TITLE OF POST: Post Doctoral Researcher (level 1) in Physical Activity for Health (2 positions)
LOCATION: University of Limerick
REPORTS TO: Project Leader
CONTRACT TYPE: Specific Purpose
SALARY SCALE: €44,347 - €50,805 p.a. pro rata
The University of Limerick supports blended working
JOB DESCRIPTION
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Doctoral degree (level 10 NFQ) in physical activity for health (PAfH), exercise science, physical education, political science with an emphasis on health policy, implementation science or other similar health related area (or near completion, please give date of Viva)
OVERALL PURPOSE OF JOB:
The Health Research Board (HRB) in Ireland, following best practice, has identified that engaging ‘knowledge users’ in the research process from idea formulation to implementation and dissemination is the funding model most likely to ensure that research findings are relevant, responsive and will influence the decision-making processes and practice within the health and social care systems. These roles are associated with projects arising from the ERA4Health Joint Transnational Research Proposals (Increasing health equity through promoting healthy diets and physical activity (HealthEquity), and the Health Research Board Applied Partnership Award. The successful applicant will be expected to work alongside Professor Catherine Woods to:
- Work with Professor Catherine Woods and the project team to conduct a specified programme of research. This will entail use of both quantitative and qualitative research methods, systematic literature reviews, policy auditing, evaluation and benchmarking and/or intervention implementation, adaptation and tailoring.
- Carry out organisational, administrative management duties including (but are not limited to), project reporting, communications, tracking of deliverables, organisation of project meetings, as well as certain key dissemination activities including the project’s social media presence, website and reports to funders.
- Liaise with both internal and external project stakeholders including Government departments, practitioners and academic partners/collaborators from across Ireland, Europe and globally.
- Contribute to the Physical Activity for Health Research (PAfH) Centre’s performance by publishing in high quality journals and presenting research at national and international scientific conferences (see: www.ul.ie/ehs/pafh)
- Engage in the wider research and scholarly activities of PAfH, including postgraduate supervision, contributing to capacity building activities, and identifying future research priorities and targeting funding initiatives.
- Perform research collaboratively and individually.
- Engage in appropriate training and professional development opportunities as required by Professor Woods or the Faculty to develop research skills and competencies.
- Carry out any additional duties, as may reasonably be required, within the general scope and level of the post.
- Some national and European travel may be required.
Essential Criteria:
- Doctoral degree (level 10 NFQ) in physical activity for health (PAfH), exercise science, physical education, political science with an emphasis on health policy, implementation science or other similar health related area (or near completion, please give date of Viva)
- Experience in quantitative and qualitative research methods.
- Evidence of peer-review publications (e.g. a number of publications in top quartile ISI journals or evidence of under review)
- Knowledge of physical activity policy and/or intervention development, implementation and evaluation.
- Evidence of working with stakeholders at the local, national and/or international level for the promotion of population levels of physical activity
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
Desirable Criteria:
- Proficiency in conducting intervention-based research, ideally from an implementation science perspective.
- Proficiency in physical activity policy research, ideally policy evaluation, implementation and benchmarking.
- Proficiency in conducting systematic literature reviews.
- A track record of conducting individual and/or collaborative research projects with a variety of research partners.
- Demonstrate a capacity to work independently and within a project team to achieve results.
- Demonstrate a record of success in leadership and/or project management.
- Experience of conducting research with real world impact.
- Experience of supervision of postgraduate or undergraduate research students
- Evidence of identifying research priorities, sources of funding and pursuing the process of securing funds.
Please include the following information in your application:
- Full title of PhD thesis (where applicable)
- Full list of publications including web links to publications (where applicable)
- A 2-3 page letter of motivation including a statement of research accomplishments and future research goals.
- A complete curriculum vitae with details of two referees.
Further Information for Candidates:
RESEARCHER CAREER FRAMEWORK AT THE UNIVERSITY OF LIMERICK
Post doctoral research roles are considered advanced research training roles as part of the Researcher Career Framework. The purpose of this advanced research training role is to conduct a specified programme of research under the supervision of a Principal Investigator while continuing to develop skills and competencies with respect to the role and future career options.
Researchers employed on a Researcher Career Framework Contract will have dual goals in terms of a particular research project and their own career development. The training and development relevant to this position will be completed within the period of the contract in which time the researcher will continue to develop skills and competencies with respect to the role and their future career options. All Postdoctoral Researchers (Level 1 or 2) will be expected to participate in the Researcher Development Programme (RDP).
Recruitment Procedures used at the University of Limerick (UL)
The University of Limerick is committed to the Open, Transparent and Merit-Based Recruitment (OTM-R) of Researchers. The University of Limerick Policy for the Recruitment of Staff which reflects the principals of OTM-R is available on the UL Policy Hub. Full information on OTM-R at the University of Limerick is available here.
The University of Limerick uses a three stage recruitment procedure: screening, shortlisting and interview.
Screening: Initially applications for an advertised position are screened to determine if applicants have met the ‘Essential Criteria’ as outlined in the advertised job description. Only candidates who meet the ‘Essential Criteria’ will progress beyond this stage.
Shortlisting: Depending on the number of applications remaining, it may not be possible to interview every candidate who has passed the screening process. Therefore, at this stage the Selection Board for this position may review the applications which have passed screening and will select a final shortlist of candidates who in their view were most closely aligned to the post as advertised.
Interview: Once a shortlist has been finalised, all applicants will be notified of the status of their application. The final shortlist of candidates will then be invited to interview. We aim to provide at least one week’s notice to all candidates. The interview process may take the format of a standard interview and may also include a presentation – if so, you will be provided with details of this in your invitation to interview letter. Candidates may interview in person or also via video link – Microsoft Teams.
General Recruitment Timelines
Please note that applications for all vacancies must be submitted online at www.ul.ie/hrvacancies in advance of 12 noon Irish Standard Time on the advertised closing date. We aim to complete the screening process within one week of the closing date, and the shortlisting process within a further week. Therefore we aim to be in touch with all candidates within one month of the closing date.
Please note these timelines may vary based on various factors including the number of applications received.
Benefits at the University of Limerick
Employees of the University of Limerick receive a variety of benefits including:
- Supported professional development under the Researcher Development Programme and Staff Training Programmes.
- Membership of the Public Sector Single Public Service Pension Scheme.
- Membership of the Income Continuance Plan
- The opportunity to join the University’s Additional Life Cover plan.
- Coverage in the UL Sick Leave Scheme (available under “S” on the HR A-Z)
- Flexible working practices such as the Shorter Working Year Scheme.
- Preferential rates for health insurance.
- Employee wellness is a priority and a number of initiatives take place each year for the benefit of UL employees, see more at Be Well at UL.
- Preferential rates for access to the UL Arena swimming pool and fitness centre.
Equal opportunities at the University of Limerick
The University of Limerick is an equal opportunities employer, is committed to selection on merit and to the developing and maintaining a positive working environment, in which all employees are treated with dignity & respect. In pursuit of this, it is the policy of the University to provide all employees with an environment, which is free from bullying, harassment or victimisation of any form. You can read more about UL’s commitment to equality diversity and inclusion here.
Researcher Development
The University of Limerick Researcher Development Programme gives researchers an opportunity to develop and enhance the skills, knowledge and attributes necessary to complete their research and longer term career ambitions.
Additional Links:
Link to Human Resources Research Staff Webpage: Research Staff | UL - University of Limerick
Link to the University of Limerick’s Strategic Plan UL@50 - UL Strategic Plan 2019-2024
Link to website for new staff New To UL - Staff Roadmap
