Research Support Officer School of BEES/Sustainability Institute/MaREI

Organisation/Company University College Cork Department HR Research Research Field Environmental science " Other Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Positions Research Support Positions Application Deadline 12 Jun 2026 - 12:00 (Europe/Dublin) Country Ireland Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Offer Starting Date 3 Jun 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

Offer Description

Applications are invited for a 12-month full-time Research Support Officer in Biological Diversity & Conservation Research (marine, coastal and islands)

Ireland's commitments and undertakings in relation to marine biodiversity and conservation are broad ranging across national, EU and wider international legal realms. These extend to delivery on important targets, initiatives, strategies and goals under the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the OSPAR Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment of the North-East Atlantic. As part of Ireland's work to deliver on these latter commitments from mid-2026 to mid-2027 research assistance is required by the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment (DCEE) on various aspects of ongoing work, implementation, associated negotiations and decision-making under the CBD and OSPAR. This work, which also requires strong national coordination with relevant competent authorities in Ireland, takes place at national, EU, regional and global fora including the OSPAR Commission and its five supporting Committees, and also at CBD Conferences of the Parties (COPs).

This post will carry out various scientific and technical research activities to support DCEE on the following:

• Scientific/technical document review and analysis,
• Active coordination and co-management of EU and Member State technical inputs to CBD documents as part of Ireland's Presidency of the EU Council,
• Involvement with DCEE in support of international negotiations under the CBD and OSPAR Convention,
• Attendance with DCEE and DHLGH representatives at international, EU and national scientific/technical meetings as relevant,
• Networking and communication nationally and internationally as relevant to Ireland's work under the CBD and OSPAR Convention led by DCEE,
• Additional scientific and technical support towards the achievement of DCEE's objectives where marine, coastal and island biodiversity and conservation are concerned.

Project title: Biological Diversity & Conservation Research (marine, coastal and islands)

• To provide specific research skills to support the on-going development of the research team and to contribute to the transfer of knowledge in the specific research area.
• To undertake research under the direction of a Principal Investigator or Head of Research Centre.
• To provide support in a specific area of expertise, including the use, maintenance and management of research, including equipment.
• To perform a variety of technical duties supporting the research project or programme, as required.
• To draw up detailed technical specifications as required.
• To support research project activities.
• To oversee installation of equipment, where required.
• To assist in setting up and maintenance of equipment, where required.
• To assist PI's and researchers in performing lab work, where required.
• To coordinate lab activity to support the research area/project where required.
• To develop contacts to acquire knowledge and understanding of the research project and research related work.
• To facilitate collaboration by liaising with other research groups within UCC and externally including industry projects.
• To develop and maintain a good working relationship with service departments in UCC.
• To co-ordinate day-to-day work to support the research project.
• To liaise with the Principal Investigator(s) and colleagues on matters relating to the research.
• To develop knowledge and understanding of the research project and research related work.
• To ensure compliance with Health and Safety procedures.
• To perform other duties related to the work described herein.
• To prepare structured reports and documentation for senior stakeholders
• To deliver cross-functional presentations and stakeholder communications

Specific Requirements

• A graduate qualification in a field or discipline relevant to the area of investigation i.e. MSc in Marine Biology.
• Proven experience of carrying out research in the relevant research speciality.
• Demonstrable achievements in delivering results.
• Ability to interact with stakeholders from a range of disciplines
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Excellent report writing and presentation skills.
• Capability of working effectively within a team to achieve results.
• Excellent organisational and communication skills.