RESEARCH SUPPORT OFFICER
School of Applied Psychology
College of Arts, Celtic Studies and Social Sciences
3 Year Part-time Post (.5)
The School of Applied Psychology is one of the constituent Schools of the College of Arts,
Celtic Studies and Social Sciences. In 1958 UCC was the first University in the Republic of
Ireland to offer a BA degree following a generally accepted mainstream Psychology
undergraduate curriculum. The first Professor of Applied Psychology, Peter J R Dempsey, OFM
CAP, was appointed in May 1964. The BA Honours programme was set up under his guidance
and shortly after accredited as a programme leading to Graduate Membership of the British
Psychological Society. The Psychological Society of Ireland followed suit when it came into
being in 1970.
Since its inception, members of the School have demonstrated an interest in applying research
methods and results to practical issues, and to the development of new approaches to meet
practical, real world needs; often in collaboration with other disciplines.
Our members of staff have thus over the years been involved with many externally funded
projects from a number of sources, including the Department of Health, the EU, Government
agencies, NORFACE, and NGOs. Our first project part‐funded by the EU ran from 1985 ‐ 1988
under the ESPRIT programme. More recently, in the UCC Research Quality Review (2008 ‐
2009) research carried out by Applied Psychology staff was very favourably reviewed. Some
72% of our research output was assessed as “world‐leading” or “internationally excellent.”
Our flagship undergraduate course is the BA Honours in Applied Psychology. This course is
currently accredited by the Psychological Society of Ireland and attracts a very high calibre of
student. Applicants who gain places are among the most academically outstanding school
leavers and the ratio of applicants to places granted is on the order of at least 4.6 every year.
We have approx. 60 students per year on this course. We also teach on the BA Honours in
Arts, Early Years and Childhood Studies, Food Nutrition, Music, and many other programmes,
reaching some 1,500 students overall.
We offer taught postgraduate Masters courses in Applied Psychology, Coaching Psychology,
Guidance Counselling, and Psychological Research Methods. We plan to launch a Masters in
Occupational/Organisational Psychology and and MAAP (Mental Health) in the near future.
We have approx. 40 PhD students registered, for whom we have a careful review and
monitoring structure in place.
The School of Applied Psychology is a highly dynamic, research-active School. As the result of
strategic investment, we have substantially increased laboratory research facilities, and are
now seeking to enhance our technical competence in order to maximise their use. Specifically
refurbished laboratories now house a STISim 400 Wide-field-of-view Driving
Simulator, Neuroscan 32-channel EEG/EKG suite, SmartEye eye-tracking systems, PowerLab
system and Limestone Data Acquisition System for recording EEG, EOG, GSR, ECG, BP, PPG,
HRV etc., as well as E-prime-based and bespoke computer-based assessment. The School also
has a a BioAssay laboratory with the capacity to use enzyme linked immunoassay (ELISA)
techniques in the measurement of hormones and equipment for measuring actigraphy, sleep
analysis heart rate variability and metabolism in ambulatory settings.
Research is currently organised around the activities of four research themes.
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Digital Futures is currently engaged in research that investigates cognition,
interventions by computer devices, experiences of online communities, including
research on trust and belonging and the digital diaspora.
Advances in Assessment carries out research into psychometric assessment and
measurement, assessment of violent and sexual offenders, and the development of
new measurement and analytical approaches in psychological research.
Successful/Sustainable Ageing conducts research in the areas of cognition in older age,
supported/assisted living, dementia, caregiving, experiences of living in care, 'smart
homes' for vulnerable populations and building resilience in cognition through older
adulthood.
Resilience & Transition is interested in understanding resilience at the biological,
individual and socio-cultural and ecological systems levels. The group is engaged in
developing strengths-based, systems-level models, identifying factors correlated with
resilient outcomes and processes from the biological level to understanding individuals
dealing with adversity within resilient systems, and integrating multidisciplinary
knowledge gained from developmental, neuroendocrinological and cultural psychology
and resilience in the developing individual and within cultural human adaptive systems.
The current academic staff complement of the School is 17. Our predominant ethos is
"collegiality" which means a supportive culture in which individual achievements are
recognised and celebrated in the context of a communal striving for excellence.
The School's web site is at http://apsych.ucc.ie from which access may be gained to
information about teaching and research activities within the School; and especially about the
range of facilities, our laboratories, and the School’s Research Ethics board.
Duties of the Post: The University, in making this appointment, wishes to support the research
activities of the School of Applied Psychology and ensure that its laboratories are well
maintained.
Specifically, the Research Support Officer will be expected to:
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Support staff and students working on laboratory-based by providing technical and
logistic support.
Prepare, develop and assist in the running of undergraduate and postgraduate
laboratory classes in psychology.
Assist in data analysis with programmes such as SPSS, SAS, Matlab and EPrime
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Maintain and troubleshoot instrumentation and laboratory equipment, specifically
systems such as STISim 400 Wide-field-of-view Driving Simulator, Neuroscan 32channel EEG/EKG suite, SmartEye eye-tracking systems, BioChrome EZRead, PowerLab
system and Limestone Data Aqcuisition System, PC-based assessment systems (eprime, MS Windows).
Other duties as assigned by the Head of School.
Note: As the university continues to expand and evolve, and in the light of the new
university legislation, it is likely that flexibility in regard to the allocation of specific duties
will be necessary. Accordingly, the list of duties specified above is not intended to be
exclusive or restrictive; duties may be added or withdrawn but any such alteration will take
place only within the remit of the Head of School, as outlined, and after consultation with
the appointee.
Selection Criteria
Essential
 A good understanding of the needs of a psychology laboratory as well as sound
technical and IT skills.
 Sufficient knowledge of programming to assist in data analysis with programmes such
as SPSS, SAS, Matlab and EPrime.
 Research experience of using systems such as STISim 400 Wide-field-of-view Driving
Simulator, Neuroscan 32-channel EEG/EKG suite, SmartEye eye-tracking systems,
BioChrme EZRead, PowerLab system and Limestone Data Aqcuisition System, PCbased assessment systems (e-prime, MS Windows).
 Proven ability or potential for flexibility and adaptability in provision of technical
support.
 Commitment to skill development through relevant training.
 Good communication and interpersonal skills.
 Ability to work both on own initiative and as part of a team.
 Good organisational and planning skills.
Desirable
 Postgraduate qualification in Psychology or related area.
 Familiarity with good laboratory practices and procedures.
 Evidence of research activity and engagement in collaborative research projects.
 Experience of making or supporting applications for research funding.
Candidates are requested to make a personal assessment of these criteria against their own
qualifications, skills and abilities to assess whether they should apply for the post.
Conditions of Employment:
Salary: The remuneration associated with this appointment is 50% of €38,000 per annum.
Normal hours of duty are 19.5 hours per week. Actual working hours will be agreed with the
Head of School.
Annual Leave will be pro rata 25 days per annum. This leave is exclusive of public holidays and
Good Friday. The leave year commences on 1 July annually and four days annual leave must
be held for the Christmas closure period.
Sick Leave: Sick leave will be granted in line with University policy in this regard which may
change from time to time. You should familiarise yourself with the University Sick Leave Policy
and University Sick Leave Management Policy.
The tenure of the post is fixed term, based on the following provisions:
(a) A probationary period of twelve months shall apply from commencement of employment
in the post during which the contract of employment may be terminated by either party in
accordance with the Minimum Notice and Terms of Employment Acts, 1973 to 2001. The
probationary period may be extended at the discretion of the University.
(b) Except in circumstances of gross misconduct justifying immediate dismissal, the appointee
will receive one month's notice of termination of employment, or, if greater, such notice as is
provided for in a minimum notice in terms of Employment Act, 1973.
(c) The appointee is required to give one month's notice of termination of employment.
(d) Under the Public Service Superannuation Act 2004, for all new entrants to the Public Sector
on or after April 2004, the normal retirement age is 65. It is no longer possible therefore to retire
before age 65.
Pension: The appointee will become a member of the Single Public Service Pension scheme,
which provides personal retirement benefits as well as benefits for spouses and children. The
contribution rate comprises 3% of pensionable remuneration and 3½% of net pensionable
remuneration. Tax relief is accrued on these payments.
In addition, additional dependants’ benefits can be provided by membership of the Voluntary
Life Assurance Scheme.
Membership of the Group Personal Accident Scheme shall apply to all employees, subject to
individual acceptance by the Insurance Company. The salary quoted is subject to a deduction
from salary at the rate of .06%
After one year’s continuous service you will be eligible to become a member of the Income
Continuance Plan. This provides additional payment where salary is reduced or ceased because
of long-term illness or injury. Contributions, which are tax-allowable currently, amount to 0.8%
(gross) of salary
The Pay Related Social Insurance Class A1 rate of Pay Related Social Insurance (PRSI) applies to
the post.
Voluntary Health Insurance: A VHI/Laya/ Aviva Health/ HSA/GloHealth group scheme is in
operation and contribution may be deducted from salary, with effect from the Scheme’s renewal
date (May of each year).
Additional benefits: We offer progressive employment and training policies including
opportunities for further studies. Staff can avail of membership of a variety of clubs and societies
and a wide range of facilities on campus, including a leisure centre.
Certificates and Testimonials: These documents should not be sent with the application.
Candidates who are selected for interview will be requested to submit the necessary
documentation.
Shortlisted candidates for posts shall be required to appear in person before a Board of Assessors
in Cork, in which case travelling and subsistence expenses at approved rates will be paid.
A successful candidate will be required to submit a birth certificate and documentary evidence
confirming academic qualifications. Garda vetting and/or an international police clearance
may also be required.
References will be sought in relation to all candidates invited to attend for interview.
Please note that if you are considering applying for this post you must be able to supply proof of
the right to work in Ireland. If you do not have the right to work in Ireland you would need to
obtain a work permit. We are obliged by European law to appoint people who are citizens of
the European Economic Area (EEA) where possible. Where there is no skills shortage for a
particular post, it is highly unlikely that a work permit would be granted.
Candidates may be required to produce documentary evidence to support any statements made
by them on their application form or any supporting documentation. Candidates should note
that the submission of any inaccurate information will invalidate their application.
Note: Candidates should note that any inaccurate information will invalidate their application.
Each candidate must complete an application form for the post (available at
http://www.ucc.ie/en/hr/policies/forms/application/ ). The completed application form must be
returned by email to recruitment@ucc.ie.
Informal enquiries can be made in confidence to Professor John McCarthy, Tel: +353 21
4904502 email: john.mccarthy@ucc.ie. For further information on the School of Applied
Psychology see http://www.ucc.ie/en/apsych/
For any queries regarding the application process please contact the Department of Human
Resources, Block E, Food Sciences Building, University College Cork. Tel: +353-21-4903603.
Closing date for receipt of applications is 5pm on Tuesday 31st March 2015
UNIVERSITY COLLEGE CORK IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES EMPLOYER