2 Post-Doctoral Researchers at Athlone Institute of Technology

Athlone Institute of Technology may form a panel of candidates from this recruitment, for other research positions that may arise

Athlone Institute of Technology (AIT) is an award-winning, contemporary third level institution located in the heart of the Irish Midlands, just outside the town of Athlone. Throughout its 50-year history, AIT has established itself as a centre of academic excellence with an applied, industry-focussed offering, world-class research and development capabilities, and state-of-the-art facilities.

AIT is a leader in research and innovation, demonstrable by its enumerable accolades – among them being named Ireland’s number one institute of technology – not once, but twice in the last three years. AIT is also Ireland’s top-ranked institute of technology for research and addresses national and international research priorities through impactful knowledge creation and transfer. Its three research institutes - materials, software, and bioscience - and the contract services provided by its two Enterprise Ireland-funded gateway centres for polymer processing (APT) and connected media (Comand) are vital supports to regional and national industry.

The institute stands on the cusp of becoming the country’s next technological university (TU) in partnership with Limerick Institute of Technology. As the sole higher education provider servicing the Midlands, AIT plays an integral role in educating and upskilling the workforce in key areas of technological advancement. The move to TU will further strengthen its teaching and research capacity and provide new opportunities for both staff and students. This will be critical to driving Ireland’s knowledge economy forward.

The Materials Research Institute (MRI), is an interdisciplinary research and innovation institute housed in AIT with a core focus on polymer materials research, drug delivery technologies, thermoplastic composites, product design, additive manufacturing, construction and renewable materials, circular economy of plastics and biomedical polymers in addition to providing contract and bespoke testing for industrial partners. The MRI enables AIT to build on core competencies and provides a significant focus for industry-academic collaborations in the Midlands Region and nationally.

The MRI houses APT, Ireland’s Enterprise Ireland-funded Technology Gateway for polymer processing. Formally established in 2012, APT is continually ranked as one of the top two performing technology gateways in the country.

The Experienced Postdoctoral Researcher will support senior researchers in the MRI in the preparation and submission of externally funded research, supervise post graduate students and carry out other project related activities as outlined by the MRI director or designate.

The Experienced Postdoctoral Researcher core requirements are:

Liaise closely with the MRI management team to identify challenges and opportunities to build industry awareness and engagement of the MRI.
Preparation and submission of external funding applications.
Develop extensive knowledge of core areas of polymer research.
Project development from concept to delivery of final reports.
Adhere to reporting structures and provide regular updates to their line manager or MRI director as required.
Comply with and contribute to institute policies, procedures and management systems as required.
Engage in promotional activities to enhance the reputation of AIT, The MRI and the APT centre. This will include but not limited to: attendance at trade shows and conferences, operating APT/MRI booths, writing peer reviewed publications, writing non-peer reviewed articles as appropriate/requested by line manager.
Identify and drive internal/external engagement in defined research areas.
Manage projects to ensure their delivery within budget and on time. Manage operational and reporting responsibilities to relevant funding bodies.
Prepare and furnish reports as requested by line manager including but not limited to: Presidents reports, TTSI metrics, HEA Compact, Statistics on ongoing project, Company engagements, in kind contributions, and academic outputs such as peer reviewed publications and book chapters.
Carry out other duties that may arise which may be assigned by their line manager, or designate
The role will report directly to the MRI director or designate.