Post-Doctoral Researcher, School of Engineering and Architecture

24 Month, Fixed-Term, Whole-Time Post

Position Summary

Applications are invited for a position of Post-Doctoral Researcher within the School of Engineering and Architecture.

In the light of low-carbon sustainable city, underground structure, such as retaining wall, pile, tunnel etc., can be equipped with ground heat exchangers to harness thermal energy stored by the ground for heating and/or cooling buildings, leading to a friendly technology namely Energy Geostructures (EGS). Previous investigations over the decades have significantly advanced the technological readiness level (TRL) of some EGS (thermo-active piles) to a higher 4+ level with a number of pilot sites. Despite this well-known interest, there still remains some technical barriers on the route of the implementation and integration of EGS at a large scale as the below:

• The lack of visibility on positive thermal and mechanical feedback for the stakeholders
• The integration of EGS into a district heating system at the regional scale
• The collaborative operation and management of geothermal energy, solar and other local energy sources for a climate neutral regional community

To breakdown the aforementioned barriers, this project will aim to:

• Show the global feasibility in terms of thermal efficiency and mechanical impact on existing complex infrastructure. In particular, the energy production, carbon reduction and other existing data will be analysed to demonstrate the environmental protection over previous efforts.
• Provide a structured, easily accessible and clear database presenting feedback on thermomechanical behaviour, energy performance, overall efficiency, durability, etc.

Position Description:

The Consortium includes 15 partners, with a balanced participation of Universities and public institutions (8 partners) and private companies (7 partners).

Post Duration: 24 month

Salary: €43,908- €50,302 p.a. (IUA PD1 Salary Scale)

Project Title: ‘LEG-DHC’ - Large-scale climate neutral Energy Geostructures in District Heating & Cooling systems/networks

For an information package including further details of the post see https://ore.ucc.ie/.

Informal enquiries can be made in confidence to Dr. Zili Li, Senior Lecturer (Associate Professor) in School of Engineering and Architecture, Email: [email protected]

Applications must be submitted online via the University College Cork vacancy portal (https://ore.ucc.ie/). Queries relating to the online application process should be referred to [email protected], quoting the job-title and project name.

Candidates should apply, in confidence, before 12 noon (Irish Local Time) on Friday 24th May 2024.

No late applications will be accepted.

Please note that an appointment to posts advertised will be dependent on University approval, together with the terms of the employment control framework for the higher education sector.

UCC is committed to creating and fully embracing an inclusive environment where diversity is celebrated.  As a University we strive to create a workplace that reflects the diversity of our student population where people from a wide variety of backgrounds learn from one another, share ideas, and work collaboratively. UCC is committed to being an employer that recognises the value of diversity amongst its staff.  We encourage applicants to consult our policies at https://www.ucc.ie/en/edi/policies/ and initiatives at https://www.ucc.ie/en/edi/implementation/ and we welcome applications from everyone, including those who are underrepresented in the protected characteristics set out in our Equal Opportunities & Diversity Policy. 

UNIVERSITY COLLEGE CORK IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES EMPLOYER