PLY-06 – Principal Researcher in Intelligent Grid, International Energy
Research Centre (IERC)
Contract: Full Time/Fixed Term
The International Energy Research Centre (IERC) at Tyndall National
Institute, University College, Cork invites applications for a Principal
Researcher to work within the Intelligent Grid team at IERC. This is an
exciting opportunity to join an expanding energy research team located in
Cork, Ireland.
The role offers the opportunity to lead research within IERC accordance with
the Institute's strategic growth plan, ‘Tyndall 2025', which aims to double
Tyndall's size and impact over the next five years. Complementing this vision,
you will articulate a cutting-edge research programme that will address some
of the outstanding challenges in the development of intelligent and innovative
solutions for decarbonising the electricity system.
As a research leader, you will lead the development of the Intelligent Grid
research team within IERC to advance research in the areas of power
electronics and smart grids. You will be a key contributor to developing and
executing IERC's research vision and the development of the new Integrated
Power and Energy Systems (IPES) programme. Your research will be enabled by
IERC's laboratory facilities located both in Tyndall itself and at the
Beaufort Building, Ringaskiddy. Working under the guidance of the Head of
Group of IERC, you will be expected to lead a number of existing projects
whilst also growing your own independent research programme in order to
develop a fully independent dedicated team of highly skilled research staff
and PhD students.
The role offers a superb opportunity for an aspiring research leader to
realise their research vision and advance their career as part of a world-
class multi-disciplinary, collaborative research ecosystem with cutting-edge
facilities. You will be pivotal in fostering and developing deep,
collaborations across IERC and Tyndall, as well as nationally through SFI
research centres, and internationally through programmes such as the Horizon
Europe funding framework. In addition, you will be encouraged and supported to
pursue the exploitation of your ideas with industry and/or through the
development of new start-up ventures. IERC seeks applicants with the desire to
be at the forefront of developing the disruptive and transformative smart grid
technologies and concepts that will accelerate societies decarbonisation
towards net zero.
All IERC staff members are expected to understand academic and industrial
requirements, together with a sound understanding of the wider energy
landscape beyond their area of expertise.
Key Responsibilities
Essential duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the
following:
Develop a credible and aspiring strategic research vision for the
Intelligent Grid theme programme within IERC that leverages the unique
infrastructure, capabilities and full range of expertise of the Tyndall
National Institute and UCC.
Grow the Intelligent Grid activity and through your strong collaborations
and outputs develop its international reputation in the field.
Generate excellent research outcomes as evidenced by influential or
milestone publications in leading journals and conferences, e.g., in the
top 10% in their field, and promote Open Science and Research Integrity
within the team and the IERC and the IPES programme.
Drive collaboration with others in successful bids for competitive large
scale (million €) grants/awards from national and European funding
sources, and Industry to safeguard the financial sustainability of an
independent research programme in Intelligent Grid.
Attract, retain, and grow high calibre talent including post-graduate
students and research staff of all levels within IERC providing
leadership, management, coaching, and mentoring as required.
Support a team culture that results in high quality postgraduate training
and supervision and where professional / personal / career development is
a priority.
Develop novel intellectual property and impactful innovations and
accelerate knowledge transfer by establishing and maintaining key
industrial partnerships and supporting commercialisation through high
value start-ups or licencing to industry.
Support the Head of Group of IERC to develop and deliver IERC's vision and
strategy.
Manage the operational development of the Intelligent Grid theme
activities in line with Tyndall 2025 Strategic Plan.
Contribute to major organisational projects/activities within Tyndall
outside of their core research areas and manage their team members to do
likewise.
Ensure that the activities within Intelligent Grid theme enjoy strong
partnerships and collaborations within the IPES programme and across
Tyndall's other research groups.
Contribute to the development of national and international collaborative
research networks and create new synergies/collaborations between IERC and
other research third party bodies.
Supervise postdocs, postgraduate research students as supervisor and/or
co‐supervisor and participate in postgraduate examination internal and
external, as appropriate.
Promote and participate in an appropriate level of Education and Public
Engagement (EPE) activity in coordination with the wider education and
public engagement programmes within IPES programme and Tyndall.
Ensure compliance with Tyndall's Health and Safety standards and with
Tyndall's Quality Management System with a focus on continuous
improvement.
Carry out any additional duties as may reasonably be required within the
general scope and level of the post.
Essential Criteria
A PhD degree in a relevant technical discipline with typically 8+ years
post-PhD experience in delivering high quality research outputs.
Demonstrated strategic thinking with strong personal vision and motivation
and excellent negotiation, communication and interpersonal skills.
An excellent and growing international research profile as evidenced by
invited talks and publications, awards or prizes, patents or other outputs
relating to smart grids and power electronics.
Demonstrated leadership of successful funding applications for substantial
research projects funded by national and international agencies and/or
industry.
A proven or growing track record of leading, inspiring and mentoring early
career staff or students leading to the development of a pipeline of early
research leaders from within their research group.
Demonstrated ability to work effectively as part of a team as well as
taking a leadership role.
Desirable Criteria
Evidence of creative skills/creativity
Demonstrated track record in building and growing international networks.
Demonstrated teaching and undergraduate supervision record, ideally with
formal teaching qualification for higher education.
Has successfully supervised PhD students to completion.
A growing track record and/or evidence of commitment to innovation and
commercialisation of IP, for example by successful technology transfer to
industry and/or track record in attracting industry support.
Tyndall National institute has a proactive entrepreneurial culture and we
welcome applications from candidates who possess entrepreneurial and creative
skills/experience, including the creation of technology start-ups.
Appointment may be made on the Admin I Grade 7 Scale (B) € 80,332- € 105,823
per annum. Salary placement point on appointment will be in accordance public
sector pay policy.
Informal enquiries can be made in confidence to Dr Padraig Lyons at
[email protected]
Further information on the IERC is available at www. ierc.ie
Closing date of application is 28th June, 2024.
Application Instructions
Please make sure to attach an up to date CV/Resume AND a brief motivation
letter outlining how you meet the ‘Essential Criteria' for this role.
Clickhere to Apply
A full candidate information pack is available to download by clicking here.
Please note that Garda vetting and/or an international police clearance check
may form part of the selection process.
At this time, Tyndall National Institute does not require the assistance of
recruitment agencies.
Tyndall National Institute at University College, Cork is an Equal
Opportunities Employer