Established Professor of Political Science and Sociology
REF: 007904
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Job Advertisement
3
Background
5
Job Description
6
Essential Eligibility Requirements
8
Desirable Eligibility Requirements
9
Competency Framework for Professorship Role at NUI Galway
10
Information on Application and Appointment Procedures
11
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Established Professor of Political Science and Sociology
College
School
Post Title & Subject Area
Post Duration
Level
Reports to
Arts, Social Sciences and Celtic Studies
Political Science and Sociology
Established Professor of Political Science and
Sociology
Permanent
Established Professor
Head of School
JOB ADVERTISEMENT
The National University of Ireland, Galway seeks to appoint an outstanding
scholar with a distinguished international research record as an Established
Professor of Political Science and Sociology. The appointment will be made to the
School of Political Science and Sociology.
The School of Political Science and Sociology is one of the largest academic units
in the university. It is involved in the teaching of over 1,500 undergraduate
students, and teaches professional MA programmes in Social Work, Family
Support and Global Women’s Studies and produces outstanding PhD students.
This School is the only combined School of Political Science and Sociology in
Ireland, and one of the few in Europe. Consequently, it has a strong
interdisciplinary tradition of synergy between the core disciplines of Political
Science and Sociology. In more recent years, alongside the strong theoretical and
empirical research disciplines, a robust complimentary stream of advanced
Applied Social Science disciplines have emerged. Four Research Clusters define
the research and publication interests of the School and indicate the future
strategic direction with regard to research leadership and excellence at a
national and international level. These are: Children, Youth and Families; Gender,
Empowerment and Globalisation; Governance and Sustainable Development;
Power, Conflict and Ideologies.
For further information on the School and staff profiles please go to
www.nuigalway.ie/soc
Applications are now sought for an Established Professor in Political Science and
Sociology. The Established Professor is expected to be an outstanding leader in
the disciplines of Political Science and/or Sociology.
Applicants must
demonstrate evidence of international recognition for research excellence in
Political Science and/or Sociology. The successful applicant will lead in
consolidating the School as a global leader in the field of theoretical and
empirical Political Science and Sociology. This leadership will encompass a
commitment to the multidisciplinary tradition of research and teaching
excellence in the School with a highly developed capacity to contribute to and
enhance the disciplinary connections between Political Science, Sociology and
the Applied Social Sciences. In addition to providing advanced disciplinary and
professional research leadership in Political Science and Sociology, evidence of
outstanding research capacity to provide leadership in at least one and
preferably more than one of the School Research Clusters is essential. Specifically
this application relates to leadership in Child, Youth and Family; Gender,
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Empowerment and Globalisation; Governance and Sustainable Development;
Power, Conflict and Ideologies.
The Established Professor must have a successful track record in building
international research networks that will enhance the unique and dynamic
multidisciplinary work of the School. Demonstrated qualities of academic
leadership, strategic thinking and development as well as organisational
excellence in School, College and University management are required for the
post. This is a superb opportunity to lead and develop Political Science and
Sociology in Ireland and will appeal to those with vision, with a highly developed
intellectual and creative capacity and pronounced ability to inspire, lead and
engage the community of scholars and students with whom s/he will work.
For informal enquiries, please contact Dr Anne Byrne, Head of School,
Anne.Byrne@nuigalway.ie or telephone: +353 (0)91 492290
Information on the University's Strategic Plan is available at:
http://www.nuigalway.ie/president/reports.html
Salary:
€106,515 to €136,275 p.a.
(This appointment will be made on the Established Professor scale in line with
current Government pay policy)
(For pre 1995 public sector entrants in Ireland, the D class Salary rates will
apply)
Closing date for receipt of applications is 17:00 (GMT) on 10th March 2016.
It will not be possible to consider applications received after the closing
date.
Garda vetting may apply.
Appointments will be conditional on work authorisation validation.
Further details are available at www.djei.ie
For more information and Application Form please see
website: http://www.nuigalway.ie/about-us/jobs/ Applications should be
submitted online.
Please note that appointment to posts advertised will be dependent upon
University approval, together with the terms of the Employment Control
Framework for the higher education sector.
National University of Ireland Galway is an equal opportunities employer.
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BACKGROUND
The impending vacancy in the School of Political Science and Sociology comes at
a particularly opportune moment for the development of the School within a
wider context, locally, nationally and internationally. The School of Political
Science and Sociology has a large professional and applied undergraduate and
postgraduate research-led teaching remit within the College of Arts, Social
Sciences and Celtic Studies in NUI Galway. Rising student numbers, subject
popularity and relevance have driven the expansion of teaching and research in
Political Science and Sociology since 1968. In 1980 a bi-disciplinary Department
of Political Science and Sociology was established. It underwent significant
expansion in the 1990s, evolving into a large, multidisciplinary and
interdisciplinary School including both academic-disciplinary and appliedprofessional interests. The Department of Political Science and Sociology became
the School of Political Science and Sociology following university restructuring in
2007, a process which included the disciplines of Social Work, Child and Family
Studies, and Global Women’s Studies (the latter two were established within the
Department prior to 2007). In 2009, Child and Family Studies became the
UNESCO Child and Family Research Centre with the establishment of the
UNESCO Chair in Children, Youth and Civic Engagement. The UNESCO CFRC was
combined with other funded Centres at NUIG to form the Institute for Lifecourse
and Society, designated as a research institute for the Applied Social Sciences in
2014.
NUI Galway is recognised as a leading University for the combined study of
Political Science and Sociology at BA level. From these disciplinary bases, the
School offers a unique interdisciplinary arrangement that draws together the
strengths of both disciplines from theoretical, empirical, quantitative, qualitative
and applied perspectives. The School has an excellent publication record and has
enjoyed consistent success in securing competitive research funding from a wide
range of grant-giving bodies, nationally and internationally. It also secures
funding, commissioned from public bodies and through philanthropy. The School
has a strong tradition of quality student engagement, and undergraduate
programmes form the core of a commitment to the disciplines through informed,
research-led teaching and learning.
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JOB DESCRIPTION
Principal Duties and Responsibilities
The purpose of the post is to undertake teaching and research in the School of
Political Science and Sociology. The successful applicant will be required to
provide leadership in the development and management of the School and
contribute otherwise to the College of Arts, Social Science and Celtic Studies.
Overall, this position is to provide leadership in the development of the disciplines of
Political Science and Sociology and the designated applied areas in the School, College
and University, through excellence in the areas of Research, Teaching, Contribution to
Scholarly Activity. The post-holder duties will include, but not be limited to, the
following:
Research
The post-holder is required to engage in research and other creative and innovative
activity as appropriate to the disciplines. The post-holder is required to disseminate
their research in high-quality academic publications, other outlets as appropriate and
to participate in postgraduate supervision. The post-holder is expected to engage in
initiatives to seek research funding, from national and international funding agencies,
as appropriate. The post-holder is also encouraged to promote and engage in the
development of collaborative research.
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The post-holder will play a leading role in attracting postgraduates to the
School and will supervise high-level PhD and post-doctoral researchers.
The post-holder will be proactive in inviting PhD students to participate
in research projects.

The successful post-holder will enhance the quality of PhD instruction and
training with the goal of significantly improving the marketability of our PhD
graduates domestically and internationally.

The post-holder will be a leader in their field and contribute to the
direction and development of Political Science and Sociology and
designated research areas through planning and leading research of
outstanding quality. S/he will lead and develop others to make the most
effective contribution to the School and encourage multidisciplinary
collaborative research within the University and externally.

The post-holder will contribute to sustaining the reputation of NUI
Galway as a centre of research excellence.
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The successful post-holder will help to enhance the research capacity of
staff of the School of Political Science and Sociology with the purpose of
increasing the number and quality of staff publications and enhancing the
School’s ability to acquire external research funding.
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Teaching
The post-holder is required to give instruction and supervision, as directed by the
Head of School, to students of the University in courses and programmes organised by
the School or to which the School contributes to another School or College. Such duties
to include curriculum and course design, preparation and delivery of lectures,
tutorials, on-line instruction (where appropriate), project supervision and general
examination and other assessment responsibilities. The post-holder is also required to
be available to students for academic counselling and advice. Academic activities may
also include workshop instruction, supervision of fieldwork, site visits and other offcampus activities.

The post-holder will show a strong commitment to teaching at all levels
within the University and will personally engage in undergraduate and
postgraduate teaching activities. The capacity to teach social and political
theory and/or quantitative and qualitative research methods is a distinct
advantage.

S/he must be willing to embrace new opportunities and develop innovative
teaching programmes.

The post-holder will oversee the development of, and participation in,
delivering teaching programmes which will engage and inspire students at
all levels and ensure a strong focus on quality teaching and actively
participate in the continuous review and development of teaching skills and
methodologies in the disciplines.
Contribution and Scholarly Activity
The post-holder will participate in academic administration at School, College and
University levels as part of their contribution to the University.
The post-holder will engage with the wider community regionally, nationally and
internationally from a civic, economic, social and cultural perspective as a contribution
to the life of the University.
In representing the University externally, the post-holder is expected to maintain the
highest professional standards, thereby enhancing the reputation of the University.
The post-holder is expected to engage in scholarly activity such as, but not limited to,
refereeing of journals, membership of discipline related advisory or professional
bodies and peer review panels and work associated with external examining.
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The post-holder will provide dynamic academic leadership in the strategic
development of the School and the disciplines, promoting teaching and
research. This will include international initiatives such as leading research
networks and editing journals.
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The individual will be passionate and enthusiastic about the disciplines and
School and will be committed to making their best personal contribution
through employing excellent planning, organisational, communication and
decision making skills in order to achieve ambitious goals for the School,
associated Research Institutes and to meet the changing demands of the
Professorial role.

The successful individual will take responsibility for the delivery of the work
programme of the School while leading others in achieving their potential.
S/he will ensure that good administrative procedures are in place; work is
organised fairly; there is a highly engaged work environment, and that time
is given generously to developing staff. S/he will be proactive in mentoring
others in their academic development.

The successful individual will formally participate in the overall
organisational life of the University and engage with the wider community
regionally, nationally and internationally, particularly through professional
representation and leadership of the disciplines.

The successful individual will play a full and active role in the delivery of the
University’s Strategic Plan.
The post-holder shall carry out these duties under the direction of the Head of the
School or of an authorised senior member of the staff of the School.
The post holder will serve as Head of School, and/or assume other positions of
responsibility within the School. The post-holder shall be a member of
College/Colleges in accordance with University Statutes.
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ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Essential Requirements:
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Normally, a PhD in Political Science and/or Sociology.
Evidence of proven research capacity to provide outstanding disciplinary
leadership in Political Science and/or Sociology and in at least one and
preferably more than one of the following Research Clusters; Child, Youth
and Family; Gender, Empowerment and Globalisation; Governance and
Sustainable Development; Power, Conflict and Ideologies.
A strong personal profile in internationally recognised research as
evidenced by publications in peer-reviewed journals and monographs
published by university or recognised scholarly presses, which will
contribute to sustaining the reputation of NUI, Galway as a centre of
excellence for leading academics in the fields of Political Science and/or
Sociology.
Evidence of research excellence utilising social and political theory
and/or empirical research methods in Political Science and/or Sociology.
Evidence of leading a research cluster, research project team or Research
Institute, relevant to this post.
A track record of leading major successful research funding bids from
national and international sources in the field of Political Science and/or
Sociology.
Evidence of leadership in developing new and significant research
initiatives in Political Science and Sociology.
Extensive teaching experience at third level, which includes the capacity
to teach social and/or political theory and quantitative and qualitative
research methods.
Evidence of ability to lead and contribute to the development of the
educational programme of the School at all levels, including core
undergraduate and postgraduate teaching programmes, and PhD
research.
An excellent track record of MA supervisory experience and active
supervision of high-level PhD and post-doctoral researchers in Political
Science and Sociology.
Demonstrated capacity to attract postgraduates to the School. The postholder will be proactive in inviting PhD students to participate in research
projects.
Demonstrated capacity to provide professional, academic and
administrative leadership.
Must exhibit active and dynamic leadership qualities at national and
international levels in Political Science and/or Sociology.
Proven leadership skills, which the candidate will use to promote and
represent the disciplines of Political Science and Sociology alongside the
related applied disciplines within the School.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills appropriate to the
leadership role.
Demonstrated capacity to work as a member of a multidisciplinary team.
Demonstrate willingness to participate in the overall life of the School and
University.
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Demonstrate a willingness to undertake a period of service as Head of
School.
Desirable Requirements:
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A demonstrated record of developing a creative research environment
through initiatives such as developing and leading PhD courses, research
collaborations or research summer schools, for example.
Demonstrated well-developed academic networks that contribute to
sustaining the reputation of NUI Galway as a centre of research
excellence.
A record of taking international initiatives, including leading academic
organisations, creating international research networks, editing journals
and/or organising national/international conferences.
A record of professional mentoring. Should have experience of
collaboration and mentoring, with a particular focus on professional
development for postdoctoral and early career academics.
A record of innovative curriculum design and teaching at undergraduate
level and postgraduate level.
Should show understanding of the full range of disciplinary, empirical,
methodological, professional and theoretical approaches represented
within the School. This includes an appreciation of the synergy of Political
Science and Sociology, and the Applied Social Science disciplines in the
School.
A record of service and leadership in national/international professional
disciplinary associations in Political Science and/or Sociology.
A record of, or interest in, the nurturing of research partnerships with
civic and community groups. The post-holder should have the capacity to
develop and sustain research partnerships with civic and community
groups.
Appointments will be conditional on work authorisation validation.
Further details are available at www.djei.ie
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
Competency Framework for Professorship Role at NUI Galway
Academic Excellence
Leadership Excellence
Organisational Excellence
Excellence in Research
 Personal Effectiveness
 Thinking Strategically
The Professor is a leader in his / her
field and contributes to the direction
and development of his / her discipline
and body of knowledge through
planning and leading research of
outstanding quality. S/he leads others
to make the most effective contribution
to their discipline and encourages
cross discipline research collaboration.

Excellence in Teaching
The Professor oversees the
development of, and participates in,
delivering teaching programmes which
engage and inspire students at all
levels and ensures a strong focus on
quality teaching and on the continuous
review and development of teaching
skills and methodologies in the
discipline.
The Professor is passionate and
enthusiastic about the
discipline/school and is committed to
making his / her best personal
contribution through employing
excellent planning and organising,
communication and decision making
skills in order to achieve ambitious
goals for their discipline/school and to
meet the changing demands of the
Professorship role.
 Leading and Managing Others
The Professor is responsible for the
delivery of the work programme by
getting the best out of others. S/he
ensures that good administrative
procedures are in place, that work is
organised fairly, that there is a highly
engaged work environment, and that
time is given generously to developing
staff.
The Professor is responsible for
developing and implementing a
strategic approach to the development
of the discipline/school. S/he is aware
of the wider environment, has the
ability to think strategically and to
devise and implement changes in line
with their strategy.

Collegiate and Community
Contribution
The Professor values and works to
instil a collegiate approach not only
within his / her discipline / school
and the University, but across the
wider external community. S/he
actively seeks to build effectively
functioning teams and networks.
S/he is approachable, collaborative,
and values the contribution of others.
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APPLICATION AND APPOINTMENT PROCEDURES
(Important Information for Applicants)
1. Application
A. How to apply
If you are a current NUI Galway employee please use the NUI Galway
Employee Self Service (ESS) portal to apply for this post. Note that access
to the ESS portal is currently only available on campus. The following
is a link to the ESS portal:
http://ess.nuigalway.ie
The following is a link to a User Guide for ESS:
www.nuigalway.ie/hr/documents/internal/nuig_user_guide_academic_in
ternalpdf
Please ensure that you read the attached guide prior to applying for
this post and allow sufficient time to make your online submission in
advance of closing date.
Please note that closing dates/ times will not be extended for user
error.
Late applications will not be accepted.
Non NUI Galway employees
If you are not a current NUI Galway employee please use the NUI Galway
online recruitment portal to apply for this post. The following is a link to
the online recruitment portal:
http://erecruit.nuigalway.ie
The following is a link to a User Guide for the online recruitment portal:
http://www.nuigalway.ie/hr/documents/nuig_user_guide_academic_exte
rnal.pdf
Please ensure that you read the attached guide prior to applying for
this post and allow sufficient time to make your online submission in
advance of closing date.
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Please note that closing dates/ times will not be extended for user
error
Late applications will not be accepted.
Please submit the following documents under the Applicant CV section of
the online form:
a. A cover letter/personal statement outlining why you wish to be
considered for the post and where you believe your skills and
experience meet the requirements for the post of ‘Established
Professor of Political Science and Sociology’
b. A comprehensive CV clearly showing your relevant achievements
and experience in your career to date in relation to the key areas
as described in the Competency Framework for Professorship
Roles at NUI Galway.
The completed application document must be submitted online to reach
the Human Resources Office no later than 17:00 (GMT) on 10th March
2016. Please note that an application will ONLY be considered if
documents a and b above are fully completed and received by the
closing date.
All applicants will receive an acknowledgement of application. If you do
not receive an acknowledgement of receipt of your application or if you
have any other queries regarding the application process please contact
recruit@nuigalway.ie or telephone 091-492151.
B. Incentivised Scheme for Early Retirement (ISER):
It is a condition of the Incentivised Scheme for Early Retirement (ISER) as
set out in Department of Finance Circular 12/09 that retirees, under that
Scheme, are debarred from applying for another position in the same
employment or the same sector. Therefore, such retirees may not apply
for this position.
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C. Pension Entitlements:
This is a pensionable position. Details of the applicable Pension Scheme
will be provided to the successful candidate. The Pension element of this
appointment is subject to the terms and conditions of the Pension scheme
currently in force within the University. This Scheme may be amended or
revised by the Irish Government or its agents at any time.
The Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004
set a minimum retirement age of 65 and removed the upper compulsory
retirement age for certain New Entrants to the Public Sector on or after 1
April 2004. Effective from 1st January 2013, The Single Public Service
Scheme applies to all first-time new entrants to the public service, as well
as to former public servants returning to the public service after a break
of more than 26 weeks.
Retirement age set, initially, at 66 years; this will rise in step with
statutory changes in the State Pension Contributory (SPC) age to 67 years
in 2021 and 68 years in 2028.
Compulsory retirement age will be 70.
D. Declaration:
Applicants will be required to declare whether they have previously
availed of a public service scheme of incentivised early retirement.
Applicants will also be required to declare any entitlements to a Public
Service pension benefit (in payment or preserved) from any other Public
Service employment and/or where they have received a payment-in-lieu
in respect of service in any Public Service employment.
E. Collective Agreement: Redundancy Payments to Public Servants :
The Department of Public Expenditure and Reform letter dated 28th June
2012 to Personnel Officers introduced, with effect from 1st June 2012, a
Collective Agreement which had been reached between the Department of
Public Expenditure and Reform and the Public Services Committee of the
ICTU in relation to ex-gratia Redundancy Payments to Public Servants. It
is a condition of the Collective Agreement that persons availing of the
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agreement will not be eligible for re-employment in the public service by
any public service body (as defined by the Financial Emergency Measures
in the Public Interest Acts 2009 – 2011) for a period of 2 years from
termination of the employment. Thereafter the consent of the Minister for
Public Expenditure and Reform will be required prior to re-employment.
People who availed of this scheme and who may be successful in this
competition will have to prove their eligibility (expiry of period of noneligibility) and the Minister’s consent will have to be secured prior to
employment by any public service body.
F. Department of Health and Children Circular (7/2010)
The Department of Health Circular 7/2010 dated 1 November 2010
introduced a Targeted Voluntary Early Retirement (VER) Scheme and
Voluntary Redundancy Schemes (VRS). It is a condition of the VER
scheme that persons availing of the scheme will not be eligible for reemployment in the public health sector or in the wider public service or
in a body wholly or mainly funded from public moneys. The same
prohibition on re-employment applies under the VRS, except that the
prohibition is for a period of 7 years, after which time any reemployment will require the approval of the Minister for Public
Expenditure and Reform. People who availed of either of these schemes
are not eligible to compete in this competition.
G. Declaration
Applicants will be required to confirm whether they have previously
availed of a public service scheme of incentivised early retirement
and/or the collective agreement outlined above. The above represents
the main schemes and agreements restricting a candidate’s right to be
re-employed in the public service. However it is not intended to be an
exhaustive list and candidates should declare details of any other exit
mechanism they have availed of which restricts their right to be reemployed in the public service. Applicants will also be required to
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declare any entitlements to a Public Service pension benefit (in
payment or preserved) from any other Public Service employment
and/or where they have received a payment-in-lieu in respect of
service in any Public Service employment.
H. Work Permits:
Work permits are permits which are granted to non-EU/EEA Citizens to
allow them to work in Ireland legally. It's an illegal offense to work in
Ireland without a work permit and both the employer and the employee
are held responsible.
For more information on work permits and for future updates, visit the
Enterprise, Trade and Employment website www.entemp.ie
2.
Assessment Procedure
(a) Board of Assessors
Applications will be considered by a Board of Assessors, which will
shortlist and interview candidates and report to the College, the Academic
Council and Údaras na hOllscoile.
Where a specific Irish Language competence is set out as an essential
criterion for a post,
Written
candidates will be required to sit an Irish Oral and
Examination
at
the
initial
stage
of
the
recruitment
process. Applications from candidates that successfully complete this
initial stage will be considered by a Board of Assessors, which will
shortlist and interview candidates and report to the College, the Academic
Council and Údaras na hOllscoile.
All applications and other materials submitted by applicants will be
treated in strict confidence by all panel members and others involved in
the administration of the recruitment. No information about the identity
of applicants, or details of their applications, will be released to others,
except where it is necessary as part of the selection process. For
example, shortlisted applicants will be asked to present to the Board of
Assessors and Members of College and Members of College may view the
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full copy of all applications received (including those shortlisted and not
shortlisted) for an academic post by making a request/appointment to the
HR Office.
(b) Presentation & Interview Dates
Candidates will be advised of arrangements in due course. We endeavor
to give as much notice as possible for interview dates etc., candidates
should make themselves available for interview and presentation on the
date(s) specified by the University.
Candidates who do not attend for interview or other test when and where
required by the University or who do not, when requested, furnish such
evidence as the University requires in regard to any matter relevant to
their candidature, will have no further claim to consideration
(c) Expenses
Expenses are paid to candidates invited to the Assessors’ Interview (see
(a) above).
expenses
For further information see the University policies on
at
the
following
link
http://www.nuigalway.ie/financial_accounting/policies_procedures.html
(d) Referees
Referees listed on the application forms of shortlisted candidates will be
contacted prior to interview.
(e) Offer
All candidates will in due course be notified of the outcome of their
application. The Human Resources Office will offer the post to the
candidate appointed once the appointment has been made by the
University Appointing Authority.
The successful candidate will be required to submit evidence of age,
original qualifications and may be required to complete a medical
examination. Once a conditional job offer has been made, the candidate
will be asked to complete a pre-employment health questionnaire that the
University’s Occupational Health Service will use in order to assess
medical fitness to undertake the duties of the post.
The information provided on the questionnaire will be used (i) to assess
the candidates medical capability to do the job applied for; (ii) to
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determine whether any reasonable adjustments may be required to
accommodate any disability or impairment which the candidate may
have; and (iii) to ensure that none of the requirements of the job for which
the candidate applied would adversely affect any pre-existing health
conditions the candidate may have.
3.
Appointment
The appointment will be made by the President, following adoption of the
report of the Board of Assessors by the College of Arts, Social Sciences and
Celtic Studies. (In the event that the College does not adopt the report, the
appointment will be made by the President, following adoption of the
report of the Board of Assessors by the Academic Council. In the event
that the Academic Council does not adopt the report of the Board of
Assessors, the decision as to the appointment, will be made by Údaras na
hOllscoile (The University Governing Authority). All candidates will in due
course be notified of the outcome of their application. The Human
Resources Office will offer the post to the candidate appointed once the
appointment has been made by the University Appointing Authorities.
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