Director of Research
007830

Director of Research

Applications are invited for the above full-time permanent post.

The Research Office within the Office of the Vice Presdient for Research (OVPR) provides a comprehensive range of services to the academic community of the University. The OVPR is tasked to meet an ambitious goal of research excellence with impact under the University’s current Strategic Plan ( To strengthen the Research Office team, the University wishes to recruit a Director of Research. The post is a senior management position in the University, reporting to the Vice-President for Research. The successful candidate will provide leadership in the University’s strategy for research and developing a plan to deliver significant increase in research activity and funding growth.

Applicants should:

  • Hold a level 9 degree or equivalent;
  • Have a minimum of a five-years proven track record of experience and achievement at senior management level in a medium to large research-oriented organisation;
  • Have at least five years’ experience in the following:
  1. Involved in strategic planning and development of major multi-disciplinary research programmes
  2. Successfully competing for funds and delivery of complex research activities by leading and managing high-achieving teams.
  • Leadership and interpersonal skills to engage and motivate internal and external stake holders
  • Leading change, proven ability to win support for ideas and build networks at a regional and national level (preferably within a university/research setting)
  • Excellent communication (verbal/written) and presentation skills.

Salary Scale (Under Review):

Assistant Secretary Salary Scale: €75,874-€86,234 (Applicable to new entrants post Jan 2011)

€84,082 – 95,593 p.a. (applicable to non-new entrants)

Associate Secretary Salary Scale: €109,789 (applicable to new entrants post Jan 2011)

€121,765 pa (applicable to non-new entrants)

For informal discussion or enquiries please contact Prof. Lokesh Joshi (Vice-President for Research ()

Closing date for receipt of applications is 17.00 (GMT) on Thursday 10thSeptember 2015. It will not be possible to consider applications received after the closing date.

Garda vetting may apply.

For more information and Application Form please see ‘Application and Appointment Procedures’ (page 4). Applications should be submitted online.

Please note that appointment to posts advertised will be dependent upon University approval, together with the terms of the Employment Control Framework for the higher education sector.

National University of Ireland Galway is an equal opportunities employer.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title / Discipline/Section / Current Job Holder
Director of Research / Vice-President for Research
Is post Permanent or a Contract? / PERMANENT

2. Role Relationships

The Director Research is a key member of the Office of the Vice President for Research. The key relationships which will influence the success of the role are:
  • The VP for Research and the other members of the UMT
  • Deans, Research Institute Directors, Heads of Schools, Institutional Research Officer and the Director of Quality.
  • Academic Secretary
  • Director TTO
  • Peers in similar roles in other Universities
  • Funding Organisations

3. MAIN PURPOSE OF JOB:
  • To work in close partnership with the VP Research to lead the Research Office team in developing and implementing the University’s Strategy and developing the overall competence of the function to deliver significant research activity and funding growth;
  • To work closely with and provide support to the VP Research in aligning research strategy and innovation in the Colleges, Institutes and Schools of NUIG;
  • To act in place and represent the VP Research on University committees and external bodies as appropriate;
  • To drive and strengthen linkages and alignment of research activities across the University;
  • To further strengthen and promote NUI Galway’s research activities and excellence.

4. MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
(Write in perceived order of Importance)
  • Promote the development of, and agree strategic plans, research inputs, outputs and impactswith Colleges, and their constituent Schools and Research Institutes;
  • Support the development of multi-disciplinary research e.g. through coordinating bids, establishing business plans, and/or forming groups to address specific matters, foster collaborative efforts between academic and research Units;
  • Identify and promote new areas of research expertise that matches with funding/impact opportunities;
  • To provide a link, at academic level, to the Colleges, Institutes and Schools with a view to enhancing the understanding of the criticality of research activity in growing the reputation of NUIG and its international rankings;
  • To work with the Director, TTO and the management team of NUIG Research Units in the development and implementation of their key strategic objectives and actions;
  • To act in place of and represent the VP Research on Institute Boards and University committees as appropriate.

Key Performance Indicators:

  • Delivery of relevant Strategic plan 2015-2020 targets; this will entail setting up annual targets.
  • An increase in NUIG’s research inputs, outputs and impacts to demonstrate sustainable growth;
  • Enhanced collaboration among research and academic units to achieve research targets that demonstrate synergy;
  • Clarity of expectations and outcomes in research activity among academic staff;
  • Identification and development of key research areas, researchers and innovators.

Skills & Qualifications
The successful candidate will :
  • Hold a level 9 degree or equivalent;
  • have a minimum of a five-years proven track record of experience and achievement at senior management level in a medium to large research-oriented organisation;
  • Have at least five years experience in the following:
  1. involved in strategic plannning and development of major multi-disciplinary research programmes
  2. succesfully competing for funds and delivery of complex research activities by leading and managing high-achieving teams.
  3. leadership and interpersonal skills to engage and motivate internal and external stake holders
  4. leading change, proven ability to win support for ideas and build networks at a regional and national level (preferably within a university/research setting)
  5. excellent communication (verbal/written) and presentation skills.
The post holder must
  • be self-driven with the ability to motivate staff to ambitious targets and strict deadlines.
  • be flexible in relation to working hours.

APPLICATION AND APPOINTMENT PROCEDURES

  1. Application
  1. Current NUI Galway employees

If you are a current NUI Galway employee please use the NUI Galway Employee Self Service (ESS) portal to apply for this post. The following is a link to the ESS portal:

The following is a link to a User Guide for ESS:

Please ensure that you read the attached guide prior to applying for this post and allow sufficient time to make your online submission in advance of closing date.

Please note that closing dates/ times will not be extended for user error

Late applications will not be accepted

Non NUI Galway employees

If you are not a current NUI Galway employee please use the NUI Galway online recruitment portal to apply for this post. The following is a link to the online recruitment portal:

The following is a link to a User Guide for the online recruitment portal:

Please ensure that you read the attached guide prior to applying for this post and allow sufficient time to make your online submission in advance of closing date.

Please note that closing dates/ times will not be extended for user error

Late applications will not be accepted.

The completed application document must be submitted online to reach the Human Resources Office no later than 17.00 (GMT) on Thursday 10th September 2015.

  1. All applicants will receive an acknowledgement of application. If you do not receive an acknowledgement of receipt of your application or if you have any other queries regarding the application process please contact

or telephone 091-492151.

  1. Incentivised Scheme for Early Retirement (ISER):

It is a condition of the Incentivised Scheme for Early Retirement (ISER) as set out in Department of Finance Circular 12/09 that retirees, under that Scheme, are debarred from applying for another position in the same employment or the same sector. Therefore, such retirees may not apply for this position.

  1. Pension Entitlements:

This is a pensionable position. Details of the applicable Pension Scheme will be provided to the successful candidate.

The Pension element of this appointment is subject to the terms and conditions of the Pension scheme currently in force within the University. This Scheme may be amended or revised by the Irish Government or its agents at any time.

The Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004 set a minimum retirement age of 65 and removed the upper compulsory retirement age for certain New Entrants to the Public Sector on or after 1 April 2004. Effective from 1st January 2013, The Single Public Service Scheme applies to all first-time new entrants to the public service, as well as to former public servants returning to the public service after a break of more than 26 weeks.

Retirement age set, initially, at 66 years; this will rise in step with statutory changes in the State Pension Contributory (SPC) age to 67 years in 2021 and 68 years in 2028.

Compulsory retirement age will be 70.

  1. Declaration:

Applicants will be required to declare whether they have previously availed of a public service scheme of incentivised early retirement. Applicants will also be required to declare any entitlements to a Public Service pension benefit (in payment or preserved) from any other Public Service employment and/or where they have received a payment-in-lieu in respect of service in any Public Service employment.

Assessment Procedure

(a)Assessment Board

Applications will be considered by an Assessment Board, which will shortlist and interview candidates.

Applicants may be required to complete assessment tests appropriate to the requirements of the role.

Candidates who are invited to attend for interview will have their reasonable return travel and subsistence expenses paid.

All candidates will in due course be notified of the outcome of their application.The Human Resources Office will offer the post to the candidate appointed once the appointment has been made by the University Appointing Authorities.

(b)Interview Dates

Candidates will be advised of arrangements in due course.

(c)Expenses

Only candidates invited to the Assessors’ Interview (see (a) above) will have their reasonable return travel and subsistence expenses paid.

(d)Referees

Referees listed on the application forms of shortlisted candidates will be contacted prior to interview.

(e) The successful candidate will be required to submit evidence of age, original qualifications and undergo a medical examination.

Appointments will be conditional on work authorisation validation. Further details are available at

Human Resources OfficeAugust 2015

PROFILE OF THE UNIVERSITY

1.Constitution

National University of Ireland, Galway was established in 1845 as Queen’s College, Galway, by Charter under the Queen’s Colleges (Ireland) Act. Under the Irish Universities Act 1908, it became a Constituent College of the National University of Ireland established under that Act, and a new Charter was issued, changing its name to University College, Galway.

Under the Universities Act, 1997, the College (together with the other Constituent Colleges) was reconstituted as a University and its title was changed to National University of Ireland, Galway/ OllscoilnahÉireann, Gaillimh. It is at the same time a Constituent University of the National University of Ireland, almost all of whose functions were transferred under the Act to the Constituent Universities.

The legal standing of the University derives from the Irish Universities Act 1908, its Charter issued under that Act, the University College Galway Acts, 1929 and 2006, and the Universities Act 1997. The provisions of these instruments are further developed in Statutes and Regulations, made in accordance with those Acts and Charter.

The University’s general relationships with the State are mainly conducted through the Higher Education Authority.

2.Authorities

The Charter and relevant legislation provide for two authorities, ÚdarásnahOllscoile (The University Governing Authority) and the Academic Council.

Subject to the provisions of the relevant Acts and Charter, ÚdarásnahOllscoileis empowered to manage and control all the affairs of the University. Its membership (40) for the three-year period 1 February 2013 – 31 January 2016 is as follows: an external Cathaoirleach (Chairman), the President, the Registrar and Deputy-President, 5 Professors/Personal Professors, 5 other academic staff, 3 other employees, 2 elected officers of the Students’ Union, 1 postgraduate student, 4 graduates, 7 elected by the local authorities of the region, 2 nominees of the NUI, 3 nominees from selected external organisations (including business and industry), the President of St. Angela’s College, Sligo, a member drawn from artistic and cultural interests, and 3 nominees of the Minister for Education and Skills.

Under the Universities Act 1997, the question as to whether the President, or another person (not an employee of the University or a member of ÚdarásnahOllscoile), is to be Cathaoirleach of ÚdarásnahOllscoile is a matter for decision by ÚdarásnahOllscoile at its first meeting and from time to time thereafter.

The Academic Council is the chief academic authority and, subject to review by ÚdarásnahOllscoile, controls the academic affairs of the University, including the curriculum, instruction and education provided by the University. Its members are the President, the Registrar and Deputy-President, the Vice-Presidents, the Deans of Colleges, Heads of Schools, the Professors (including Personal Professors), the other Heads of discipline and other members drawn from the other academic staff grades and the student body, the Librarian, Director of Information Solutions and Services, Director of Lifelong Learning, the Príomhfheidhmeannach of AcadamhnahOllscolaíochtaGaeilge, the Director of the Centre for Excellence in Learning and Teaching; its present total membership is about 150. The President is entitled to preside at all meetings of the Council.

3.The President

Under the Universities Act, the President is responsible to ÚdarásnahOllscoile (The University Governing Authority) for the efficient and effective management of the University and for the due performance of his/her functions, and is subject to such policies as may be determined from time to time by it. S/he shall, subject to the Act, manage and direct the University in its academic, administrative, financial, personnel and other activities and for those purposes has such powers as are necessary or expedient.

4.The University Management Team

The University Management Team comprises:

The President

The Registrar and Deputy-President

The Vice-President for Innovation and Performance

The Executive Director of Operations

The Bursar

The Secretary/AnRúnaí

The President is the head and chief officer of the University and is appointed for a 10-year period, subject to retirement at 65 (for those already employed in the public sector in Ireland). The Vice-Presidents are initially appointed for a four-year period and are eligible for reappointment for one further four-year term. Acting under the President, the various members of the UMT each have specific policy and line-management responsibilities and functions. These responsibilities and functions will be reviewed from time to time. The Vice-President for the Student Experience and the Vice-President for Research will be full members of the UMT from 2016.

5.Strategic Plan 2009-14

In September 2009, following widespread consultation, the University published the NUI Galway Strategic Plan. NUI Galway offers a holistic, educational and cultural experience to its diverse student body. Our University is recognised nationally and internationally for innovation, excellence and leadership in selected and distinctive programmes of teaching, research and scholarship. Our programmes reflect the strengths of the University, national priorities, and the strengths and needs of the region. We have a particular commitment to Gaeltacht regions and the Irish language community. The University seeks to develop and sustain effective strategic partnerships with relevant regional, national and international stakeholders and organisations.

A copy of the Strategic Plan is available online:

6.STUDENT SERVICES

NUI Galway has historically provided a variety support services for students. Up to 1970s this was through Deans of Residence (the Chaplain and Lady Superintendent) and directly by academic staff. Since then, as the University expanded, a more structured approach was adopted, including setting up a Student Services Committee and hiring of specialist staff (Student Services Administrator, Accommodation Office, Counsellor, Sports Officer and Careers Officer). In 2004, the first Vice President for Student Services was appointed, reflecting the vision of the University to be student-centred. In the intervening period, the Vice President post has been refocused and renamed as Vice President for the Student Experience. In 2013 a Director of Student Services was appointed to provide leadership in the integration of the student services functions and for the provision of high quality and comprehensive non-academic support and wellbeing services for students. Student Services currently encompasses the following areas: Access including mature students; Accommodation; Counselling; Chaplaincy; Disability; Medical Unit; Societies; Sports (Clubs & Participation); and Welfare including Financial Aid, Health Promotion and Mentoring. The total staff complement is shown under Organisation and Management (Appendix 1).
The Student Services team are core to the personal and academic development of students. This is embodied in our vision and mission statements and the University’s strategic plan. The shared vision of Student Services which inspires its actions is:
‘Every NUI Galway student will be supported to actively engage with the University experience to maximise their potential for learning and leadership for life and work’
The achievement of this vision is through our mission:
‘Student Services will provide students with integrated and prioritised personal, high quality services, appropriate to their developmental and support needs, to promote student engagement.’

  1. Colleges and Schools

In 2008, the University re-organised how it conducts its academic affairs and now is grouped into the following five Colleges:

  • Arts, Social Sciences and Celtic Studies
  • Science
  • Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences
  • Engineering and Informatics
  • Business, Public Policy and Law

Each College has the right to take into consideration all matters bearing upon the studies within its scope and, subject to review by ÚdarásnahOllscoile and the Academic Council, is responsible for the transaction of all academic business pertaining to it. A copy of the structures of the Colleges and Schools/Disciplines is enclosed.