Title: Researcher 1 Smart CORE and CIRCUS Department: Electrical and Electronic Engineering Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract up to June 2028 Location: Bishopstown Campus, Cork Reporting to: Dr Martin Hill Overview The Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering resides within the Faculty Engineering in the Cork campus of MTU.
The Department offers a wide range of full-time and part-time programmes covering Electrical Engineering, Electronic Engineering and Smart Product Engineering at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
There are a wide range of research activities supported by National and International Research Funding Programmes.
The research is focused on energy transition, electrical grid developments, robotics and automation with a strong emphasis on innovation, green energy, sustainability and digitization.
We are seeking a suitably qualified, ambitious and motivated candidate to work as a researcher on a number of EU funded community energy research and development projects.
Duties of the Post: The researcher will support MTUs role in the EU funded CIRCUS, Smart CORE, and CALECHE Research and innovation project supported by the European Commission.
The CIRCUS project aims to accelerate the growth of local Energy Communities (ECs) by linking communities with sources of knowledge and tools to overcome the barriers they face at present.
The Smart CORE promotes innovative energy management capabilities among ECs.
The CALECHE project develops a decision support system to support buildings multifaceted renovation objectives taking into account energy performance, heritage value and societal and sustainability.
In Ireland, this involves a pilot energy sharing project to be technically supported by MTU.
Other partner activities include energy sharing, retailers portfolio optimisation, congestion management services (with DSOs) and balancing services (with TSOs).
The appointee will support the development of existing and new ECs by contributing to the design and implementation of the CIRCUS development framework.
The framework takes existing experience EC sites and promotes and supports the development of new or developing ECs.
The development of this process should highlight obstacles to EC development and provide suggestions for overcoming these obstacles.
August 2025 Page 2 of 5 Ref: 024974 Determine and codify the EC energy sharing user requirements and assess suitable technology options to support the EC goals.
Support the development of a Smart Grid laboratory at MTU to demonstrate system operation to ECs and other parties who will support the energy sharing pilot.
Train and support contractors who install energy management equipment in pilot sites and collect and analyse data coming from those sites to evaluate effectiveness and optimise energy management approaches.
Effectively communicate the goals of the projects and the services they can provide to existing beacon and new ECs.
In addition, engage with and provide supporting information to policymakers and others who can develop an environment which encourages EC development.
This can be achieved by publishing articles related to the EC project and developing and distributing multimedia promotional features which support the project.
Contribute to the software development of CALECHE decision support system by implementing a web-based stakeholders survey tool with an automatic results interpreter supported by Generative AI.
Key Skills and Experience requirements Essential Knowledge of data collection systems design, configuration and management Be achievement-orientated, with demonstrated project management and communication skills.
Fluent spoken and written English.
Good interpersonal communication skills.
A keen interest in sustainable development.
Present results/methods/reports in written and oral form to internal and external stakeholders Capable of directing and interfacing with the work of collaborators (including at remote locations) Desirable Practical computer science skill including programming experience and algorithm design particularly for Io T and edge computing platforms such as Raspberry Pi.
An understanding of website development Practical computer science skill including programming experience and algorithm design particularly for Io T and edge computing platforms such as Raspberry Pi Manage and develop aspects of the project according to aligned project deliverables Mange work packages of the projects The potential candidate should be self-motivated with an aptitude for creative problem-solving, along with the flexibility to adapt to new tools and techniques Proficient in documentation, presentation and project management software Able to work independently as a self-starter and as part of the wider project team In your application you should refer to as many of the above as are applicable.
Qualification Requirements and Selection Criteria for role: August 2025 Page 3 of 5 Ref: 024974 The post will require a researcher who holds a Level 8 degree in Electrical or Electronic Engineering, Computer Science or cognate discipline and a Masters or Ph D degree.
Alternatively, significant relevant experience (a minimum of 4 years relevant experience) will be considered in lieu of a Masters degree.
Experience in contributing to competitive grant-writing proposals will be considered positively in reviewing applicants.
NOTE: In addition to the minimum qualifications, it may be necessary to introduce further shortlisting criteria.
Therefore, candidates may be shortlisted on the basis of qualifications and suitable experience based on details given in the application.
Candidates should note that they may be called for more than one interview.
Upon completion of interview, a panel will be formed from appointable candidates.
Remuneration, Benefits and Facilities: Remuneration will be on the Post Doctoral Researcher 1 salary scale as listed below in line with experience.
Salary scale effective 1 August 2025 Post Doctoral Researcher 1 (€46,305 - €52,863) The rate of remuneration for all appointments may be adjusted from time to time with government policy.
Additional Benefits: Comprehensive Sick Leave Policy Paid maternity leave Employment Assistance Programme Staff Discount Scheme Gym Access (reduced membership cost) On site Facilities: On site dining facilities On site TFI Bike Sharing Station August 2025 Page 4 of 5 Ref: 024974 Interview & Additional Information: Interview Process: If invited to interview, candidates are likely to be assessed under a number of criteria including the following: Relevant Technical experience and knowledge Appropriateness of the candidate to the role and assessment of current skillset Communication skills including fluency in written and presentation skills (English) Independent motivation and team contributions Teamworking, Planning & Organisational skills Additional criteria may be added for the interview as the need arises.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend for interview.
Additional Information: A successful candidate will be required to submit a passport, documentary evidence confirming academic qualifications, and to undergo a medical examination.
Garda vetting and/or an international police clearance may also be required.
References will be sought in relation to successful candidate.
MTU welcomes applications from non-EEA citizens.
However, employee permit regulations set by the Department of Enterprise, Trade & Employment must be strictly adhered to.
Any appointment offer to Non-EEA candidates is subject to the granting of a work permit by the Euraxess Ireland or relevant Immigration permissions/stamp.
Candidates may be required to produce documentary evidence to support any statements made by them on their application form or any supporting documentation.
Candidates should note that any inaccurate information will invalidate their application.
Application Process: Applications by MTU e Recruitment system only.
Applications will not be accepted in any other format or through any other channel of communication.
Please log on to to apply for this position.
Closing date for receipt of completed applications is 1.00 pm on Tuesday, 9th September 2025 The information given in this document is of a general information nature only and should not be taken as contractual.
August 2025 Page 5 of 5 Ref: 024974 Important Notes & Additional Information Screening and short-listing only takes place on the basis of information submitted on the application.
In addition to the minimum criteria, it may be necessary to introduce further shortlisting criteria.
Candidates should note that they may be called for more than one interview.
Please ensure that full information is given on qualifications and that the information is accurate and corresponds to the original transcript of qualifications.
Please ensure that those you nominate as referees are contacted by you and will be able to supply a reference without delay if requested.
Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted.
Appointments will be subject to Garda vetting.
MTU is an equal opportunities employer.
Skills: Research Communication Project Planning