Title: Lead Researcher - Slándáil Mhuirí na hÉireann: A Pilot Research Programme on Irish Maritime Security and Critical Underwater Infrastructure (2025-2027)
Department: Maritime Studies, National Maritime College of Ireland (NMCI)
Contract Type: 24 Month Fixed Term, Whole Time Contract
Location: NMCI Campus, Cork
Reporting to: Dr Paul Hegarty
Overview
The National Maritime College of Ireland (NMCI) is Ireland’s national and only institution for the education and training of maritime professionals including professional civilian and naval seafarers. NMCI delivers maritime emergency response training to Ireland’s Emergency Services, it is an important centre for supply chain education for the southwest region and an internationally recognised centre for maritime research. A public sector institution, NMCI is situated on a dedicated ten‑acre campus in Ringaskiddy, lower Cork Harbour. NMCI is a constituent college of Munster Technological University (MTU), a partnership with the Irish Naval Service and a public private partnership.
Munster Technological University (MTU), in collaboration with the Department of Defence and Department of Climate, Environment and Energy, invites applications for a Lead Researcher in Slándáil Mhuirí na hÉireann: A Pilot Research Programme on Irish Maritime Security and Critical Underwater Infrastructure. This opportunity is situated in Cork, Ireland’s vibrant and culturally rich second‑largest city, offering an exceptional environment for students and researchers alike. The successful candidate will have the chance to work on cutting‑edge research in a national priority action area.
Project Overview
Research Project Overview – Slándáil Mhuirí na hÉireann: A Pilot Research Programme on Irish Maritime Security and Critical Underwater Infrastructure (2025-2027)
As geopolitical tensions and hybrid threats increase, Critical Underwater Infrastructure (CUI), such as subsea cables, offshore wind assets, and energy pipelines, has emerged as a major national security priority for all countries, particularly island nations. This pilot programme integrates research on maritime cybersecurity, surveillance, energy security, and maritime domain awareness, delivering actionable intelligence, policy insights, and capability‑building to inform the work of the Project Ireland Marine 2040 Coordination Group and the development of Ireland’s first National Maritime Security Strategy.
This project takes advantage of NMCI’s unique position within the Irish maritime landscape, as part of Munster Technological University (MTU). NMCI integrates advanced academic research with hands‑on operational and technical training, providing an ideal environment for a cross‑disciplinary, security‑focused programme.
Programme Objectives
The pilot programme will seek to address the following five objectives:
* Assess Risks and Threats to Critical Underwater Infrastructure in Irish and EU waters.
* Advance the evolution of Maritime Cyber Resilience of shore and offshore assets through threat analysis, simulation and module development.
* Enhance Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) through surveillance and data integration.
* Support Energy and Infrastructure Security against hybrid (cyber + physical) threats.
* Foster National & International Dialogue through expert conferences and policy exchange.
Key Areas of Contribution
The successful candidate will contribute to the following key areas, which will address a number of discrete yet interrelated thematic areas, as outlined below:
WP1: Securing Critical Underwater Infrastructure (CUI)
* Mapping and vulnerability assessment of Ireland’s subsea cables, proposed offshore wind farms, energy pipelines, and interconnectors.
* Risk modelling for sabotage, espionage, and disruption scenarios.
* Develop response protocols in coordination with naval and civil authorities.
WP2: Maritime Cybersecurity
* Cyber threat landscape analysis for ships, ports, and maritime infrastructure.
* Simulation of cyberattack scenarios on CUI and response mechanisms.
* Development of cyber training modules for operators and local/national authorities.
WP3: Maritime Surveillance & Situational Awareness
* Integration of satellite, radar, and autonomous systems for MDA.
* AI and sensor fusion tools for early warning of anomalous maritime behaviour.
* Assess dual‑use capabilities of naval and civilian surveillance systems.
WP4: Offshore Energy and Infrastructure Protection
* Scenario planning for hybrid attacks on offshore wind farms and cable landings.
* Recommendations for physical security, redundancy, and incident response planning.
* Coordination with energy policy and marine spatial planning frameworks.
WP5: Policy, Governance & Capacity Building
* Author policy briefings and risk mitigation strategies for Project Ireland Marine 2040 Coordination Group.
* Contribute to national and EU legal frameworks for protection of subsea infrastructure, including through regional Sea Basin Strategies.
* Lead capacity‑building workshops for government and industry.
* Coordinate a review of extant national Maritime Emergency Planning procedures and plans.
Key Deliverables
* Publications – The programme will deliver an expert report and 2‑3 research/policy papers during the lifetime of the programme.
* Conferences – The programme will host at least two expert conferences over the 2‑year period, aligned to the thematic areas and associated work packages.
Qualification Requirements and Selection Criteria
Essential
* A PhD qualification or equivalent and significant relevant research experience (at least 6 years research experience) in a relevant field of Maritime Cyber Security, Securing Critical Underwater Infrastructure, Maritime Surveillance and Maritime Domain Awareness, Offshore Energy and Infrastructure Protection, and Policy Governance and Capacity Building, ensuring a deep understanding of the theoretical and practical aspects of these disciplines.
* The capacity to work independently on research projects.
* An international track record of high‑quality prestigious publications or other identifiable research and innovation impacts demonstrating excellence.
* Track record of securing competitive funding as a Principal Investigator and independently winning substantial research funding on an ongoing basis and driving a research agenda.
* Demonstrable leadership skills.
* Teaching experience within an academic environment.
* Experience of research student supervision.
* Track record of making contributions to professional bodies, national/international academic community, the University (as appropriate).
Other attributes
* Good communication and interpersonal skills.
* Evidence of ability to work on own initiative as well as part of a team.
* Ability and willingness to work in a collaborative environment.
Remuneration, Benefits and Facilities
* Salary scale effective 1 August 2025: €85,786 – €99,770.
* Comprehensive Sick Leave Policy.
* Employment Assistance Programme.
* Staff Discount Scheme.
* Gym Access.
* On site dining facilities.
* On site TFI Bike Sharing Station.
Interview Process
* Relevant industry/professional experience.
* Communications & interpersonal skills.
* Research knowledge and experience.
* Team working and organisational skills.
* Management and delivery of results.
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 the 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 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 eRecruitment system only. Applications will not be accepted in any other format or through any other channel of communication. Please login to apply for this position.
Closing date for receipt of completed applications is 1.00 pm on November 4th 2025.
Equal Opportunities
MTU is an equal opportunities employer.
Important Notes
* 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 short‑listing criteria. Candidates 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.
* The University regrets that it cannot pay expenses for candidates attending interviews for this post or for taking up the position, if appointed.
* Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted.
* Appointments will be subject to Garda vetting.
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