Post Doctoral Researcher in Mercury Added Products and Mercury Containing Wastes in the Built Environment

• A doctoral degree (level 10 NFQ) in Environmental Science, Electronic Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Sustainability related discipline or relevant area.

OVERALL PURPOSE OF THE JOB:

To work on SFI Funded Project: Understanding Mercury in Ireland and Working Towards Net Zero: Developing a Metabolic Inventory of Mercury Added Products and Mercury Containing Wastes in the Built Environment (BE-MAP), under the direction of the principal investigator.

The researcher will work as part of a wider project team on developing inventories of mercury added products and waste in the built environment. Waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) is the fastest growing waste stream globally. There is significant overlap between WEEE and mercury added products (MAPs) and WEEE containing critical raw materials (CRMs). Recovery and conservation of CRMs are key to materials security in Europe. This research explores the links between these issues and aims to develop a capture rate for mercury from appropriate treatment channels to drive a safe circular economy.

DESCRIPTION:

Research

• Contribute to the research programme of the Department under general guidance of a member of the academic staff or Principal Investigator/project leader.
• Define research objectives and proposals for own (or joint) research in line with research strategy.
• Conduct individual and/or collaborative research projects in a variety of settings (laboratory, creative performance, field, clinical setting).
• Determine appropriate methodologies for research, with advice and support as appropriate.
• Assess research findings for the need/scope for further investigations/commercial exploitation.
• Translate knowledge of advances in the subject area into research activity.

Research Management

• Plan, co-ordinate and implement research project (this may include managing a small research team/co-ordinating other researcher activity).
• Manage own personal and research resources (including where required, laboratories, and specialist equipment) appropriately.
• Manage own research budget, if any, and keep records as directed and in line with funder/university policy as appropriate.

Income Generation/Funding

• May identify sources of funding and pursue the process of securing funds.
• May work with PI to contribute to proposals for developmental purposes.

Research Outputs-Write Up and Dissemination

• Write up results from own research activity.
• Contribute to the research project’s dissemination, in whatever form (report, papers, chapters, book).
• Present information on research progress and outcomes e.g. to bodies supervising research; conferences, steering groups; other team members, as agreed with the PI/project leader.
• Where appropriate, work with PI to register patents to protect intellectual property.

Supervision

• May act as co-supervisor or be a member of a supervision panel.
• May participate in limited teaching hours for own development. The extent of this must not adversely impact the primary research role.
• May act as mentor to foreign students on undergraduate placement.

Policy & Standards

• Knowledge and understanding of the policy, practices and procedures, relevant to the role, which may include broader university/sector/external sponsor or funder (e.g. Commercial Awareness, Research Ethics, Knowledge Transfer, Patents, Intellectual Property Rights, Health and Safety, Equal Opportunities & Diversity).
• Legal requirements regarding data protection and confidentiality data protection requirements.

Essential Criteria:

• A doctoral degree (level 10 NFQ) in Environmental Science, Electronic Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Sustainability related discipline or relevant area.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Evidence of ability to work individually and as part of interdisciplinary team.
• Evidence of Peer reviewed publications.
• Demonstrated experience in report writing.
• Experience in collaborating with academic and non-academic partners.

 Desirable Criteria:

•  Experience of student supervision.
• Track record of identifying and securing research funding.

Please include the following information in your application:

• Full title of PhD thesis.
• Full list of publications including weblinks to publications.

Further Information for Candidates:

Recruitment Procedures used at the University of Limerick (UL)

The University of Limerick is committed to the Open, Transparent and Merit-Based Recruitment (OTM-R) of Researchers. The University of Limerick Policy for the Recruitment of Staff which reflects the principals of OTM-R is available on the UL Policy Hub. Full information on OTM-R at the University of Limerick is available here.

The University of Limerick uses a three stage recruitment procedure: screening, shortlisting and interview. 

Screening: Initially applications for an advertised position are screened to determine if applicants have met the ‘Essential Criteria’ as outlined in the advertised job description.  Only candidates who meet the ‘Essential Criteria’ will progress beyond this stage.

Shortlisting: Depending on the number of applications remaining, it may not be possible to interview every candidate who has passed the screening process.  Therefore, at this stage the Selection Board for this position may review the applications which have passed screening and will select a final shortlist of candidates who in their view were most closely aligned to the post as advertised.

Interview: Once a shortlist has been finalised, all applicants will be notified of the status of their application.  The final shortlist of candidates will then be invited to interview.  We aim to provide at least one week’s notice to all candidates.  The interview process may take the format of a standard interview and may also include a presentation – if so, you will be provided with details of this in your invitation to interview letter.  Candidates may interview in person or also via video link – Microsoft Teams.

General Recruitment Timelines

Please note that applications for all vacancies must be submitted online at www.ul.ie/hrvacancies in advance of 12 noon Irish Standard Time on the advertised closing date. We aim to complete the screening process within one week of the closing date, and the shortlisting process within a further week.  Therefore we aim to be in touch with all candidates within one month of the closing date.  

Please note these timelines may vary based on various factors including the number of applications received.

Benefits at the University of Limerick

Employees of the University of Limerick receive a variety of benefits including:

·         Supported professional development under the Researcher Development Programme and Staff Training Programmes.

·         Membership of the Public Sector Single Public Service Pension Scheme.

·         Membership of the Income Continuance Plan

·         The opportunity to join the University’s Additional Life Cover plan.

·         Coverage in the UL Sick Leave Scheme (available under “S” on the HR A-Z)

·         Flexible working practices such as the Shorter Working Year Scheme.

·         Preferential rates for health insurance.

·         Employee wellness is a priority and a number of initiatives take place each year for the benefit of UL employees, see more at Be Well at UL.

·         Preferential rates for access to the UL Arena swimming pool and fitness centre.

Equal opportunities at the University of Limerick

The University of Limerick is an equal opportunities employer, is committed to selection on merit and to the developing and maintaining a positive working environment, in which all employees are treated with dignity & respect. In pursuit of this, it is the policy of the University to provide all employees with an environment, which is free from bullying, harassment or victimisation of any form.  You can read more about UL’s commitment to equality diversity and inclusion here.

Researcher Development

The University of Limerick Researcher Development Programme gives researchers an opportunity to develop and enhance the skills, knowledge and attributes necessary to complete their research and longer term career ambitions.

Additional Links:

Link to Human Resources Research Staff Webpage:           Research Staff | UL - University of Limerick

Link to the University of Limerick’s Strategic Plan         UL@50 - UL Strategic Plan 2019-2024

Link to website for new staff                                       New To UL - Staff Roadmap