This is a senior academic research role suited to an experienced researcher with demonstrable expertise in computer science, digital sustainability, and the design of advanced educational programmes in digital technologies. The successful candidate will lead both fundamental and applied research, curriculum innovation, and strategic stakeholder engagement. Working at the interface of academic inquiry, policy development, and industry integration, the postholder will play a pivotal role in the long-term positioning of NCI and CCC as key contributors to the EU’s digital and green transitions.
This is a rare opportunity to contribute to the development of novel research in distributed and sustainable systems, while also impacting teaching, policy, and European skills strategies in high-demand areas such as High-Performance Computing, Artificial Intelligence, Cloud, Cybersecurity, and Digital Sustainability.
CCC
The CCC is a research centre at the forefront of innovation in high-performance computing, parallel and distributed systems, open data, and distributed ledger technologies. The Centre is committed to advancing cutting-edge research while providing an inclusive, flexible working environment.
We recognise the evolving nature of work and prioritise a work culture that accommodates diverse needs. The CCC supports flexible working hours, encouraging autonomy in managing time and responsibilities to meet agreed outcomes and deadlines.
The Centre is also equipped with modern digital infrastructure to enable seamless hybrid and remote collaboration, ensuring that all team members can participate effectively in research activities, project meetings, and proposal development processes.
Reporting to:
Head of the Cloud Competency Centre
Key Relationships:
- CCC Head
- CCC Principal Investigators
- Technical Staff of different EU-funded projects
- CCC EU Project Manager
- School of Computing staff
- External academic and industry partners involved in CCC projects
Key Responsibilities:
The Senior Research Fellow will be responsible for:
- Leading research and co-design activities across multiple international project consortia, including DIGITAL4Business, DIGITAL4Sustainability, and GreenShift.
- Developing and delivering innovative educational software tools aligned with EU-wide digital and green skills frameworks.
- Undertaking original, peer-reviewed research on sustainable scalable computer systems, digital skills infrastructures, innovative curricula techniques and tools, and ESG-compliant architectures.
- Providing leadership in the development of a comprehensive Digital Sustainability Skills Strategy, in partnership with European universities, VET providers, public sector agencies, and industry.
- Coordinating national and international workshops, hackathons, and dissemination activities showcasing project outputs and best practices.
- Contributing to strategic funding proposals, policy consultations, and international benchmarking exercises in digital education and sustainability.
- Supervising early-career researchers and postgraduate students affiliated with the Cloud Competency Centre.
- Representing NCI and the CCC in EU-level review meetings, skills partnership fora, and academic-industry consortia.
Qualifications & Experience Required:
The successful candidate must possess the following qualifications and experience:
- A PhD in Computer Science, Informatics, Information Sciences, or a closely aligned field.
- Demonstrable postdoctoral experience and a research track record (as evidenced by peer-reviewed publications, technical reports, and open-source artefacts) in computer science.
- Background in contributing to or drafting EU policy frameworks, skills strategies, or white papers in the field of advanced digital technologies and ICT sustainability.
- Engagement with education quality assurance, curriculum accreditation, or certification design (e.g. ECTS, ISCED, EQF).
- Experience working in large, multi-stakeholder international projects, preferably within the Horizon or DIGITAL Europe frameworks.
- Fluency in digital tools and programming languages relevant to research and prototyping (e.g. Python, C/C++, MATLAB) as well as Large Language Models.
- A strong ability to communicate complex technical ideas clearly and persuasively to both academic and non-academic stakeholders.
- Proven ability to manage competing priorities and deliver high-quality outputs under deadline pressure.
Contract:
36 Month Fixed Term Contract
Salary:
€64,410 per annum (Academic II salary band)
Annual Leave:
34 days per annum
Hours:
Full time
Probation:
6-month performance-based probation period
Application Process:
To apply, please submit a single PDF file containing your cover letter and CV, using the subject line: “36-month EU Senior Research Fellow, NCI Reference No: NCI 1012” Send your application to: recruitment-cdolan@ncirl.ie
Deadline: 15th August 2025 at 17:00 GMT
Interviews are expected to take place during the week commencing 25th August 2025.
The successful candidate will be expected to take up the post on 1st September 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter.
Note: The functions and responsibilities assigned to this position are based on the current stated role and objectives of the College. These functions and responsibilities may alter in line with any change in the role and objectives of the College.
The successful applicant will be subject to Garda Vetting and must not have any convictions under the Sex Offenders Act 2001.
Eligibility to Work
All applicants must be eligible to live and work in the Republic of Ireland.
The Importance of Confidentiality
We would like to assure you that protecting confidentiality is our number one priority. You can expect that all enquires, applications and all aspects of the proceedings are treated as strictly confidential and are not disclosed to anyone, outside those directly involved in that aspect of the process.
Candidates' Obligations
In submitting a completed Curriculum Vitae and supporting documentation, candidates are declaring:
- That all the particulars furnished in their application are true and correct without omission and that they are aware of the qualifications and particulars for this position.
- That to the best of their knowledge that there is nothing in relation to their conduct, character or personal background of any nature that would adversely affect the position of trust in which they would be placed by virtue of this appointment.
- Their irrevocable consent to NCI making such enquiries as deemed necessary in respect of their suitability for the post in respect of which their application is made.
- Their acceptance and confirmation of the entitlement of NCI, as appropriate to, reject their application, or to terminate their employment (in the event of a contract of employment having been entered into on foot of this competition) if they have omitted to furnish NCI with any information relevant to their application or their continued employment or where they have made any false statement or misrepresentation relevant to this application or their continuing employment with the College. #
Candidates should note that they may be required to submit documentary evidence in support of any particulars given by them in their application for the post.
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NCI conducts recruitment processes to fill vacancies within the college. When applying for these competitions applicants are asked to submit a range of documents, e.g., a completed application form, CV and/or a personal statement or cover letter. For the purposes of recruitment activities, we will not collect any personal data that we do not need to assess your candidature for a role with us.
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Shortlisting
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Applicants can make a complaint to our internal Information Governance and Data Protection Officer
NCI Information Governance and Data Protection Officer
National College of Ireland, Mayor Street, IFSC, Dublin 1
Tel (Direct): + 353 1 4498 523 ; Tel (Reception): + 353 1 4498 500
And/or make a complaint to the relevant authority
Data Protection Commission, 21 Fitzwilliam Square South, Dublin 2, D02 RD28
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National College of Ireland is an equal opportunities employer and is a Member of the Athena SWAN Charter. NCI is committed to serving our diverse community and welcomes applications from underrepresented groups.