Title: SeniorResearcher,HEX-SPOResearchGroup Department:Sport, Leisure & Childhood Studies Contract:FixedTermWhole-TimeContractfrom2ndJanuary2025to 30th June 2026 inclusive Location:MTU Bishopstown Cork Reporting to:Head of Department of Sport, Leisure & Childhood Studies Project Overview and Context The HEX-SPO (Health, Exercise & Sport Sciences) Research Group is seeking to recruit an experienced and ambitious Senior Researcher to co-ordinate the implementation and expansion of its portfolio of projects aligned with Munster Technological Universitys (MTUs) Healthy Campus programme.
This aligns with the current national context, whereby Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) have been challenged to adopt the Healthy Campus Charter and Framework, which resides under the remit of the Higher Education Authority (HEA).
This, inevitably, requires a whole-campus approach to the integration of health and wellbeing within organisational culture, core operations, and strategic priorities, which relates directly to the core objectives of the HEX-SPO Research Group; namely, the design and delivery of innovative solutions to support health and wellbeing within diverse organisational settings, in alignment with international (UN SDGs), National, and University-wide thematic priorities.
FundedbytheTechnologicalSectorAdvancementFund(TSAF),thispostwillencompassthe co-ordination and implementation of HEX-SPOs portfolio of projects aligned with MTUs Healthy Campus entity (A Healthy MTU).
Specific deliverables will include (i) a bespoke research and evaluation strategy to ascertain the impact of the Healthy Campus Charter and Framework at MTU, (ii) preparation of peer-reviewed outputs to disseminate findings externally, (iii) contributions to the strategic development of the programme and Research Group (including public-engagement), and (iv) multi-disciplinary collaborations to maximise reach and impact.
To date, HEX-SPO, whose mission is to deliver applied, translational research that will positively impact society, has developed a portfolio of projects to inform the strategic development of A Healthy MTU, which is a multi-campus health promotion initiative aligned with the HEA Healthy Campus Charter and Framework.
This portfolio has included a mixed- methods baseline needs analysis, in addition to multiple intervention studies within thematic domains such as physical activity, sleep, and the campus food environment.
Prominent collaborations include the first inter-institutional research project aligned with the HEA Healthy Campus Charter and Framework (MTU-UCC Healthy Campus Collaboration), in addition to membership of a multi-partner consortium mandated by the HEA to design an Evaluation Toolkit that will support the ongoing implementation of the national Healthy Campus programme.
Duties of the Post The successful candidate will be an experienced and ambitious researcher with a minimum of a PhD in a health-related discipline, and will demonstrate experience in the management and implementation of multi-component health interventions (i.e., concept development and design, ethical approval, day-to-day project management, public engagement, supervision and mentoring of postgraduate students, and reporting of projects to funding agencies).
The successful candidate will have experience of working with health datasets, statistical software packages, and will present evidence of research outputs, nationally and internationally, appropriate for career stage.
The appointed candidate will work under the supervision of Dr. Andrea Bickerdike and will be based at Munster Technological University.
Main duties and responsibilities will include, but not limited to: Overseeadministrativeandmanagementtasksassociatedwiththeresearch programme; Leadandco-ordinateresearchactivities,includingplanning,organising andanalysis within the overall scope of a research project; Disseminatetheoutcomesoftheresearch,includingpeer-reviewedacademic publications of international standing; Takealeadingroleinthestrategicdevelopmentoftheresearchprogramme,relevant publicengagementactivities,andseekingandpursuingappropriateexternalfunding; Mentorandsupervisepostgraduateresearchstudents and/orearlycareerresearchers, as required by the Principal Investigator; Engageinappropriatetrainingandprofessionaldevelopmentopportunitiesas required by the Principal Investigator.
QualificationRequirementsandSelectionCriteriafortheRole: Essential APhDqualification,(ornearcompletion,pleasestatedateofVivainyourapplication), in health promotion, public health, or a related scientific discipline of relevance to the current post (i.e., physical activity, mental wellbeing, public-health nutrition, health psychology, health interventions); Acapabilityofworkingwithbothqualitativeandquantitativedatasets,andtherelevant appropriate statistical software packages; Evidenceof publications in peer-reviewed journals and/or presentation ofwork at nationalor international conferences; Excellent communication, organisation, and interpersonal skills, and experience of working well within a team to achieve results; Fluent in spoken and written English.
Desirable Projectmanagementexperience; Researchsupervisionexperience; Previous experience in process and outcome-oriented evaluations of health-related interventions; Certificationsand/orpracticalexperiencerelevanttotheimplementationofappliedhealthpromotion interventions (i.e., exercise instruction, behaviour change, motivational interviewing, coaching/mentoring,AHPI accreditation).
Important Notes Screening and short-listing only takes place on the basis of information submitted on the application.
In addition to the minimum criteria, it may be necessary to introduce further shortlisting criteria.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend for interview.Candidatesshouldnotethattheymaybecalledformorethanoneinterview.
Please ensure that full information is given on qualifications and that the information is accurate and corresponds to the original transcript of qualifications.
Pleaseensurethatthoseyounominateasrefereesarecontactedbyyouandwillbeable to supply a reference without delay if requested.
TheUniversityregretsthatitcannotpay expensesforcandidatesattendinginterviews for this post or for taking up the position, if appointed.
Applicationsreceivedaftertheclosingdatewillnotbeaccepted.
AppointmentswillbesubjecttoGardavetting.
Terms of Appointment: Salary Scale:SeniorResearcher€49,146to€60,647perannumgross,dependingon experience Fixed term Whole-time Contract:2ndJanuary2025 to30thJune2026inclusive.
Hours:35hoursperweek Annual leave:27days perannum Additional Benefits: ComprehensiveSickLeavePolicy PaidMaternityLeave EmploymentAssistanceProgramme StaffDiscountScheme GymAccess(reducedmembershipcost) On site Facilities: On-siteCarParking On-siteDiningFacilities On-siteTFIBikeSharingStation The Interview Process: Ifinvitedtointerview,candidatesarelikelytobeassessedattheinterviewunderthefollowing criteria: Qualifications(Academic&Professional) RelevantIndustry/ProfessionalExperience Communications&InterpersonalSkills ResearchKnowledgeandExperience TeamWorkingandOrganisationalSkills Additionalcriteriamaybe addedforthe interview,asthe needarises.Uponcompletionof interview, a panel may be formed from appointable candidates.
Additional Information: A successful candidate will be required to submit a passport, documentary evidence confirming academic qualifications, and to undergo a medical examination.Garda vetting and/oran international police clearance may also be required.References will be sought in relation to successful candidate.
MTUwelcomesapplicationsfromnon-EEAcitizens.However,employeepermitregulations setby the EURAXESS Ireland must be strictly adhered to.Any appointment offer to Non- EEA candidates is subject to the granting of a work permit by the EURAXESS Ireland or relevant Immigration permissions/stamp.
Candidatesmayberequiredtoproducedocumentaryevidencetosupportanystatementsmade by them on their application form or any supporting documentation.Candidates should note that any inaccurate information will invalidate their application.
Application Process: Applications by MTU eRecruitment system only.
Applications will not be accepted in any other format or through any other channel of communication.
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Closing date for receipt of completed applications is 1.00pmonThursday10thOctober2024 For informal enquiries prior to application, please contact Dr Cian O Neill, Head of Department of Sport, Leisure & Childhood Studies, by email at cian.onei Theinformationgiven inthisdocumentisofageneralinformationnatureonlyandshouldnot be taken as contractual.
MTUisanequalopportunitiesemployer.
Skills: Research Planning & Organising Academic health & Wellbeing