Applications are invited for an appointment as Ward & Burke Lecturer in Automation Engineering in the School of Engineering at the University of Galway. This role has been developed as part of an exciting strategic partnership between Ward & Burke Construction Ltd, the University of Galway and the School of Engineering and the Construct Innovate Centre, Ireland's National Research Centre for Construction Technology and Innovation. The Ward & Burke Centre for Smart Infrastructure and Data Driven Engineering, located in the School of Engineering alongside Construct Innovate, aims to make Ireland a global research and innovation leader for innovative automation and manufacturing solutions that can support next generation climate resilient infrastructure. The Centre will lead globally impactful research that enables climate resilient infrastructure and energy excellence in infrastructure development.
The successful candidate will capitalise upon and strengthen University of Galway's international position in automation, control and sustainability to deliver innovation in Smart Infrastructure and Data Driven Engineering. This role strongly aligns with two of the five Horizon Europe missions: climate resilience and climate-neutral and smart cities. This role will provide leadership to the University's ambitions to further world-class research within the newly formed Ward & Burke Centre for Smart Infrastructure and Data Driven Engineering and deliver upon our commitment to supporting the just transition to a low carbon future. It will support society in meeting key challenges, supporting sustainable economic growth and meeting the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) Net-Zero Standard, which establishes a robust emissions reduction target that aligns with the pace and scale mandated by climate science. The Centre will make Ireland a global research and innovation leader in automation engineering that will support the development of sustainable and data-driven solutions for advanced manufacturing and low-carbon infrastructure.
There are many exciting opportunities to foster the application of disruptive innovation and new research approaches to automation, optimisation, real-time monitoring, data processing, control, and sustainability and energy security for (i) advanced manufacturing for sectors including, but not limited to, medical devices, pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, batteries and energy conversion, and modular construction; and (ii) low-carbon infrastructure for sectors including, but not limited to, water, wastewater, and energy. Such research will enable sustainability, cost effectiveness, and resilience while ensuring Ireland's competitiveness in these critical sectors. The successful candidate will be an ambitious, and highly committed individual who combines strong academic credentials with a record of accomplishment in research and innovation in these and related areas.
The appointee will have prior experience of conducting high-impact research, prior experience of innovation and partnering with industry, and demonstrated experience of delivering research excellence. The role requires an individual who can work with others to foster a culture of innovation and collaboration with staff, industry partners, policy makers, regulatory and professional bodies, and other stakeholders to develop and grow this area of strategic importance to the University of Galway.
It is expected that the appointee will lead a world-class research programme from within Mechanical Engineering, working with colleagues across the relevant academic disciplines such as Civil Engineering and research institutes. Mechanical Engineering has active clusters in robotics and automation, sustainable energy systems, construction technologies, advanced manufacturing, offshore engineering, and composite materials. Researchers from the School of Engineering play leading roles in centres and networks including the Ryan Institute for advancing sustainability and innovation, the I-Form Research Ireland Centre for Advanced Manufacturing, the MaREI Research Ireland Centre for Energy, Climate and Marine, the SH2AMROCK Hydrogen Valley, and the IEA Wind Technology Collaboration Programme. Of particular relevance is Construct Innovate, Ireland's national research centre for construction technology and innovation, which collaborates with over 90 construction companies and is led by academic staff from the School of Engineering. The successful candidate will be expected to apply for major funding awards, for example from the European Research Council (ERC), Research Ireland and Horizon Europe, and will develop national and international collaborations with academia and industry.
The successful candidate will contribute to teaching, research, student project supervision, and programme administration across undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in Mechanical Engineering and the School of Engineering and will benefit from a significant package for Centre-related research, including PhD and researcher funding.
The Successful Candidate Shall Possess
A PhD in Mechanical Engineering or a closely-related discipline, significant research experience and expertise in one or more of the following areas: automation, robotics, process design, control, modelling and optimisation, real-time monitoring and data processing, vision systems, energy systems engineering, application of data-driven approaches to engineering processes, including digital twins, artificial intelligence, and data analytics.
For informal enquiries, please contact Professor Laoise McNamara, Head of School, School of Engineering ) or Prof. Rory Monaghan, Head of Mechanical Engineering, School of Engineering ).
Additional information on the School/Discipline/College is available at School of Engineering and the Discipline is available at: Mechanical engineering.
Salary: €64,903 to €103,538 p.a (applicable to new entrants effective from January, 2011)
This appointment will be made on the Lecturer scale in line with current Government pay policy and in accordance with the terms and conditions of the University's Remuneration policy. Remuneration Policy
Closing date for receipt of applications is 17:00 (Irish Time) on 9th April 2026. It will not be possible to consider applications received after the closing date.
Garda vetting may apply.
Appointments will be conditional on work authorisation validation.
Further details are available at
Please note that appointment to posts advertised will be dependent upon University approval, together with the terms of the Employment Control Framework for the higher education sector.
At the University of Galway, we celebrate diversity and believe that every candidate can bring unique perspectives, talents and approaches to our University community. We actively encourage applications from all backgrounds regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, gender, family status, civil status, membership of the Traveller community, sexual orientation, disability or age.
We value flexibility and recognise that a work-life balance is essential. We offer flexible working arrangements, including hybrid options, to accommodate the diverse needs of our staff. Our commitment to inclusivity extends beyond recruitment as we foster a friendly and supportive work environment, where all work styles are valued and respected. Join us in shaping a workplace that thrives on diversity, creativity and collaboration.
University of Galway is an equal opportunities employer.