Overview
TU-RISE POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHER
Health and Wellbeing Amongst Older Adults (THRIVE@MTU project)
Reporting to: Head of Department of Sport, Leisure & Childhood Studies
Faculty: Health & Social Sciences
Department/Research Group: Department of Sport, Leisure & Childhood Studies/HEX-SPO Research Group
Location: MTU Bishopstown Campus
Duration: 24-month Fixed Term Whole-Time Contract
Funding/Project: TU-RISE
Project Acronym THRIVE@MTU
Recruitment Type: External Competition
MTU is a multi-campus technological university, contributing to the region through academic programmes that support student development and opportunities, education and research. MTU has campuses across the South-West region of Ireland, with a student body of 18,000.
Jointly funded by the Irish Government (HEA) and the EU through the European Regional Development Fund, the TU Research and Innovation Supporting Enterprise (TU-RISE) programme supports building research capacity in higher education institutions in the technological sector.
Under the TU RISE programme, MTU was awarded funding to expand our researcher human capital through building a substantial cohort of researchers, including Post Doctoral Researchers, who will add capacity focused on MTU’s regional, national, and international ambitions.
MTU is seeking persons with a relevant PhD qualification to fill the role of Post Doctoral Researcher. The Post Doctoral Researcher’s contract must start by 1 January 2026 and end by 31 December 2027 at the latest. These appointments are open to new recruits only; extension of existing research staff contracts cannot be funded. Successful candidates must hold a PhD degree at their contract start date.
Overview of the Role & Research Area
The HEX-SPO Research Group seeks to recruit an ambitious Postdoctoral Researcher to coordinate the implementation and evaluation of a multidisciplinary programme of research to support healthy ageing amongst university staff and community-dwelling older adults (THRIVE@MTU: A Multidisciplinary Whole-campus Intervention to Support Healthy Ageing).
THRIVE@MTU is a collaboration between the HEX-SPO Research Group, EdTech Research Group, Dept. of Applied Social Studies, and MTU’s Healthy Campus Programme. The project aims to deliver a digitally enhanced health intervention to optimise pillars of healthy ageing such as functional movement, physical activity, cognitive skill maintenance, lifestyle management, social connectedness, and digital competencies.
The postdoctoral researcher will coordinate THRIVE@MTU with support from a multidisciplinary Project Steering Group and collaborate with stakeholders to integrate the intervention within curricula and MTU’s Healthy Campus activities in alignment with HEA Healthy Campus Charter and Framework.
Specific deliverables include (i) a repository of THRIVE@MTU resources, (ii) peer-reviewed outputs, (iii) contributions to strategic development and engagement activities, and (iv) multidisciplinary collaborations for sustainability and impact.
The successful candidate will have a PhD in a health-related discipline and will work under the supervision of Dr. Con Burns and Dr. Andrea Bickerdike, based at MTU Bishopstown Campus Cork.
Main duties and responsibilities
Research (general)
* Conduct a specific programme of research under the guidance of PI/PL.
* Engage in training and development opportunities as required by the PI/PL.
* Disseminate research findings as directed and with supervision.
* Engage in postgraduate student supervision.
* Engage with industry partners as per research programme requirements.
* Acquire generic and transferable skills (e.g., project management, mentoring) subject to availability.
Research (specific to the project)
* Oversee administrative/management tasks for design, implementation and evaluation of THRIVE@MTU, including project management, stakeholder engagement, and milestone reporting.
* Lead and coordinate research activities, including design, ethical approval, data management/analysis within project scope.
* Disseminate outcomes via peer-reviewed publications of international standing.
* Lead strategic development of THRIVE@MTU and HEX-SPO, including public and stakeholder engagement.
Administration/Management
* Carry out additional duties within the post scope.
* Assist in management/co-ordination of key research programme aspects (financial, reporting, equipment, etc.).
Funding
* Contribute to identifying external funding sources and assist with grant proposals.
Key Skills & Experience Required
Essential:
* A PhD in health promotion, public health, or related discipline at contract start date.
* Relevant research experience.
* Ability to work with qualitative and quantitative datasets and statistical software.
* Self-starter with ability to work independently and in a team.
* Demonstrable research, proposal and report writing, and project management skills.
* Fluency in English with excellent written and oral presentation skills.
* Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Desirable
* Project management experience in health-related discipline.
* At least three years post-PhD or equivalent research experience.
* Research supervision experience.
* Experience in process/outcome evaluations of health-related interventions.
* Experience in multidisciplinary contexts or consortia.
* Certifications relevant to applied health promotion interventions (e.g., exercise instruction, nutrition, behavior change, digital health interventions).
* Proven high-quality research and publication record.
* Knowledge of relevant policy, ethics, and funder policies.
MTU’s Research Office provides support for recruited PDs in funding, proposal writing, project management, and communication.
Terms of Appointment
* Salary Scale: Post Doc Researcher €46,305 to €54,307 per annum (1/8/2025 rates), depending on experience
* Fixed term Contract: 24 months to 31st December 2027 at the latest
* Hours: 35 hours per week
* Annual leave: 26 days per annum
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 Car Parking
* On site dining facilities
* On site TFI Bike Sharing Station
The Interview Process
If invited to interview, candidates may be assessed on the following criteria, with possible additional criteria as needed:
* Fit for the role and assessment of skills
* Essential and Desirable skills
* Fluency in written and oral English
* Independent motivation and team contributions
Important Notes
* Screening/short-listing based on application information; additional criteria may apply. More than one interview may be required.
* Provide accurate qualification information and be ready to supply referees.
* University cannot pay interview expenses or relocation costs if offered the position.
* Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted.
* Appointments subject to Garda vetting.
Applicants must directly address essential and desirable skills, with evidence and examples. Tailor applications to demonstrate alignment with the role.
Additional Information
A successful candidate will be required to submit passport/documentary evidence confirming qualifications and undergo a medical examination. Garda vetting and/or international police clearance may be required. References will be sought for successful candidate.
MTU welcomes applications from non-EEA citizens. Any appointment offer is subject to work permit requirements.
Applications are via MTU e-Recruitment system. Closing date: 5.00 pm on Friday 31st October 2025.
For informal enquiries prior to application, contact Dr Con Burns by e-mail.
MTU is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion.
Application Process
Applications by MTU e-Recruitment system only. Please apply via the MTU e-Recruitment portal.
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