Job – Wood Props for Ireland project

NUIG 086-17 Postdoctoral Researcher 1 (WoodProps Project) College of Engineering & Informatics, National University of Ireland Galway.

Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for a fixed-term, 36-month contract position as a postdoctoral researcher with the Timber Engineering Research Group at the College of Engineering and Informatics, National University of Ireland, Galway (NUI Galway).

Project Description:

Wood Properties for Ireland (WoodProps) is a joint project between the Timber Engineering Research Group at NUI Galway and the Centre for Wood Science and Technology, Edinburgh Napier University. It will address issues related to characterisation of Irish-grown timber and associated work at National and European level in standardisation for structural timber quality and production – with particular focus on grading. Over the course of the project, researchers will undertake exchange of knowledge related to wood quality, products and standards with forestry and processing industries, and will provide expert advice to regulatory bodies related to construction of modern timber buildings.

The project is funded by the Forestry Division of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

Job Description:

The successful candidate will undertake

Timber resource quantification and evaluation
Experimental characterisation of key structural properties of softwoods in the field and laboratory
Active participation in National and European standards committees
Engagement with industry and public bodies
Assist in supervision of PhD students.
Preparation of project reports and dissemination of outputs and activities.
The post holder will spend up to two months per year working with project partners at Edinburgh Napier University (Scotland) and be required to travel within Europe for meetings.

Essential criteria:

PhD degree in Structural or Civil Engineering, Wood Science, Forestry or related discipline – or equivalent work experience
Excellent professional communication and interpersonal skills, demonstrated commitment to deliver and publish results, adaptability and the ability to work in a team environment.
Experience of experimental characterisation of mechanical/physical properties of engineering materials.
Experience of data manipulation, analysis and management.
Demonstrable project management skills.
Good publication track record.
Fluent in spoken and written English.

Desirable criteria:

Knowledge of standardisation processes, and especially timber grading
Experience in timber production, engineering or design.
Experience of industry engagement
Experience and capability in statistical analysis and/or programming.
Ability to speak German or French.
Salary: €37,750 per annum Start date: Position available from 1st July 2017.

For more information, and application process, go to: http://www.nuigalway.ie/about-us/jobs/researchjobs/ and look for NUIG 086-17

The closing date for receipt of applications is 5pm on Monday 1st June 2017.

Interviews are planned to be held on 8th June 2017.