Post Doctoral Researcher - Systems Thinking (ReLearn Project)

Position Overview

MTU invites applications for a Post Doctoral Researcher to work on the ReLearn project. The appointment is a 24 month fixed term whole time contract, beginning 1 September 2026.

Key Skills & Experience Required

• Essential:
• Hold a PhD in a relevant discipline at the contract start date.
• Relevant research experience.
• Self starter comfortable working independently at project level while contributing to a team environment.
• Demonstrable research skills, proposal and report writing, and project management skills, with 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.
• Skills & Experience (specific to the project):
• PhD in Data Visualisation, Human Factors, Applied Social Studies, Education, Social Policy, or a closely related field.
• Strong research background in systems thinking, inclusive design, participatory research methods, and/or critical pedagogy.
• Experience conducting qualitative research, including interviews, focus groups, and participatory action research.
• Proven track record of publications in peer reviewed journals related to social justice, education, or curriculum studies.
• Ability to engage with community stakeholders and marginalised student populations in a respectful and ethical manner.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience in public engagement and knowledge dissemination.
• Capacity to work both independently and collaboratively within an interdisciplinary research team.
• Languages: English - Excellent level.
• Research experience: 1-4 years post PhD.

Desirable

• Proven record of high quality research.
• At least three years' post PhD or equivalent research experience.
• Strong publication record.
• Knowledge of policy, practices, and procedures relevant to research ethics and broader university policies.
• Experience in co design methodologies, particularly in education, curriculum development, or arts based pedagogies.
• Familiarity with participatory data visualisation, creative learning models, and the role of the arts in social change.
• Knowledge of educational barriers or experience working on community based education projects.
• Experience developing policy recommendations for education reform.
• Experience securing research funding or contributing to grant proposals.
• Teaching or mentoring experience at the university level.

Responsibilities

• Conduct a specific programme of research and scholarship under the guidance of a principal investigator or project leader.
• Engage in training and development opportunities as required.
• Disseminate research results, with support from the PI/PL.
• Supervise postgraduate students where appropriate.
• Engage with industry partners as per the research programme requirements.
• Acquire generic and transferable skills (project management, business skills, postgraduate mentoring).
• Conduct qualitative and participatory research with students, faculty, and Access Office staff to map the current inclusive education ecosystem.
• Conduct qualitative, quantitative, and desk based research to identify key institutional, policy, and socio economic barriers using a systems thinking approach.
• Produce interactive data visualisations to model the system and its core components, barriers, and opportunities for improving access.
• Critically assess higher education equity indicators and propose alternative frameworks.
• Prototype and test alternative models for pathways to education via community engagement and pilots.
• Publish research findings in high impact education, social science, and interdisciplinary journals.
• Present research at national and international conferences on social justice, education equity, and applied social studies.
• Contribute to policy recommendations and teaching resources to support faculty in adopting inclusive educational pathways.
• Assist in the management and coordination of key aspects of the research programme, including financial management, reporting, and equipment management.
• Contribute to identifying external funding sources and assist with writing grant proposals.

Terms of Appointment

• Salary Scale: Post Doc Researcher €47,273 to €55,399 per annum, depending on experience.
• Contract: 24 months fixed term.
• 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).