The Role
Technological University Dublin is seeking a proactive and practically minded Product and Content Research Assistant to join the SM:ART project, an Enterprise Ireland–funded commercialisation initiative developing next-generation structural health monitoring systems for reinforced concrete infrastructure.
The role sits at the intersection of product communication, digital visibility, and hands-on technology deployment. You will support the development and maintenance of the project's online presence, create clear product and service documentation, and assist in preparing SM:ART devices for trials and demonstrations as the project moves from development into early-stage deployment.
Working closely with the Principal Investigator, Dr Sean Bond, and a multidisciplinary team of engineers and commercial partners, you will play a key enabling role in ensuring that the SM:ART system is clearly communicated, consistently documented, and ready for real-world use.
This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys combining digital content creation, structured documentation, and practical technical work within an applied research and innovation environment.
Key Responsibilities
Develop, update, and maintain project websites, landing pages, and other digital assets to support outreach, demonstrations, trials, and stakeholder engagement.
Create visually clear and technically accurate outreach, explainer, and promotional materials that communicate the SM:ART system, its functionality, and its value proposition.
Develop and maintain internal documentation, including assembly guides, configuration procedures, installation notes, and quality control checklists.
Support the translation of technical concepts into accessible written and visual guidance for internal use and external engagement where appropriate.
Assemble SM:ART devices from supplied components and sub-assemblies in accordance with defined procedures.
Carry out pre-deployment preparation, checks, and basic testing of devices to ensure readiness for trials and installations.
Maintain accurate records relating to device assembly, testing, and quality assurance to support traceability and repeatability.
Prepare devices and supporting materials for field trials, pilot installations, and demonstrations, working closely with field engineers and the Principal Investigator.
Support coordination with external partners and contractors by ensuring documentation, outreach materials, and device preparation tasks are completed as required.
Assist with day-to-day operational and administrative tasks associated with the research programme, as appropriate to the role.
Contribute to knowledge and technology transfer activities in line with project and TU Dublin objectives.
Engage in relevant training and professional development opportunities as identified by the Principal Investigator.
The postholder will carry out any other duties within the scope, spirit, and purpose of the role as requested by the Principal Investigator.
Person Specification
The ideal candidate will demonstrate the appropriate mix of knowledge, experience, and skills required for the role and must satisfy all essential criteria.
Essential
An Honours Degree (Level 8 or equivalent) from an approved degree-awarding institution in a relevant discipline such as Design, Visual Communication, Engineering, Applied Science, Computer Science, or a related field, (Essential).
AND
A minimum of two years' relevant professional post-degree experience in digital content creation, communications, documentation, or applied technical roles. (Essential).
Proven experience in digital content creation and outreach across multiple platforms, including the production of visual and written materials to support organisational visibility, brand presence, or service communication, with demonstrable evidence of effectiveness such as engagement metrics, audience growth, or campaign outcomes. (Essential).
Experience using modern content creation, design, or multimedia tools to produce professional-quality digital outputs, including visual, written, and short-form video content suitable for web and social platforms. (Essential).
Experience monitoring and evaluating digital performance using analytics or reporting (e.g. engagement metrics, website performance, or campaign outcomes) and applying insights to improve content performance or online visibility. (Essential).
Practical, hands-on aptitude with technical, production, or fabrication equipment, and the ability to follow defined procedures accurately in a structured environment. (Essential).
Desirable
Experience planning or coordinating digital outreach or content activity across multiple channels, including the use of content schedules or content pipelines to support consistent online visibility. (Desirable).
Experience interpreting performance data or campaign outcomes to inform content or communication strategy. (Desirable).
Experience supporting product launches, events, demonstrations, or public-facing initiatives requiring coordination between multiple stakeholders or external partners. (Desirable).
Familiarity with prototyping, fabrication, or small-scale assembly processes (e.g. SLA/FDM 3D printing or similar hands-on technical work). (Desirable).
Experience developing or maintaining structured documentation, standard operating procedures, or internal guidance materials to support repeatable processes. (Desirable).
The Opportunity
SM:ART is developing an integrated sensing and analytics platform aimed at transforming how infrastructure deterioration is monitored and managed. The project is now entering a critical phase of trials and commercial engagement, and this role will help ensure the system is clearly presented, consistently documented, and ready for deployment.
You will gain experience across applied research, technology commercialisation, and real-world deployment within a fast-moving multidisciplinary environment.
Location
The successful candidate will be based at TU Dublin (Grangegorman, Blanchardstown, Bolton Street, or Tallaght campus), with occasional travel to field-test sites as required.
Salary & Contract
Full-time (37 hours per week), fixed-term specified purpose contract for 12 months.
Salary aligned to Point 1 of the Research Assistant B salary scale (€37,725 gross per annum), in line with public sector pay policy.
Closing Date
5.00 pm (Irish Time) on 04/03/26
Late applications will not be accepted.
CANVASING WILL AUTOMATICALLY DISQUALIFY
IF YOU DO NOT MEET THE ESSENTIAL CRITERIA, YOU WILL NOT BE SHORTLISTED
Technological University Dublin is an equal opportunities employer committed to diversity and inclusion.