Postdoctoral Researcher Position

DCU Anti-Bullying Centre (ABC)

Postdoctoral Researcher in Bullying

(12 Months, Fixed-Term Contract)

 

Dublin City University

Dublin City University (DCU) is a leading innovative European University, proud to be one of the world’s leading Young Universities. DCU is known as Ireland’s University of Impact, with a mission to ‘transform lives and societies’ and focuses on addressing global challenges in collaboration with key national and international partners and stakeholders.

DCU has over 20,000 students in five faculties spread across three academic campuses in the Glasnevin-Drumcondra area of North Dublin. Thanks to its innovative approach to teaching and learning, the University offers a ‘transformative student experience’ that helps to develop highly sought-after graduates. DCU is currently No. 1 in Ireland for Graduate Employment Rate, and for graduate income (CSO).

DCU is a research-intensive University and is home to a number of SFI-funded Research Centres. The University participates in a range of European and international research partnerships. DCU is also the leading Irish university in the area of technology transfer as reflected by licensing of intellectual property.

As a ‘People First’ institution, DCU is committed to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion – a University that helps staff and students to thrive. The University is a leader in terms of its work to increase access to education, and is placed in the world’s Top 10 for reducing inequalities in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings.

Research Career Framework

As part of this role the researcher will be required to participate in the DCU Research Career Framework. This framework is designed to provide significant professional development opportunities to Researchers and offer the best opportunities in terms of a wider career path.

Background & Role

DCU Anti-Bullying Centre (ABC) is a national university designated research centre located in DCU’s Institute of Education. The Centre is known globally for its research excellence in bullying and online safety. It hosts the prestigious UNESCO Chair on Bullying and Cyberbullying and International Journal on Bullying Prevention. It is home to scholars with a global reputation as leaders in the field.

The aim of ABC is to contribute to solving the real-world problems of bullying and online safety through engagement and innovation with an extensive community of academic and industry partnerships. The extent of our resources and the collaboration between disciplines drive quality education, understanding and innovation in this field. The objectives of the Centre are aligned to support the United Nations overarching goal to “ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all by 2030” (SDG4) and supports the implementation of the Government of Ireland’s Action Plan on Bullying (2013), Action Plan for Online Safety (2018-2019), Wellbeing Policy Statement and Framework for Practice (2018-2024), and the WRC/HSA Joint Code of Practice on the Prevention and Resolution of Bullying at Work (2021).

The Centre is looking to appoint a post-doctoral researcher(s) to work as part of our dynamic team of researchers and educators on a number of research and education projects focused on bullying and online safety.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

The successful individual will work with the Principal Investigator(s) and others within the research team in DCU Anti Bullying Centre on research focused on bullying and related issues including digital wellbeing. The duties and responsibilities of the position include, but are not restricted to, the following:

• Undertaking a specified programme of research and fieldwork on bullying and related issues including digital wellbeing
• Delivering research outputs and preparing reports as required in line with project funding timelines
• Writing/preparation of academic articles and other scholarly and dissemination outputs for non-academic stakeholders
• Attending and presenting results at project progress meetings (nationally and internationally)
• Deliver conference presentations, training and seminars on research topics
• Liaising with both internal and external national and international stakeholders
• Supporting the Centre Direct, UNESCO Chair, project Managers, PIs and wider research teams in the design, development, and implementation of a broader research programme
• Contributing to all aspects of the Centre’s research programme under the supervision and direction of the Centre Director
• Contributing to teaching and outreach activities of the Centre
• Carrying out administrative work associated with the programme of research and training as necessary
• Engage with media in research dissemination, via the Centre’s social media account blog and communicating research to national and international media outlets as needed
• Assisting with funding applications for new projects

Minimum Criteria

Individuals should have a PhD in a relevant discipline (e.g. Sociology, Psychology, Technology, Education, Communications)

Desirable Criteria

In addition, it is desirable that candidates have a subset of the following:

• Familiarity with existing research on bullying, cyberbullying, and digital safety
• A team player, capable of contributing to the research and policy agenda and the activities of DCU Anti-Bullying Centre
• Excellent communication (oral and written) skills
• Strong organisational and administrative skills
• Knowledge of bullying and/or digital safety
• Strong publication track record, and/or with experience in the management of research projects

Candidates will be assessed on the following competencies:

Discipline knowledge and Research skills – Demonstrates knowledge of a research discipline and the ability to conduct a specific programme of research within that discipline

Understanding the Research Environment – Demonstrates an awareness of the research environment (for example funding bodies) and the ability to contribute to grant applications

Communicating Research – Demonstrates the ability to communicate their research with their peers and the wider research community (for example presenting at conferences and publishing research in relevant journals) and the potential to teach and tutor students

Managing & Leadership skills – Demonstrates the potential to manage a research project including the supervision of undergraduate students

Essential Training

The successful individual will be required to undertake the following essential compliance training: Orientation, Health & Safety, Data Protection (GDPR) and all Cyber Security Awareness Training. Other training may need to be undertaken when required.

Please note this appointment will be subject to the candidate successfully completing the Garda Vetting and Foreign Police Certification processes where applicable.

Salary Scale:

IUA Postdoctoral Researcher Salary (Level 1) Scale: €31,462 – €41,443

Appointment will be commensurate with qualifications and experience and in line with current Government pay policy

Closing date: Friday, 18th October 2024

Pilot Remote Working Policy

DCU is currently operating a pilot remote working policy for staff which consists of 1 day a week and 2 days a week for a period of up to 21 weeks per year. Such weeks are determined by the Head of each Unit in conjunction with HR and will take cognisance of the academic calendar, business needs and the service provision of the particular area. The terms of the pilot remote working policy will apply.

For more information on DCU and benefits, please visit Why work at DCU?

Informal Enquiries in relation to this role should be directed to:

Professor, James O Higgins Norman, Director of DCU Anti-Bullying Centre

Email: james.ohigginsnorman@dcu.ie

Please do not send applications to this email address, instead apply as described below.

Application Procedure:

Please submit your application through the online system. In order to be considered for the role to which you are applying for, you must upload:

1) Curriculum Vitae

2) Cover Letter

3) Completed application form (blank forms can be downloaded from the bottom of the Vacancy).

Please note, if all items are not uploaded, the application will be deemed incomplete, and will not be processed.