Purpose of Position: Applications are invited for two positions as Research Assistant in Computer Systems affiliated with the Cloud Competency Centre (CCC) at the National College of Ireland ( The Research Assistant is expected to be registered to pursue a PhD degree alongside their research responsibilities.
The salary associated with this position includes the PhD fees at EU Level.
The CCC is a prestigious research centre dedicated to bridging various areas such as high-performance computing, parallel processing, open data, distributed ledger technologies, and data analytics.
This is an attractive opportunity to significantly contribute to the EU-funded project DIGITAL4Security ( The project aims to equip European SMEs and Companies across multiple sectors with the cybersecurity management, regulatory, and technical skills they need to prevent and respond to existing and emerging cybersecurity threats, helping to safeguard European industries from cyber-attack.
The primary objective of these positions is to develop innovative concepts derived from functional and non-functional requirements, which will be obtained from canonical parallel patterns, resource constraints, and performance models.
These concepts will then be experimentally validated as part of the PhD research.
Key Relationships: PhD Supervisors Vice President for Research and Graduate Studies Head of Cloud Competency Centre European DIGITAL4Security Consortium partners Dean of School of Computing School of Computing staff Key Responsibilities: Develop and carry out a comprehensive PhD research aligned with the objectives of the DIGITAL4Security project including code development and deployment, as well as writing project deliverables, writing and presenting conference papers, and writing journal articles.
Collaborate and participate in suitable DIGITAL4Security activities in Ireland and, if circumstances require, abroad in subject-related areas.
Contribute to the development and enhancement of the research profile of the Cloud Competency Centre.
Undertake any other reasonable duties that may be requested by the DIGITAL4Security Principal investigators and the Head of the Cloud Competency Centre.
Engage proactively in writing research deliverables and proposals for future funding.
The successful approval of the PhD's annual progress report is critical to be completed during the first year of this position.
Qualifications and Experience required: The successful candidate must possess the following qualifications and experience: MSc in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Cloud Computing or closely related discipline.
By exception, applications from candidates with a First Class Honours degree in relevant disciplines may be accepted.
Substantial programming experience using programming languages such as Python/Java/C and solid working knowledge and experience of Linux internals, debugging, and software engineering principles.
Provide evidence of relevant projects such as GitHub repositories.
Possess self-motivation, attention to detail and the ability to thrive in an international team environment.
Balance the pressures of research and administrative demands and competing deadlines within the project.
Excellent interpersonal skills.
Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
Evidence of publication record in high-impact peer-reviewed journals and selective conferences in computer science is a plus.
A 2-page Original Research Proposal is required as part of the application for this position, identifying a significant research question, outlining the research methodology, describing potential outcomes, and demonstrating its relevance and importance.
Note that in the case where Large Language Models have been used to make important changes ("polishing"), such as rewriting whole paragraphs, content and/or code generation it needs to be disclosed accurately, including which sections are concerned.
Salary: €30,025 PER ANNUM (RESEARCHER ASSISTANT SALARY BAND) N.B.
FIXED AMOUNT AS PER THE RESEARCH GRANT INCLUDING PHD FEES.
Annual Leave: 34 days Contract: 36 months Full-Time Fixed Term Contract (to start on 1 st of October 2024 or immediately thereafter).
The position is subject to a probationary period of up to 6 months during which the successful enrolment for the PhD is required.
Location: National College of Ireland, Mayor Square, IFSC, Dublin 1 National College of Ireland's mission is to widen participation in higher education and unlock each student's potential.
The College offers students the opportunity to acquire the skills and self-confidence to change their lives, contribute to a knowledge based economy and become responsible, active citizens.
Application Process: To apply, please e-mail your cover letter, CV and 2-page Original Research Proposal explaining the candidate's proposed PhD topic as a single PDF file ONLY , using the email subject "Research Assistant in Computer Systems with PhD studentship, NCI Reference No: NCI1044" to: by 17:00 GMT on 30 th of August 2024.
Interviews are expected to be conducted on the week starting on 9 th of September 2024.
Successful candidate is expected to start on 1 st of October 2024 or immediately thereafter.
NATIONAL COLLEGE OF IRELAND HAS A RESPONSIBILITY TO ENSURE THAT ALL EMPLOYEES ARE ELIGIBLE TO LIVE AND WORK IN THE REPUBLIC OF IRELAND.
Note: The functions and responsibilities assigned to the Research Assistant are based on the current stated role and objectives of the College.
These functions and responsibilities may alter in line with any change in the role and objectives of NCI.
The successful applicant will be subject to Garda Vetting and must not have any convictions under the Sex Offenders Act 2001.
National College of Ireland is an equal opportunities employer.
The Importance of Confidentiality We would like to assure you that protecting confidentiality is our number one priority.
You can expect that all enquires, applications and all aspects of the proceedings are treated as strictly confidential and are not disclosed to anyone, outside those directly involved in that aspect of the process.
