Organisation/Company MUNSTER TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY Department Human Resources Research Field All Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Positions PhD Positions Country Ireland Application Deadline 31 Oct 2025 - 17:00 (Europe/Dublin) Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 35 Offer Starting Date 1 Jan 2026 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No
MTU has been awarded funding under the TU RISE programme to expand researcher human capital through building a substantial additional cohort of researchers, integrating postgraduates, Post Doctoral Researchers, and highly experienced research leaders.
MTU invites applications for the following post, which will be filled on 24-month Fixed Term Whole-Time Contract, with the latest contract start date of 1 January 2026.
Successful candidate will be working on a Re-Learn project, with fully secured funds for candidate’s salary and project activities, including travel and professional development of postdoctoral researcher.
Note: Successful candidate must hold a PhD degree at their contract start date.
Faculty of Engineering:
TU-RISE POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHER – Job ID 025375
Scaling Educational Solutions (ReLearn project)
Applications should be made using MTU e-Recruitment system only. Applications will not be accepted in any other format.
Closing date for receipt of completed applications: 5.00 pm on Friday 31st October 2025
MTU is an equal opportunities employer.
Jointly funded by the Irish Government (Higher Education Authority) and the EU through the European Regional Development Fund, the TU Research and Innovation Supporting Enterprise (TU RISE) programme supports the building of research capacity in higher education institutions in the technological sector.
MTU is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to the employment policies, procedures and practices which do not discriminate on grounds such as gender, civil status, family status, age, disability, race, religious belief, sexual orientation or membership of the travelling community
MTU supports equality of opportunity, diversity and inclusion and encourages underrepresented groups to make applications and accommodates candidates with disability to apply for posts. Please see https://www.mtu.ie/edi/ for more information including our equality statement.
The successful candidate will have minimum academic qualifications and experience as follows:
* PhD in Education, Learning Design, Higher Education Policy, Business & Innovation, or a related field.
* Relevant research experience.
* Self-starter who is comfortable with working independently at project level, while still contributing to the team environment at a research unit level.
* Demonstrable research skills, proposal and report writing, and project management skills, as indicated by a track record of projects, publications and other research outputs.
* Fluency in English and excellent written and oral presentation skills.
* Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
* Proven record of high-quality research.
* At least three years’ post-PhD or equivalent research experience.
* Strong research background in CPD, micro-credentials, workforce training, or higher education policy.
* Experience in curriculum design, professional learning frameworks, or competency-based education.
* Familiarity with national and EU micro-credential frameworks and lifelong learning strategies.
* Knowledge of scaling models, business model development, and funding strategies in education.
* Knowledge and understanding of policy, practices, and procedures that are relevant to the role, to include knowledge and understanding of Research Ethics, and may also include broader university, sectoral, and external sponsor or funder policies.
* Experience working with EdTech companies, NGOs, or professional training organisations.
* Background in learning technologies, digital learning tools, and online course development.
* Knowledge of commercialisation pathways, licensing models, or education entrepreneurship.
* Experience in securing research funding or contributing to grant proposals.
* Teaching or mentoring experience at the university level.
Specific Requirements 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
We are seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher in Scaling Inclusive Education Solutions to join the ReLearn (Radical Learning: Reimagining Higher Education through Design-Led Inclusion) Project, an interdisciplinary initiative focused on inclusive curriculum design, learning space innovation, and educational accessibility. The successful candidate will work at the intersection of higher education innovation, professional training, and business model development, contributing to the design, implementation, and scaling of continuous professional development (CPD) and micro-credential offerings based on the project’s research findings. This role will involve working closely with MTU’s Innovation & Enterprise Office, Teaching & Learning Office, faculty leadership, external stakeholders, and community organisations to develop sustainable, scalable education solutions. This is a unique opportunity for a researcher passionate about lifelong learning, workforce development, and inclusive education, with a focus on bridging academic research, policy, and professional training.
This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to transformative education reform, working closely with community stakeholders, students, and faculty to develop innovative, inclusive curriculum models that challenge traditional pedagogical structures.
Main duties and responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:
Research (general)
* Conduct a specific programme of research and scholarship under the general guidance of a member of the academic staff or Principal Investigator (PI)/Project Leader (PL).
* Engage in training and development opportunities as required by the PI/PL.
* Engage in the dissemination of the results of the research in which they are engaged, as directed by, with the support of and under the supervision of the PI/PL.
* Engage with industry partners, as per research programme requirements.
* Acquire generic and transferable skills (including project management, business skills and postgraduate mentoring/supervision), subject to availability within the University.
Research (specific to the project)
* Develop and implement CPD and micro-credential frameworks, ensuring alignment with national and EU accreditation standards.
* Design, pilot, and evaluate at least two CPD courses, focused on inclusive curriculum development, learning space design, and digital learning solutions.
* Collaborate with faculty, external stakeholders, and policymakers to identify CPD needs and integrate the project’s research findings into professional training programmes.
* Develop a Business Model Canvas (BMC) and sustainability strategy for scaling CPD offerings and licensing educational innovations.
* Work with MTU’s Innovation & Enterprise Office to explore funding models, institutional rollouts, and cross-sector partnerships.
* Engage in impact assessment, evaluating the effectiveness of CPD programmes and micro-credential adoption in higher education and community learning.
* Contribute to policy recommendations and publish a whitepaper on CPD, micro-credentials, and lifelong learning as tools for educational equity.
* Present findings at national and international education conferences, positioning MTU as a leader in scalable, inclusive learning solutions.
Administration/Management
* Carry out additional duties as may reasonably be required within the general scope and level of the post.
* Assist in the management/co-ordination of key aspects of the research programme (e.g., financial management, reporting, equipment management, etc.).
Funding
* Contribute to identifying external funding sources and assist with writing grant proposals.
Languages ENGLISH Level Excellent
Research Field All Years of Research Experience 1 - 4
Additional Information
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:
* Paid maternity leave
* Employment Assistance Programme
* Staff Discount Scheme
* Gym Access (reduced membership cost)
Selection process
The Interview Process
If invited to interview, it is likely candidates will be assessed at the interview under the following criteria (additional criteria may be added for the Interview as the need arises):
* Appropriateness of the candidate to the role and assessment of current skills set to the outlined criteria for the role.
* Essential and Desirable skills set.
* Fluency in written and presentation skills in English.
* Independent motivation and team contributions.
* 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.
* 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.
Applicants must directly address the essential and desirable skills and experience listed above. Highlight how your qualifications, experience, and achievements meet the essential criteria, using specific examples. For desirable skills/experience, emphasise any additional strengths or expertise that make you a standout candidate, and tailor their application to demonstrate their alignment with the role to add value to the University.
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 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.
Additional comments
Application Process
Applications by MTU eRecruitment system only. Applications will not be accepted in any other format. Please log on to www.mtu.ie/vacancies to apply for this position.
Closing date for receipt of completed applications is
5.00 pm on Friday 31st October 2025
For informal enquiries prior to application, please contact Research Office, by e-mail ( turisepostdoc@mtu.ie ).
MTU is an equal opportunities employer.
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