Research Scientist Building Materials Engineer (Research Hubs)

(aligned to the Post-Doctoral Researcher Salary Scale for pay purposes only)

(Fixed Term Specified Purpose Wholetime for up to 5 years)

Reference: 119/2025

TU Dublin at a glance

Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin) is the second largest university in Ireland with students studying and staff working across five locations, including Bolton Street, Aungier Street, Grangegorman, Blanchardstown and Tallaght. The University was established on 1 January 2019 following the integration of Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT), Institute of Technology Blanchardstown (ITB) and Institute of Technology Tallaght (ITT) into a single organisation. A leader in STEM disciplines, TU Dublin supports the largest cohorts of students of business, media, culinary arts, and the creative and performing arts. We are passionate about apprenticeship education, life-long learning, and as the largest provider of part-time education, we make an important contribution to the economic life of Ireland, enabling capacity building for the future.

TU Dublin A New University for a Changing Ireland

Ireland’s Higher Education landscape is changing to meet the current and future needs of society and industry, and to align with national priorities as identified in, for instance, Project Ireland 2040, and the Climate Action Plan.

TU Dublin’s position as Ireland’s first Technological University have created an opportunity to deliver a co-created, practice-led national impact underpinned by research excellence across both the Irish Universities (IUA) and Technological Universities landscapes. At TU Dublin, our distinguished researchers and innovators are pioneers in science and technology discovery, play active roles in informing policy and standards; and contribute to the creative life of Ireland. Our award-winning technology transfer and business incubation activity has so far delivered over 400 new sustainable businesses with an economic value of almost €700 million.

With an international outlook, we welcome students and staff from around the world, while our strong international partnerships provide opportunities for student and staff exchange programmes, major cross-collaboration research projects, and employment opportunities. We are immensely proud of our network of 100,000+ TU Dublin graduates who are making their careers here in Ireland and in 70 countries worldwide, and of our staff who support all our students to make their mark on the world. TU Dublin’s vision for our people is that we are a place where people love to work and learn, and to be an exemplar of equality, diversity and inclusion. The university has agreed a long-term strategy ‘Strategic Intent 2030’ to help us achieve our goals.

Find out more about TU Dublin and what each of our five locations can offer at https://www.tudublin.ie/explore/our-campuses/

Research & Innovation Services

The Research & Innovation (R&I) Services are part of the overall design of the TU Dublin R&I organisation. The R&I organisation have three component parts:

i) R&I Academy – led and chaired by the Vice President for Research and Innovation (VPRI), the Research and Innovation Academy is responsible for translating the institutional vision and strategy into a University R&I strategy, and for overseeing the implementation of this strategy. The Academy will advise the University Executive Team (UET) on matters relating to research and innovation. Its responsibilities and composition are specified in the approve R&I Academy Terms of Reference.

ii) R&I Services – made up of five key functional entities: Graduate Research School, Research Support Services, Innovation & Knowledge Transfer, Impact & Engagement and Research Ethics & Integrity. These report directly to the VPRI and provide services to the TU Dublin Research Community that help ensure that:

• all the university’s research activities are carried out in accordance with the terms and conditions of research funders (where relevant).
• researchers are supported in developing research initiatives and research funding applications;
• research postgraduate students are supported via a Quality-assured learning environment that contributes to their professional development;
• research activity is carried out in accordance with the highest possible standards for integrity and ethics;
• research outputs can be effectively transferred to external stakeholders to benefit the society and economy;
• and that the TU Dublin research community effectively engages with internal and external stakeholders to communicate the impact of its work.

CREST Technology Gateway

Located on the TU Dublin – Tallaght campus, the CREST Technology Gateway is an industry focused research & development facility supported by Enterprise Ireland’s Technology Gateways programme, which is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the Southern, Eastern & Midland Regional Programme 2021-2027. Southern, Eastern & Midland Programme 2021-27.

This support enables the CREST Technology Gateway to be funded through industrial collaboration with Irish companies undertaking cutting edge research and development on new scientific products and processes. As a result, the CREST Technology Gateway has a growing portfolio of applied research making knowledge and expertise accessible to local and national industry.

The CREST Technology Gateway provides wide ranging technological expertise in many areas, especially in:

• Coatings: Developing coating technologies using sustainably sourced natural materials
• Engineering: Improving adhesion for coatings and adhesives on various surfaces, including polymer, metal, ceramic, and composite.
• Medical Devices: Developing coating systems for medical devices and technologies.
• Construction: Research into new building materials and their improved performance.

The CREST team works with the Irish engineering, aerospace, automotive, architectural, construction, biomedical and healthcare sectors in the area of surface science. CREST delivers commercial fee-earning consultancy work and collaborative projects as a competence centre in surface finishes, paints, materials and coatings. The CREST Gateway works on non-exchequer funded projects that include EU framework funding particularly involving industry participation.

CREST’s core objective is to assist Irish companies to increase their competitiveness by utilising Enterprise Ireland’s Technology Gateway programme. This programme allows companies to avail of technical expertise and resources within TU Dublin to resolve critical scientific and technological challenges they face in their commercial and R&D operations. Through Enterprise Ireland’s Technology Gateway programme, the CREST Technology Gateway brings various stakeholders together like academics, applied researchers, entrepreneurs, HPSU startups, established SMEs, and large industrial companies to deliver solutions, processes and products to help grow Irish companies.

The CREST Technology Gateway is an ISO 9001 accredited research centre hosted in the Health, Engineering and Materials Science Research Hub. It is collocated with other Enterprise Ireland funded Technology Gateways in TU Dublin, including MiCRA who specialise in sensors, biodiagnostics, and analytical science and WiSAR who specialise in Internet of Things. These shared facilities enable the Enterprise Ireland Technology Gateways based in TU Dublin to provide a more cohesive service offering to Irish companies looking to engage with Enterprise Ireland’s Technology Gateway programme.

Further details about the CREST Technology Gateway can be found www.tudublin.ie/CREST

Role Description

The Research Scientist – Building Materials Engineer will be involved the delivery of industry focused buildings materials research under the Construction Technology Theme of the CREST Technology Gateway. The individual will be required to engage with construction companies to understand their needs related to materials testing, research and development, and new product development. The Research Scientist – Buildings Materials Engineer will assist the Centre Manager in the design of technical work programmes to achieve the objectives outlined by industrial partners and other key stakeholders. The individual will also have responsibility to maintain and operate the CREST Technology Gateway’s building materials testing services.

The main duties are:

• Carry out a programme of industrially focussed research related to the Construction Technology Theme including Building Materials testing and construction related R&D projects under the leadership of the CREST Technology Gateway Manager
• Lead and manage building materials research projects from conception to completion, ensuring timely delivery of results.
• Test materials in laboratory and real-world settings to evaluate performance and recommend improvements.
• Prepare technical reports to communicate research and test findings to companies engaged with the CREST Technology Gateway
• Development of technical expertise in accordance with customer demand and group ethos.
• Collaborate with CREST Technology Gateway Manager to develop strategies for the expansion in Building Materials testing service and construction related R&D projects.
• Identify and pursue new opportunities related to construction and building materials to engage with construction industry.
• Build and maintain relationships with key industry stakeholders, including clients, partners, and regulatory bodies.
• Participate in industry conferences, trade shows, and networking events to promote the CREST Technology Gateway services and capabilities.
• Use of technical knowledge and experience to help determine customer needs and requirements for building testing materials
• Seek new areas of building materials research and prepare and submit collaborative research proposals that will look to develop new materials, processes and products that are aligned to construction industry needs.
• Disseminate the outcomes of this research and scholarship including peer-reviewed academic publications.
• Assist in the further development of the research programme and in seeking and pursuing appropriate external funding.
• Take responsibility for and manage and conduct administrative and management tasks associated with the programme of building materials research.
• Engage in appropriate training and professional development opportunities as required by the CREST Technology Gateway Manager.
• Engage in knowledge and technology transfer activities. Manage research grants in accordance with TU Dublin Financial Regulations and the conditions of the funding body.
• Prepare and present research findings to colleagues for review purposes.
• Prepare progress reports on research for funding bodies as required.
• Participate fully in the wider research activities of the CREST Technology Gateway and TU Dublin.
• The postholder will carry out any other duties within the scope, spirit and purpose of the job as requested by the CREST Technology Gateway Manager.
• Comply with all TU Dublin policies and regulations, including those in relation to Research Ethics and Health and Safety

Person Specification

TU Dublin is committed to being fully inclusive, which actively recruits, supports and retains staff from all sectors of society. We value diversity as well as celebrate, support and thrive on the contributions of all our employees and the community they represent. We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from everybody, regardless of race, sex, ethnicity, religion, nationality, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital status/civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, as well as being open to flexible working practices. During the recruitment and section process, candidates will be expected to demonstrate an appropriate mix of knowledge, experience and skills described below. For shortlisting purposes, candidates will be expected to demonstrate the degree to which they meet both the essential and desirable criteria set out below.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate the appropriate mix of knowledge, experience, skills, talent and abilities required for the role as outlined below and must satisfy all of the essential criteria:

Qualifications

• An Honours Degree from an approved degree awarding institution or equivalent in a construction, scientific, engineering or closely related discipline (Essential)
• Research degree, normally MSc, MEng or PhD., in a construction or engineering discipline (Desirable)

Knowledge

• Strong understanding of the requirements of undertaking multiple stakeholder R&D projects from a commercial perspective (Desirable)
• Knowledge of techniques and methodologies used in construction and building materials research (Desirable)

Experience

• Evidence of business development skills that has led to a strong collaboration record with industrial research partners (Essential)
• Experience in an R&D focussed organisation (three years) in the public or private sector (Essential)

Skills, talents, abilities

• Effective written and verbal communication skills with ability to present complex information effectively to a range of audiences (Desirable)
• Strong evidence of working in small teams to deliver projects in a timely manner (Desirable)

Please note that Candidates will be shortlisted based on their demonstration of meeting every essential criterion and are asked to clearly outline how their experience and qualifications meet the essential criteria. And Candidates may be shortlisted on the basis of none, one or more of the desirable criteria above and are asked to clearly outline how their experience and qualifications meet the desirable criteria.

Further information for Post-doctoral Researcher

In the case of a 1st Post-doctoral Fellowship where the applicant may not have graduated yet, the successful applicant must, at the time of appointment, provide a letter from the appropriate graduate studies office confirming that the student has completed the programme including all the examination requirements and is just awaiting the formal graduation ceremony and the likely date on which that will take place.

Eligibility to compete

Eligibility to compete is open to candidates who are citizens of the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland. The EEA comprises member states of the European Union along with Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. Other candidates may be eligible to compete subject to their having an appropriate work permit for the nature and duration of the position. For Technological University Dublin staff, a secondment for the duration of the contract may be considered.

Terms and Conditions of Employment

A full statement of terms and conditions of employment will be given to the successful applicant in accordance with the Terms of Employment (Information) Acts 1994 and 2001. The main terms and conditions of employment are as follows:

Tenure: The post will be offered on a Specified Purpose Wholetime basis. The post is funded until December 2029, subject to the terms of the provisions of the Technological Universities Act 2018. 7 Location: The post will be based at the TU Dublin Campus in Tallaght. Regular attendance at other sites will be required i.e. Aungier Street, Bolton Street, Grangegorman, Blanchardstown or Tallaght.

Salary: The successful candidate will be appointed at a scale aligned to point (01) of the Post-Doctoral Researcher Salary Scale i.e. €48,412 gross per annum for pay purposes only. Remuneration may be adjusted from time to time in line with Government pay policy. Incremental credit may apply in line with university policy.

Hours of work: A 37-hour working week is in operation. This can be reviewed by collective agreement, with the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science. Having regard to the nature of the work, attendance outside these hours may be required from time-to-time.

Probation: The terms of the University’s Staff Induction policy and Probation procedure may apply.

Annual leave: Annual Leave and Public Holidays shall be granted as per the Holidays (Employees) Act 1973 and Organisation of Working Time Act 1997. The annual leave entitlement for this post is 25 days per annum, this is inclusive of the University closure days.

Retirement: The appointee will not be entitled to join the Education Sector Superannuation Scheme; however, the University has a PRSA in place. A PRSA is a straightforward pension product that was introduced in 2003 by the Pensions (Amendment) Act 2002. It is a contract between an individual and the authorised PRSA provider in the form of an investment account that can be used to save for retirement.

Sick Leave: The terms of the TU Dublin Sick Leave policy will apply. Sick leave will be in accordance with arrangements authorised from time to time by the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science.

Benefits available to staff working in TU Dublin

TU Dublin recognise the importance of our people, and we are actively involved in attracting, recruiting, developing, and retaining a talented workforce to meet our ambitions as a university. We offer a wide range of development opportunities for staff to pursue their professional interests through mentoring, study, secondments, and more. Our aim is to be inclusive in all aspects of the work of the University and to create a welcoming atmosphere in which to work and study. We are committed to demonstrating this through our equality, diversity, and inclusion policies together with promoting the Athena Swan agenda. TU Dublin has a range of benefits available to employees, these include, but are not limited, to:

• Tax Saver and Cycle to Work Schemes
• Study and Exam Leave
• Blended Working Policy in operation
• Irish Language Classes Extensive
• Library facilities throughout the university
• Opportunities to attend conferences
• Enrolment to Public Sector Pension scheme
• Networking opportunities throughout the university
• Health and Wellbeing programmes
• Mentoring programmes
• Fee support for further education, with a Fee waiver for TU Dublin programmes
• Optometry Centre – free eye tests and discounted glasses
• Erasmus staff programme
• Sports facilities with discounted gym membership
• Staff Development short-courses and seminars e.g., Women Leaders in Education, Project Management, Leadership Development Programme, Aurora Leadership Development for Women
• Facilitation of direct deductions from salary for Hospital Saturday Fund health plan/ Income Continuance Plan/Health Insurance Plan/Cornmarket financial advice plan

Application Process

Applications will be accepted through the online application service at www.tudublin.ie/vacancies

A CV will be required in addition to the application form. All correspondence from the University regarding your application will be by email. Please ensure that the security filters on your email provider will accept emails from TU Dublin.

The selection process may include:

• shortlisting of candidates on the basis of the information contained in their application
• a Competitive Preliminary Interview

Closing Date

The closing date for applications is 5:00pm on 23rd May 2025.

Late applications will not be accepted. It is anticipated that interviews for this post will take place in week beginning 15th June 2025. The interview assessment will be 40 minutes in length and will include a presentation of 10 minutes duration. The topic of this presentation will be as follows: ‘Collaborative Innovation in Sustainable Building Materials: Engineering Industrial Solutions for Modern Construction Challenges’

Contact information

For further information about this post please contact: Garrett Melia garrett.melia@tudublin.ie

For queries regarding the application process, please contact Rosemary Okafor at (01) 2205175 between 9:30am and 5:00pm, Monday to Friday or email rosemary.okafor@tudublin.ie

Appeals

If a candidate wishes to appeal either a shortlisting decision or a Selection Board decision, they must indicate their intention to do so by submitting an email to the Talent Support Manager (referred to as HR Management throughout this appeals process) within 2 working days of the date upon which written notification to the unsuccessful candidate is issued. The email notice of intent must be followed by the submission of the Appeal Form to HR Management. The completed Appeal Form must be submitted no later than 5 working days of the date upon which written notification to the unsuccessful candidate is issued or up to 3 working days after the submission of the email notice of intent.

Further details in relation to the University’s Recruitment, Selection & Appointment Policy, including details in relation to the Appeals Procedure, can be found at the following link: https://www.tudublin.ie/media/website/for-staff/human-resources/Recruitment,-Selection-andAppointment–Policy-14.08.23.pdf

Further information for Candidates

• Canvassing will automatically disqualify.
• Late applications will not be accepted. You will not be able to apply on the online system once the deadline is passed. Therefore, you should ensure you allow sufficient time to make your application in advance of the closing date and time.
• You may only submit one application per competition. Should you have any issues with your submission, please contact recruitment@tudublin.ie
• TU Dublin applies a shortlisting process for all competitions. Therefore, you should ensure that the information provided clearly and fully describes how you satisfy the essential, desirable, and any of the other role requirements set out in the Person Specification. It is important to ensure that your application clearly demonstrates that you hold the qualifications, knowledge and experience required for the role. The successful candidate will be required to submit parchments of Degrees, Diplomas, Certificates and other professional qualifications if these are not already on file with Human Resources.
• TU Dublin is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to the employment policies, procedures and practices which do not discriminate on grounds such as gender, civil status, family status, age, disability, race, religious belief, sexual orientation or membership of the travelling community

“Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin) is committed to attracting, recruiting, developing and retaining the highest calibre of staff to build a diversified, supportive, innovative and inclusive workforce reflective of the wider community. TU Dublin aims to attract the best people who have the experience, knowledge, skills, abilities and competencies to support the University’s mission. TU Dublin supports equality of opportunity, diversity and inclusion and encourages underrepresented groups to make applications and accommodates candidates with disability to apply for posts” Recruitment, Selection and Appointment Policy

The CREST Technology Gateway is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the Southern, Eastern & Midland Regional Programme 2021-2027. Southern, Eastern & Midland Programme 2021-27