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AMBER’s Education and Public Engagement Research Team is looking for a Research Assistant

21 January 2025

Applications are invited for the following:

Research Assistant position within the AMBER Education and Public Engagement research team:

Context

The purpose of this role is to support design, delivery and evaluation of targeted Education and Public Engagement (EPE) activities to maximise civic engagement for societal impact. As part of the Centre’s next phase we wish to meaningfully engage a broad base of stakeholders. As the Centre progresses through the current funding call, the frequency, depth, and diversity of engaged research activities will increase to attend to our Research Ireland funding requirements and the ambitions of the Centre leadership team. AMBER’s institutional partners have increased to 10 with locations nationwide, this role will enhance the existing EPE team’s ability to engage with a larger cohort of researchers and to encourage civic outreach activities in line with the vision for the next phase of the research centre.

Summary of project

AMBER is the Taighde Éireann – Research Ireland Centre for Advanced Materials and BioEngineering Research. The Centre brings a multidisciplinary partnership between leading academics in Advanced Materials Science, BioEngineering and Industry. Working collaboratively, we develop new materials and devices for the ICT, medical devices, energy, and sustainable industrial technology sectors. By partnering with highly specialist Research faculties across Ireland, AMBER brings excellence in advanced research, innovation, and knowledge from multiple industry sector projects to our collaborative partners, industry and society at a national and global level.

The AMBER Centre will be internationally recognized as a world leader in disruptive materials science research to develop the technological advances that meet current and emerging global challenges associated with healthcare, the digital and energy transitions in addition to sustainable manufacturing and consumption. Education and Public Engagement is vital to achieving global challenges such as the Green and Digital Transitions.

Reporting to the Education and Training Manager, the principal duties of the post include:

  • Develop and assess novel multimedia tools for public engagement in diverse educational and public settings.
  • Deployment of summative and formative evaluation methods for evaluation of the education and public engagement activities carried out in the Centre.
  • Stakeholder management to support design and dissemination of AMBER’s education and public engagement materials, following best practice approaches in materials science engagement.
  • Administrative activities associated with AMBER’s engaged research programme and communication activities
  • Recruitment of volunteers and follow up reporting of activities to Research Ireland
  • Organisation of events and training (blended) using on-line platforms, including providing technical support prior, during and after the online event.
  • Promotion and communication of event information, ensuring clarity and accuracy.
  • Monitor effectiveness of event planning and make suggestions to ensure continuous improvement in events activity and logistics.
  • Monitor attendance, administer and review post-event evaluations, with a view to maximising audiences for events.

The role is based at TCD however some travel will be required as part of the role, advance notice will be provided, and applicable expenses covered. This is a full-time role (35 hours per week). While not required to be in place at time of application, Garda vetting will also be a requirement.

For formal enquires or more information please contact Mairead Holden mholden1@tcd.ie

Knowledge/Experience/Skills/ Competencies:

  • Knowledge of and practice in STEM public engagement initiatives.
  • Demonstrable ability to forge and maintain excellent working relationships with diverse stakeholders
  • Passion and enthusiasm for science
  • Understanding of wider science communication context
  • Experience of engaging diverse groups with science
  • Experience in event coordination and management
  • High level of presentation and communication skills (written, visual, verbal)
  • Competence in visual media, i.e. image and video capture
  • Research administration skills
  • Microsoft Suite proficient
  • CRM / Social media management software experience
  • Strong attention to detail and the ability to maintain organized records in line with specific deadlines.
  • Flexible
  • Creative

Qualifications:

Postgraduate qualification in Science or Social Science is desirable but not essential. This specific purpose role would suit someone with experience in the areas of science, communication, education or a similar area, media studies, event management or public relations or affairs.

Salary: In line with relevant IUA Postdoctoral researcher salary scale

Duration: 12-month specific purpose contract with a preferred start date as soon as possible.

Application: CVs with the names and addresses of three referees should be submitted to mholden1@tcd.ie.  *Please include AMBER EPE RA in subject line *

Application Deadline Monday 17th February 2025. Only short-listed applications will be acknowledged.

This position is funded by the Research Ireland Centre for Advanced Materials and BioEngineering Research.

The AMBER Research Centre, as a community of researchers, welcomes its responsibility to provide equal opportunities for all. We are actively seeking diversity in our research teams and particularly encourage applications from underrepresented groups. 

Collaborate with AMBER

AMBER has a strong emphasis on collaboration. Central to AMBER’s research remit are collaborative projects performed with industry partners, and working with academic, industry and wider stakeholder on international and national research programmes.

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