DIT Postdoc Project
Supervisor name & contact details:
Dr. Alan Hore
alan.hore@dit.ie
Tel: +353-1-4023873
LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/alan-hore56305915
DIT Arrow Research Repository
http://arrow.dit.ie/do/search/?q=alan%20hore
&start=0&context=490738
Research Centre (if applicable):
This project will be conducted in the School of
Surveying and Construction Management DIT
in collaboration with the Constriction IT
Alliance (CitA).
Research Centre website (if applicable):
Specific Link Postdoc Project
http://www.cita.ie/wpcontent/uploads/2015/12/CITA-BICP-forwebsite.pdf
Fellowship Details
Arnold F. Graves Scholars Programme.
Arnold F. Graves Scholars may receive a taxfree bursary.
Subject Area
€35,000 pa + expenses for two years
commencing in April 2016.
Funded by the Construction IT Alliance Ltd.
Building Information Modelling – Informing
National BIM Strategy for the Republic of
Ireland
Title of the Project
BIM Innovation Capability Programme (BICP)
Project Summary:
The Arnold F. Graves Scholars Programme provides an exciting opportunity for doctoral
candidates to join a prestigious scheme for postdoctoral studies in leading edge research. Highly
motivated researchers can seize the opportunity to carry out nationally and internationally
relevant innovative research.
The Construction IT Alliance (CitA ) is a not for profit organisation. Membership of CitA is open to
all stakeholders in the Irish construction industry (Architecture-Engineering-Construction-
Operations – AECO) who all share the CitA vision and want to participate in fulfilling CitA’s
objectives CitA is determined to lead the Irish AECO Industry in advancing its use of ICT and to
direct its funding towards supporting members to implement more efficient work practices into
the future.
DIT is seeking an outstanding Arnold F. Graves Postdoctoral Scholar funded by the Construction
IT Alliance (CitA) for a period of two years to collate applicable BIM data, founded on an explicit
research programme that will help feed into an overall BIM development plan for the Irish AEC
sector. Full details of the project are included on the above link. The project broadly includes a
focus on the operational challenges associated with the adoption of BIM, latest studies on
technology trends, best practice case studies, a comprehensive review of BIM implementation in
international regions, with a particular focus on enablers to support implementation. In addition
the project includes for an explicit programme of structured programme of consultation with
industry and 3rd level institutes. This phase will help provide a comprehensive snapshot of the
current offering of BIM programmes in Ireland, together with the identification of the skill gaps
evident within industry that require addressing to allow Irish businesses to compete on
internationally mandated BIM projects. The project will require the skillset of an experienced
researcher who can work independently to collate data and carry out an in-depth analysis of the
data collected from the earlier phases, together with a strategy for the dissemination of findings
through formally structured bi-monthly events and an international conference. Dissemination
will involve locating best practice projects, ideally in Ireland detailing effective use of BIM. The
proposal includes for a formal timescale of reporting to both Enterprise Ireland and a newly
formed BIM Implementation Steering Committee for Ireland. The researcher will report directly
to the principal investigator.
Principal duties and responsibilities of the candidate:
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Conduct a specified programme of research and scholarship under the supervision and
direction of the Principal Investigator.
Engage in appropriate training and professional development opportunities as required
by the Principal Investigator, your School or Institute, or the research partner the
Construction IT Alliance.
Support the Principal Investigator and research group in the design and development of
the research programme.
Support, if required, the development of proposals for further research funding.
Engage in the dissemination of the results of the research in which you are engaged as
directed by and with the support of and under the supervision of the Principal
Investigator.
Engage in the wider activities and dissemination strategies in respect to the BICP project
under the direction of the General Manager of the Construction IT Alliance.
Take responsibility as requested for day-to-day advice and support of graduate research
students associated with your research group.
Mentor and assist, as appropriate, the research graduate students in your School and
Institute.
Carry out administrative and management work associated with your programme of
research.
Any other associated works which may arise from time to time.
Applicant requirements for this project
Selection criteria outline the qualifications, skills, knowledge and/or experience that the
successful candidate would need to demonstrate for successful discharge of the responsibilities
of the post. Applications will be assessed on the basis of how well candidates satisfy these
criteria.
Mandatory
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PhD in a construction or engineering related discipline. Preference will be given to those
candidates that possess a PhD in a complimentary theme to the focus of this project.
If successful, an Applicant must provide certified documentation confirming a successful
viva/thesis defence at the award offer stage. In cases where an Applicant is unable to
provide the necessary documentation at the award offer stage, the award offer is
withdrawn.
Knowledge and application of the principles underpinning successful methodological
research skills in conducting high quality primary research activities.
Proven ability to identify and fulfil the academic writing requirements for target
publications.
Proven record of research publications, with a particular focus on the publishing in
academic journals.
Proven ability to carry out project administration skills and experience in working as an
effective team member.
Excellent writing, communication and interpersonal skills are essential with a proven
ability to write according to the requirements of relevant academic publications or
funding schemes.
Excellent presentation skills and use of presentation tools in a range of audience
environments.
The successful candidate will also demonstrate an ability to work either independently or
as a member of a team in developing research ideas and outputs.
The candidate will have excellent time management and organisational skills.
Desirable
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Experience in carrying out research in the thematic area of Building Information
Modelling and its application in the Architectural, Engineering and Construction sectors.
Demonstrate and understanding of particular methodological techniques to capture data
from participant observations, such as, industry workshop, focus groups, case studies
etc… and the ability to analyse narrative or a descriptive account of practice experienced.
Knowledge and skills in the use of alternative communication mediums in the
dissemination of project outcomes and creation of content for public consumption. For
example, social media, websites, blogs, twitter, LinkedIn etc…
Information Required
1. A cover letter, detailing your suitability for and interest in the post.
2. Curriculum vitae including the contact details of two referees.
3. Completed application form which can be downloaded at http://bit.ly/afgraves
Deadline to submit applications to
alan.hore@:dit.ie
7th March 2016 17.00 Irish time