Research Support Officer – AFLOWT

UCC in conjunction with SEAI is seeking to recruit a Research Support Officer – Project Development Officer to work with the appointed Programme Manager on all aspects of the offshore renewable energy programme but primarily focusing on collaborative projects, communications and research support.
 
The Offshore Renewable Energy programme supports, promotes and enhances the development of the ocean energy sector within Ireland and, to facilitate this, applicants should note that the position will be based in the SEAI’s office in Dublin. The programme is operated by SEAI in partnership with a number of relevant organisations including UCC, the Marine Institute and SmartBay Ireland. The programme is aligned to the actions set out in the Offshore Renewable Energy Development Plan (OREDP) and the Climate Action Plan (CAP) and is funded by the Department of Communication, Climate Action and Environment.
 
Job Function: Support the Programme Manager on the Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Programme in delivering key project management and communication requirements for EU, policy and research funding projects.
 
 
Post Duration:  1 year 6 months
 
Salary: €45,000 p.a. (Personal Rate) 
 
For an information package including further details of the post see https://ore.ucc.ie/.  
 
Informal enquiries can be made in confidence to Dr Jimmy Murphy, Senior Lecturer; Email: ei.ccu@yhprum.ymmij.
 
Applications must be submitted online via the University College Cork vacancy portal (https://ore.ucc.ie/). Queries relating to the online application process should be referred to ei.ccu@tnemtiurcer, quoting the job-title and project name.
 
Candidates should apply, in confidence, before 12 noon (Irish Local Time) on Friday, 10 June 2022. No late applications will be accepted.

Job Description

This title will apply to a person of appropriate qualifications e.g., BSc, MSc or PhD employed on a contract for the purpose of supporting a research project, programme, centre or institute. A Research Support Officer will work under the direction of one or more Principal Investigator (s)/ Senior Researcher(s) within a dedicated laboratory on one or more research projects.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

  • Join the AFLOWT project (Accelerating market uptake of Floating Offshore Wind Technology) team and act as primary point of contact for a number of the work packages and manage day to day requirements including:
    • Progressing actions within relevant work packages
    • Managing deliverables
    • Data collection, collation, and analysis
    • Management of partner meetings
    • Supporting financial claims related to the project
  • Maintain oversight and manage administration of projects funded by SEAI Research, Development and Demonstration projects.
  • Manage offshore renewables energy programme communication requirements including communication plans; website development; interactions on social platforms and supporting team members in delivering on communication requirements for EU projects.
  • Represent SEAI at national and international events to promote the Offshore Renewable Energy Programme and the Irish Ocean Energy sector
  • Develop and maintain strong business relationships and work collaboratively with a range of internal and external stakeholders
  • Support SEAI in the delivery of relevant actions under the Climate Action Plan and the Offshore Renewable Energy Development Plan
  • Assist with programme and grant administration and any other duties as required from time to time by the designated Programme Manager.
  • To provide specific research skills to support the on-going development of the research team and to contribute to the transfer of knowledge in the specific research area.
  • To undertake research under the direction of a Principal Investigator or Head of Research Centre.
  • To provide support in a specific area of expertise, including the use, maintenance and management of research, including equipment.
  • To perform a variety of technical duties supporting the research project or programme, as required.
  • To support research project activities.
  • To oversee installation of equipment, where required.
  • To assist in setting up and maintenance of equipment, where required. 
  • To assist PI’s and researchers in performing lab work, where required.
  • To develop contacts to acquire knowledge and understanding of the research project and research related work.
  • To facilitate collaboration by liaising with other research groups within UCC and externally including industry projects.
  • To develop and maintain a good working relationship with service departments in UCC.
  • To co-ordinate day-to-day work to support the research project.
  • To liaise with the Principal Investigator(s) and colleagues on matters relating to the research.
  • To develop knowledge and understanding of the research project and research related work.
  • To ensure compliance with Health and Safety procedures.
  • To perform other duties related to the work described herein.

The list of duties detailed above is not intended to be exclusive or restrictive and may be adjusted dependent on the area of research.

Criteria

  • An Honours Degree/Post graduate qualification in engineering, science or other relevant discipline.
  • At least 5 years’ experience in project management.
  • Experience in EU project management in particular H2020 or Interreg projects.
  • Excellent communication and organisational skills.
  • Proven ability in data analysis and report writing.
  • Experience in managing communication via social platforms such as Twitter; LinkedIn; Facebook.
  • Good working knowledge of the Ocean Energy Sector.
  • A capacity to foster a positive working relationship with colleagues and external stakeholders; to work in multi-disciplinary teams and to network effectively across a group of international and national stakeholders.
  • Excellent business acumen required to analyse risk and to take corrective action.
  • Flexible approach to problem solving and decision making to ensure the best solution is achieved focusing on the need for greater efficiency and effective delivery.
  • Ability to work on own initiative and to deadlines and milestones.
  • Well-developed IT skills.
  • Proven experience of carrying out research in the relevant research speciality.
  • Demonstrable achievements in delivering results.
  • Ability to interact with stakeholders from a range of disciplines
  • Excellent attention to detail.
  • Excellent report writing and presentation skills.
  • Capability of working effectively within a team to achieve results.
  • Excellent organisational and communication skills.
  • High level of initiative.