9 May 2023
Job Information
- Organisation/Company
Maynooth University- Department
Department of Experimental Physics- Research Field
All
Architecture- Researcher Profile
First Stage Researcher (R1)- Country
Ireland- Application Deadline
26 May 2023 - 17:00 (Europe/Dublin)- Type of Contract
Temporary- Job Status
Full-time- Hours Per Week
39- Offer Starting Date
1 Sep 2023- Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?
Not funded by an EU programme- Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?
No
Offer Description
Post Title: Funded postgraduate research studentship in radon following energy-efficient retrofits dwellings
Application deadline: 26/05/2023
Project description
The INFORM project, funded by the Irish Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), is an interdisciplinary study that will comprehensively assess the pre/post radon concentrations following deep energy-retrofits strategies and estimate the associated health and economic impacts of the proposed large-scale national renovation strategy. Currently, there is an international knowledge gap regarding the implications of deep energy-efficient retrofits on indoor radon concentrations, and there are no existing Irish data. This project is led by Maynooth University with collaborators at the University of Galway and University College Dublin. As a part of this team, the successful student will have regular meetings with these research collaborators, which gives a significant opportunity for experience in an interdisciplinary team.
Applications are invited for an MSc or a PhD student to join the INFORM project. The student will design a radon monitoring campaign to identify the main predictors of changes in radon indoors following energy retrofits. The student will need to engage with national agencies to recruit dwellings, engage with homeowners, and coordinate the distribution of radon detectors. In addition, the candidate will work alongside a separately-recruited postdoctoral researcher who will support the student during the project.
This student will be co-supervised by Dr James McGrath (Maynooth University) and Dr Miriam Byrne (University of Galway). The successful candidate will join an active research group spread across these two universities with experience and expertise in indoor air and environmental quality, building simulations, aerosol science and ventilation.
The successful candidate should be highly self-motivated and have a demonstrable interest in fields related to indoor/outdoor air pollution, environmental engineering, radiation protection and/or physics.
The scholarship will provide an annual stipend (tax-free) of €18,500 and full tuition fees will be covered for two years, with the potential for progression beyond this point being subject to review. The student will be based at the Department of Experimental Physics, Maynooth University. The successful candidate will be offered opportunities for developing their career in several directions:
- Management skills
Develop skills in environmental monitoring campaigns involving designing experiments, recruitment strategies and analysing results. This experience will help students develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and scientific research skills.
- Data Science and Statistical Expertise
Develop expertise in statistical analysis from analysing the datasets generated during data collection.
- Radiological Protection
Exposure to radon measurement techniques, environmental monitoring strategies, radon mitigation approaches, radiation safety regulations and protocols.
- Building Physics
In addition to specific training in radon and radiological protection, the student will learn building physics, ventilation and energy-retrofit strategies.
- Policy experience
Exposure to policy and health guidelines will be gained by contributing as a scientific advisor to public bodies.
Expected start date: August/September 2023
Requirements
- Research Field
- All
- Education Level
- Bachelor Degree or equivalent
Skills/Qualifications
In addition, the candidate must have the following qualifications/skills:
- First or Upper Second Class Honours degree and/or Masters level in a Physical Science or Engineering or equivalent discipline
- Be prepared to work in a multidisciplinary environment
- Excellent verbal and written communication (English language) skills
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- Willingness to learn approaches to understanding indoor air pollution, ventilation and energy status of buildings
- Languages
- ENGLISH
- Level
- Excellent
Additional Information
Selection process
Please include “INFORM - Student Studentship” in the subject of your e-mail. Those who are shortlisted will be contacted for an interview.
Application Procedure
Applicants should submit a Curriculum Vitae, the name and contact information for two referees (ideally, at least one academic), and a personal statement (max 1-page) outlining their academic experience, interests, and motivation for pursuing a PhD.
Dr James McGrath:
E-mail Address: [email protected]
Additional comments
Further information on research and working at Maynooth University is available on Research at Maynooth University
For information on moving to Ireland, please see www.euraxess.ie
Further information about the Department of Experimental Physics is available at:
https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/experimental-physics
MU Department of Experimental Physics is strongly committed to promoting equality and diversity, and holds an Institute of Physics Juno Supporter award.
Work Location(s)
- Number of offers available
- 1
- Company/Institute
- Maynooth University
- Country
- Ireland
- State/Province
- Co. Kildare
- City
- Maynooth
- Postal Code
- W23 F2H6
- Street
- Department of Experimental Physics
- Geofield
Where to apply
[email protected]
Contact
- State/Province
Kildare- City
Maynooth- Website
https://www.mu.ie- Street
Maynooth University- Postal Code
W23 F2H6- Phone
017084672
STATUS: EXPIRED