL website. 

Thinking of joining our community? Click to find out what UL and Limerick has for you.

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Glucksman Chair in Contemporary Writing in English

UNIVERSITY OF LIMERICK

University of Limerick

Ireland, Limerick

institution

University of Limerick

Ireland, Limerick


Faculty of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences - School of English, Irish & Communication Contract Type: Permanent Salary Scale: €144,298 - €182,426 p.a. If you are seeking an academic career in an inspiring and cohesive School of English, Irish and Communication that delivers excellent research, teaching, and societal impact, then the permanent Glucksman Chair in Contemporary Writing in English position in our School should be of interest to you. The School of English, Irish, and Communication at UL houses the following subjects: Irish Language and Literature, Aonad na Gaeilge, English, Journalism, and Technical Communication and Instructional Design. The School offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes including an MA in English and MA in Creative Writing, and faculty members contribute to many other programmes across the University. The School has a strong research culture with faculty active nationally and internationally in a variety of research projects and networks. Faculty members supervise doctoral and post-doctoral scholars. The School is based in the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, which has Athena Swan silver-level accreditation. English Language and Literature at UL is ranked 201-250 in QS Rankings. The Glucksman Chair in Contemporary Writing in English was established through the generosity of UL Friend and UL Foundation Director and former Chairman, Dr Loretta Brennan Glucksman and her late husband, former UL Foundation Director, Dr Lewis L. Glucksman, reflecting their well-known interest in contemporary Ireland and particularly in modern Irish literature. The School of English, Irish and Communication welcomes applications for the permanent Glucksman Chair in Contemporary Writing in English. Candidates should have a research and teaching specialism in 20th and 21st-Century Writing in English. The academic scope of the Chair should be focused on contemporary writing. Emphasis on Irish writers may be favoured but the primary focus should be on contemporary writing in the English language. We are looking for a highly committed academic who combines strong academic and research credentials with a record of accomplishment in educational innovation and strategic leadership. The Glucksman Chair in Contemporary Writing in English will promote the study of English in UL at all levels and stimulate interest in the subject in the wider academic community and beyond. The successful candidate will be a scholar of international standing with an outstanding record of research and publication and the academic stature and intellectual drive to shape the study of English at the University of Limerick for the next generation. They will demonstrate an ability to research, teach, guide and inspire students at all levels, with the capability and readiness to lead and oversee teaching and curriculum development in English. They will be able to advise and mentor early career researchers and other colleagues; and have the ability to attract funding and manage funded projects. They will also have a demonstrated aptitude and readiness to undertake senior leadership duties and to play a role in the formation of academic strategy. Informal enquiries regarding the post may be directed to: Dr Yvonne Cleary Head, School of English, Irish & Communication Email: yvonne.cleary@ul.ie Applications must be submitted online by 12 noon, Irish Standard Time, Wednesday, 7th January 2026. Further information for applicants and application material is available online from: University of Limerick Vacancies

Salary

€144,298 - €182,426 p.a.

Posted

14 Nov 2025

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