Human Resources Division and Office of Vice-President Research
UNIVERSITY OF LIMERICK
RESEARCH ASSISTANT
JOB SUMMARY
Role holders at this level are concerned with assisting an individual research leader or team to conduct a particular study (or group of studies). They will generally be involved in data generation and/or collection using standard and well-defined methods developed by others. They will be working under close supervision by, and direction from, a more senior researcher or member of academic staff, who will be ultimately responsible for the project.
This may be the entry level for some staff that are expected to train and/or develop to take on more senior researcher roles. Role holders should be provided with academic and pastoral support within the department (including counselling on realistic career opportunities) and skills development.
Reports to/Supervised by / PI / Senior Research Fellow/Research Fellow/ Member of Academic StaffPhD required / No
REPRESENTATIVE WORK ACTIVITIES
Research / Research
· Assist an individual research leader or team to conduct a particular study (or group of studies).
· Conduct literature and database searches and interpret and present the findings of the literature searches as appropriate.
· Make use of standard research techniques and methods.
· Assists in analysis and interpretation of results of own research.
Research Management
· Plan and manage own day-to-day research activity within the framework of the agreed project. For example, create and maintain a workplan and daybook, meet agreed schedules, milestones, deliverables and/or research outputs.
· Manage personal research/project resources within own control appropriately (including where required, laboratories, specialist equipment, consumables) e.g. under direction co-ordinate the provision of consumable items for the project (auditing stock, liaising with suppliers, preparing regular orders of commonly used items).
· Keep appropriate records as directed and in line with Funder/University policy.
Income Generation / Funding
· None expected but may, within the context of a research team, contribute to the development of research proposals for development reasons.
Research Outputs - Write Up and Dissemination
· Write up results from own research activity (e.g. as project report) for review by PI.
· Provide input into the research project’s dissemination, in whatever form (report, papers, chapters, book) as directed by the PI/project leader. Authorship should be decided in line with guidelines such as the Vancouver Protocol, or similar authorship guidelines as appropriate.
· Present information on research progress and outcomes e.g. to bodies supervising research; steering groups; other team members, as agreed with the PI/project leader.
· Should write at least workshop level papers.
Supervision / · Support and, where appropriate, co-supervise the work of undergraduate students e.g. Final Year Project Students.
Contribution to Research Culture / UL Profile / · Continue to update knowledge and develop skills.
· Where appropriate provide advice and / or assistance to support staff, research students. May participate in limited student contact hours for own development (e.g. May deliver laboratory demonstrations, teaching laboratory test methods and demonstrating of various experiments and equipment used to undergraduates). The extent of this must not adversely impact the primary research role.
· Develop internal and external contacts with researchers in related areas.
· Actively participate as a member of a research team.
· Attend and contribute to relevant meetings/conferences.
· May contribute to work of department through activities such as student Open Days, other promotion activity in Department/University as appropriate.
Qualifications & Experience / · Possesses sufficient breadth or depth of specialist knowledge in the discipline (for example with an undergraduate or Master’s degree).
· Knowledge of research processes, methods and techniques.
· May possess (or be working towards) a higher research degree.
· Computer /IT literacy and statistical proficiency (as appropriate).
Policy & Standards
· Knowledge of, and adherence to, the University’s Policies and procedures relevant to role e.g.:
· Knowledge and compliance with health and safety in laboratory based research projects to ensure work undertaken with Good Laboratory Practice (GLP).
· Knowledge of Research Ethics as applied to the relevant discipline.
UNIVERSITY OF LIMERICK
POST DOCTORAL RESEARCHER
JOB SUMMARY
Role holders at this level will be experienced researchers, drawing upon knowledge gained from postgraduate research. It would be usual that roles holders are at early career development (<6 years research experience.
They may be associated with a particular project (or projects) and will contribute ideas, and/or enhancement of techniques or methodologies. They will still be working under supervision, but will be expected to take significant initiatives in their work and consult with the Principal Investigator over the details of the project.
They will be involved in administration relevant to their projects (e.g. report writing, managing other researchers and monitoring research budgets). They will be expected to be undertaking research individually and/or collectively and to be advancing the state of knowledge and understanding within their particular area of expertise. Role holders will be provided with academic and pastoral support within the department (including counselling on realistic career opportunities) and skills development.
Reports to/Supervised by / PI / Senior Research Fellow/Research Fellow/Faculty MemberPhD required / Yes/ Equivalent Research Experience (Including Industrial R&D)
REPRESENTATIVE WORK ACTIVITIES
Research / 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.
Contribution to Research Culture / UL Profile / · Keep up to date with research related methods and techniques, in particular, developments in the specific research area.
· May act as a referee and contribute peer assessment.
· May be asked to participate in Journal Review Boards.
· May contribute to the department through, for example, participating in promotion activity such as student Open Days, career days, or contribute to public events such as science week etc.
· Participate in internal / external networks for the exchange of information and to form relationships for future research collaboration.
· Attend and network at relevant conferences and meeting hosted by relevant professional institutions and other universities as appropriate
· Deepen understanding of relevant issues in the higher education, research, funding and political environment.
· Collaborate with colleagues on areas of shared research interest.
Qualifications & Experience / · Possess sufficient breadth or depth of specialist knowledge in the discipline and of research methods and techniques (for example, having obtained a PhD degree or equivalent experience to work on the research projects or programmes).
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.
UNIVERSITY OF LIMERICK
RESEARCH FELLOW
JOB SUMMARY
Role holders at this level will have substantial experience of research (normally not less than six years). They will initiate and take responsibility for research projects and may adopt a leadership role on the project.
They will be involved in administration relevant to their projects, managing other researchers and monitoring research budgets. They will be expected to undertake research individually and/or collectively and to be advancing the state of knowledge and understanding within their particular area of expertise as well as publishing regularly in high quality outlets.
They are expected to be establishing a growing reputation within their particular research field and academic discipline and to be establishing a growing national reputation within their field.
Role holders will mentor more junior staff, encouraging and supporting their development/career. Postholders will engage in continuous professional development activity.
Reports to/Supervised by / PI / Senior Research Fellow/ Faculty MemberREPRESENTATIVE WORK ACTIVITIES
Research / Research· Define research objectives and carry out original and significant research which supports research activity in the Institute/Department.
· Develop methods and techniques appropriate to the type of research pursued that add to the intellectual understanding of the field.
· Decide on research programmes and methodologies, often in collaboration with colleagues and sometimes subject to the approval of the head of the research programme on fundamental issues.
Income Generation / Funding
· Input into identifying and securing research funding of a large scale (with Institutional support as required).
· Contribute to research group funding bids as appropriate.
· Extend the scope of funding sources / opportunities; develop ideas for generating income and promoting research area. .
Research Management
· Where appropriate act as project leader - as such will act as a line and resource manager (e.g. of research teams).
· Organise and conduct meetings with research staff to clarify objectives, develop team work plans/timetables for research and support staff, communicate progress.
· Develop and implement quality assurance measures.
· Participate in the selection of staff working on their own projects.
· Play a leadership role in mentoring junior colleagues and co-ordinating the work of research staff.
· Assist in training of research students.
· Deal with contract negotiation and financial allocation with other collaborators for research projects.
· Plan and implement commercial and consultancy activities.
Write Up and Dissemination
· Write up research work for publication.
· Contribute to patents / commercial application (as appropriate).
· Contribute to the dissemination of research findings as appropriate to the discipline in high quality/impact peer reviewed publications, conference presentations, knowledge share events.
Supervision / · May act as co-supervisor or may be a member of a supervision panel.
· Devise & supervise the work of students e.g., PhD Students where possible.
· Supervise the work of the research team if appropriate.
Contribution to Research Culture / UL Profile / · Contribute to the development of research strategy within institute/department.
· Make a sustained contribution to the research centre/institutes research reputation and income.
· Peer review manuscripts for publication and/or research bids.
· Provide expert advice on research issues to research fellows and other colleagues.
· Provide training, expert advice and / or assistance to new members of the team, research students.
· Make presentations or exhibitions at national or international conferences and other similar events.
· May participate in limited teaching hours for own development. The extent of this must not adversely impact the primary research role.
Qualifications and Experience / · Possess sufficient breadth or depth of specialist knowledge in the discipline to develop research programmes and methodologies.
· Possess sufficient breadth or depth of specialist knowledge in the discipline to act in a leadership role.
Policy & Standards
· Thorough knowledge and understanding of the policy, practices and procedures, relevant to the role, provision of advice to junior colleagues on policy and standards, 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.
UNIVERSITY OF LIMERICK
SENIOR RESEARCH FELLOW
JOB SUMMARY
Role holders at this level will have extensive experience of research and research management. They will have a significant leadership role in collaborative research bids, leading research teams or driving forward innovative research themselves. They will manage the design, development and delivery of a range of research programmes and provide research leadership, contributing to the strategic direction of their department/research centre/Institute and enhance the departmental/research centre/institute research reputation e.g. through publications in refereed journals, contributions to edited volumes or authorships of major text(s) as appropriate to the discipline, over a sustained period.
Role holders at this level will have established reputations within their research field. They will enjoy a wide recognition for their expertise and will have made recognised and significant contributions to the developing knowledge and understanding of their research area.
Supervised by / PI /Faculty MemberREPRESENTATIVE WORK ACTIVITIES
Research / Research· Define research objectives and carry out substantive, original and significant research which supports research activity in the Institute/Department.
· Develop methods and techniques appropriate to the type of research pursued that add to the intellectual understanding of the field.
· Play a leading role in regional, national/international collaborative research projects.
Income Generation / Funding
· Contribute to major research grant applications to support research projects.
· Attract through reputation sources of income as appropriate.
· Make a significant contribution to Institute/Department’s Research Income.
Research Management
· May act be responsible for the overall leadership and management of a funded research project.
· Organise and conduct meetings with research staff to clarify objectives, develop team work plans/timetables for research and support staff, communicate progress.
· Develop and implement quality assurance measures.
· Participate in the selection of staff working on their own projects.
· Play a leadership role in mentoring junior colleagues and co-ordinating the work of research staff.
· Assist in training of research students.
· Deal with contract negotiation and financial allocation with other collaborators for research projects.
Write Up and Dissemination
· Write up research work for publication.
· Contribute to patents / commercial application (as appropriate).
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Supervision / · May act as co-supervisor or be a member of a supervision panel.
· Supervise the work of the research team.
Contribution to Research Culture/UL Profile / · Make a significant contribution to the research centre/institutes research reputation and income.
· Contribute to the development of research strategies within Department/Faculty/Research Institute.
· Provide training, expert advice and / or assistance to new members of the team, research students.
· Peer review manuscripts for publication and/or research bids.
· Help to create networks of researchers and opportunities for their junior researchers, advising them on possible sources of research funding, providing expert advice on their projects, and generally overseeing the development of their careers
· Play a leading role/is active in external networks or professional organisations, to identify sources of funding, generate income, obtain consultancy projects, or build collaborative relationships for future activities.
· Where appropriate, develop relations with public and private enterprises in order to capitalise on intellectual property.
· May participate in limited teaching hours for own development. The extent of this must not adversely impact the primary research role.
Qualifications & Experience / · An established reputation for the quality of their research work.
· Extensive experience of initiating, designing and implementing research projects.
· Possess sufficient breadth or depth of specialist knowledge in the discipline to act as a research leader and to be able to project manage major projects.
Policy & Standards
· Thorough knowledge and understanding of the policy, practices and procedures, relevant to the role, provision of advice to junior colleagues on policy and standards, 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.
Generic Skills (early career)