Postdoctoral Research Engineer (p/t) – SFI MaREI Project
College of Engineering & Informatics
Ref. No. NUIG-053-15
Accelerated life study of tidal turbine blades
Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for a part-time (7 hours per week)
fixed term 6 month contract position as a Postdoctoral Researcher Engineer within the SFI
MaREI Centre at the College of Engineering and Informatics, National University of Ireland,
Galway. This position is funded by Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) and industrial partners
through the MaREI programme.
The MaREI programme is founded on well-established Marine Renewable Energy (MRE)
research entities distributed throughout Ireland. The centre brings together expert groups who
have established themselves as international authorities in different aspects of Marine Renewable
Energy. It brings together research teams from National University of Ireland Galway, National
University of Ireland Maynooth, University College Cork, University College Dublin, University
of Limerick and Cork Institute of Technology. Linking the complementary research backgrounds
of these expert groups is key to Ireland developing an economically successful MRE industry.
The MaREI Centre will foster and exploit synergies between the expert groups, resulting in a
world-class critical mass of expertise, which is both cohesive and unique in the field of Energy
and Maritime Research.
The MaREI Centre is a one-stop-shop for industry bodies seeking to carry out research and
development. This is currently the only centre for MRE worldwide that has industry intimately
participating in the research activity. The MaREI approach to capacity building and outreach is
to collaborate with industry to foster a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship across the
research community. The specific goal of the main project that the successful candidate will be
involved in is to develop and implement testing techniques for ocean energy structures by
collaborating with leading industrial partners.
Project objectives
This project focuses on an accelerated life study of tidal turbine blades. This collaborative
research project is between the National University of Ireland (NUI), Galway
(www.nuigalway.ie) and a leading company that designs, manufactures and installs tidal energy
systems. The project will be conducted by researchers in the Marine Renewable Energy Ireland
(MaREI) research centre (www.marei.ie). Key deliverables of this collaborative research project
is to (1) complete structural testing of tidal turbines blades in the structures laboratory at NUI
Galway and (2) develop a new international testing standard for tidal turbine blades.
Project motivation
The proposed project comprises laboratory-scale research of tidal turbine blades. A leading tidal
turbine developer and researchers in MaREI will collaborate closely in the research and
development of a new international testing standard for tidal turbine blades, which would be
developed with IEC and other standards institutes. As no such standard currently exists, and
verification testing is essential prior to full commercialisation of tidal turbines, working together
we can put Ireland at the forefront of design, development, manufacture and testing of tidal
energy devices.
Primary candidate tasks / objectives
Senior research engineer (P/T: 7 hours p/wk) will take responsibility for, manage and conduct
administrative and management tasks associated with the project during the test set-up and first
phase of testing. An experienced person in managing large scale testing programmes is essential
to help set up management systems to ensure successful establishment of this new testing facility
in NUI Galway and MaREI.
The research engineers will disseminate the outcomes of the research, including peer-reviewed
academic publications of international standing and to participate fully in the wider research and
scholarly activities of MaREI. She/he will be expected to also contribute to writing of
Horizon2020 and other funding applications. The successful candidates will join the project team
that comprises of a Principal Investigator, three collaborative academic staff members (civil
engineering, mechanical engineering), two technical staff members and 2 PhD students. The
Research Engineers will also liaise with other researchers in the Marine Renewable Energy
Ireland (MaREI) Centre (www.marei.ie), both at NUIG and at the relevant MaREI partner
institutions (UCC, UL and UCD).
Minimum requirements
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Bachelor, Postgraduate qualification in civil engineering, mechanical engineering,
electrical engineering, aeronautical engineering, material science, or a related discipline
Project management skills
Expertise in laboratory testing to international standards;
Excellent technical writing skills;
Excellent communication skills;
Evidence of teamwork and leadership skills
Desired qualities
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6+ yrs. industry and/or postdoctoral research based experience;
Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills;
Ability to interpret engineering drawings and specifications;
Experience of data management and data analysis;
Research experience in micromechanical and damage modelling of composite materials
Experience in experimental techniques in measuring damage at fibre, matrix and interface
levels;
Experience in, or knowledge of the following topics: modelling and experimental
investigation of composite damage; mechanical characterisation of composite materials.
Labview programming experience.
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The candidate will be expected to have published peer-reviewed journal papers, as well
as presented results at international conferences.
Experience in numerical simulation (i.e. FE, CFD);
Knowledge of statistical methods;
Experience in proposal writing;
Experience in student supervision;
Salary) €37,750-€43,643 per annum – pro-rata for this part-time, shorter contract. [Public sector
pay policy rules pertaining to new entrants will apply].
Post duration 6 months.
To Apply:
The application will consist of:
 Cover letter;
 Curriculum Vitae;
 Contact details of three references.
All of the required documentation should be sent by email to jamie.goggins@nuigalway.ie under
the subject: MaREI. Alternatively, the documentation may be sent by regular post to Dr Jamie
Goggins, Civil Engineering, National University of Ireland, Galway.
Please ensure to put, in subject line of e-mail application, the reference: NUIG 053-15.
Further information:
Civil Engineering at National University of Ireland, Galway: http://www.nuigalway.ie/civileng/
Marine Renewable Energy Ireland: http://www.marei.ie/
National University of Ireland, Galway: http://www.nuigalway.ie/about-us/who-we-are/
Living in Ireland: http://www.livinginireland.ie/
Moving to Ireland: http://www.euraxess.ie/
For additional information please contact:
Dr. Jamie Goggins, Senior Lecturer, Civil Engineering, College of Engineering and Informatics,
National University of Ireland, Galway.
Tel: +353-91-492609; E-mail: jamie.goggins@nuigalway.ie
The closing date for receipt of application is 5pm on Friday 15th May 2015.
National University of Ireland, Galway is an equal opportunity employer.