Research Funding Officer

Applications are invited for the following position:

Title of Post: Research Funding Officer

JOB SYNOPSIS

Join the University of Limerick's Research Office and play a key role in supporting the University's ambitious research strategy. As part of the Research Support Services (RSS) team, the Research Funding Officer will work closely with researchers to identify, develop and secure competitive national, European and international research funding opportunities. The role has a particular focus on EU programmes, including Horizon Europe and the European Research Council (ERC), and involves supporting the preparation, submission and administration of high-quality funding applications. This is an exciting opportunity for a motivated professional with strong organisational, project management and communication skills to contribute to the growth of UL's research excellence and international research profile.

Office of the VP Research

Contract Type: Specific Purpose

Salary Scale: €61,642 - €87,643 p.a. pro rata

University of Limerick is a research-led, energetic and enterprising institution with a proud record of innovation and excellence in education and scholarships. We value creativity, curiosity and excellence in our inclusive community which is committed to social good. Our motto Eagna chun Gnímh translates as Wisdom for Action reflecting our mission to contribute to the discovery of new knowledge for a better world.

Informal enquiries regarding the post may be directed to:

Dr Imelda Doolan

Research Support Officer, EU and International Funding team lead

Office of the VP Research

University of Limerick

Email: [email protected]

The closing date for receipt of applications is Tuesday, 17th November 2026

Applications must be completed online before 12 noon, Irish Standard Time on the closing date.

Please note your application must include:

A letter of introduction and a current CV indicating how you meet the criteria outlined in the Job description.

A completed online application form.

Are you currently legally entitled to work and reside in Ireland?

If you are not currently an EEA Citizen and have stated that you are currently legally entitled to work and reside in Ireland, you MUST upload a copy of your current Visa and Work permit in the attachments section application form. Unfortunately, if the attachment, as noted, is required and not provided your application cannot be processed.

Please note your current work authorisation status must allow you to fulfil the terms of the contract on offer.

Please email [email protected] if you experience any difficulties

Applications are welcome from suitably qualified candidates.

Further information for applicants and application material is available online from: University of Limerick Vacancies

We are committed to upholding the principles of fairness, equality, and transparency in pay, in line with the EU Pay Transparency Directive (Directive (EU) 2023/970)

Many thanks for your interest in this role.

TITLE OF POST: Research Funding Officer LOCATION: University of Limerick REPORTS TO: Research Support Officer, EU and International Funding team lead CONTRACT TYPE: Specific Purpose SALARY SCALE: €61,642 - €87,643 p.a. pro rata

JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB SYNOPSIS:

Join the University of Limerick's Research Office and play a key role in supporting the University's ambitious research strategy. As part of the Research Support Services (RSS) team, the Research Funding Officer will work closely with researchers to identify, develop and secure competitive national, European and international research funding opportunities. The role has a particular focus on EU programmes, including Horizon Europe and the European Research Council (ERC), and involves supporting the preparation, submission and administration of high-quality funding applications. This is an exciting opportunity for a motivated professional with strong organisational, project management and communication skills to contribute to the growth of UL's research excellence and international research profile.

OVERALL JOB PURPOSE:

The UL Research Office is headed by the Vice President of Research. The Research Funding Officer will be a member of the Research Support Services (RSS) unit within the Research Office. RSS provides support to researchers on a range of funded research programmes supported by national and international agencies. We are looking for a highly organised, self- motivated and experienced professional to support UL’s research strategy with a strong focus on EU and international funding. This job will involve the provision of support to the research community. Many research projects funded by the EU, under programmes such as Horizon Europe, are consortium- based and involve a variety of different partner types (including academic and industrial partners) in different geographical locations. The Research Funding Officer will support the preparation and administration of applications to these and other funding programmes including ERC applications in the Excellent Science pillar.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:

The Research Funding Officer will proactively support the UL research community to engage with International/European funding programmes.

This is a diverse role, involving many varied activities, including the following:

• Support UL researchers to engage more effectively in funded research programmes, primarily focusing on EU and International programme and to increase the number of successful proposals in UL including disseminating information to the UL research community pertaining to Funding Programmes. • Liaison with other universities and industrial partners in development of collaborative research proposals and projects, including partner search activities and project negotiations. • Liaison with funding agencies, and national and international supports. • Providing training to researchers on all aspects relating to International/European research funding. • Liaison with other support groups within the University, including Finance office, Human Resources, Library, Buildings and Estates and other relevant offices. • Compilation and Analysis of data for research activities within the University. • Active contribution to the Quality management System and process improvement in the Research Office.

Key Working Relationships & Contacts

The Research Funding Officer will work closely with other members of the Research Office team to ensure effective and efficient delivery of a high- quality support service to the research community. The Research Funding Officer will be required to develop and maintain relationships and liaisons with other groups, both internal and external to the University, including among others the UL research community; UL faculties, departments and institutes; other support groups at UL including research finance and legal services; funding agencies; other higher education institutions; industrial partner etc.

Working Environment/Special Circumstances

The post holder will have the possibility to work flexibly between UL campus and remotely, in accordance with all relevant university policies. The post holder must possess the ability to work in a busy deadline-based environment.

Job Boundaries

The post holder will be expected to operate with some autonomy in terms of providing support to specific proposals/projects/programmes and the management of same. They will be required to liaise with relevant stakeholders both internally and externally as required and to report on progress, activities and issues on a regular basis to line management.

DIMENSIONS:

Budget: No direct budget management but will be responsible for ensuring the smooth preparation of budgets to be included in research proposals. Customer: Is committed to the delivery of a high-quality service for stakeholders across UL including the research community, management and others.

KNOWLEDGE, FUNCTIONAL SKILLS, EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS:

Knowledge

• Knowledge of research funding processes - Essential • Knowledge and understanding of quality processes and procedures - Essential • Knowledge of International/European Research funding programme and trends - Desirable

Functional/Work-based Skills

• Ability to work under pressure across multiple projects/proposal submissions with strict deadlines - Essential • Excellent project management and project planning skills - Essential • Ability to work in a team environment - Essential • Excellent communication and negotiating skills - Essential • Familiarity with Microsoft Office suite including Sharepoint for documentation, reporting and presenting - Essential

Experience

• At least 5 years' work experience of complex project/programme management in a large organisation - Essential • Proven track record of achievement and delivering results - Essential • Experience of working in a pressurised environment to tight deadline - Essential • Experience in the preparation and review of complex proposals and/or reports - Essential • Industry work experience - Desirable

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (level 8NFQ) or equivalent - Essential • PhD (level 10NFQ) - Desirable

CORE COMPETENCIES:

|Customer Focus |Level: 4 | |Consistently looks for opportunities to improve the business | | |area. Develops and implements customer standards and plans to | | |achieve the highest possible standards of service excellence. | | |Planning & Organising |Level: 4 | |Responsibility for the development of a business plan for own | | |area, which contributes to the UL strategic plan. Secures and | | |makes best use of resources to manage fluctuating demands. | | |Responsibility for the design and planning of key projects. Is | | |focused on value for money. | | |Using Initiative, Achieving, Goals |Level: 4 | |Is responsible for setting and meeting challenging goals and | | |objectives. | | |Decision Making & Problem Solving |Level: 4 | |Analyses situations at both a strategic and operational level. | | |Identifies the key issues, and solutions. Acts decisively with | | |sound judgment. | | |Leadership |Level: 4 | |Leads by example at individual, team and peer level. | | |Demonstrates suitable management styles in order to motivate | | |and manage performance effectively. | | |Effective Communication |Level: 4 | |Able to effectively present to and facilitate influential | | |groups either within the University or externally. Influences | | |outcomes. | | |Team & Collaborative Working |Level: 4 | |Leads a cohesive team approach by promoting the importance of | | |working both within and across departments and locations to | | |achieve team and wider UL strategic objectives. | | |Effective Networking and Relationships |Level: 4 | |Builds and expands networks and coalitions, to achieve both | | |operational and strategic goalssity focus, to resolve both | | |short-term issues and advance longer-term projects/work. | | |Innovation & Creative Thinking |Level: 4 | |Identifies gaps against best practice (nationally & | | |internationally). Puts forward proposals and develops strategic| | |implementation plans to introduce new and improved ways of | | |operating | | |Change, Adaptability and Flexibility |Level: 4 | |Leads change projects that have an important strategic impact | | |on the University. Effectively plans for and manages their | | |implementation. | | |Continuous Development |Level: 4 | |Actively seeks out opportunities to learn and develop. Actively| | |promotes learning and development in others. | | |Thinking & Acting Strategically |Level: 4 | |Develops and manages the implementation of plans for own | | |department/area. Contributes actively to university strategy. | |

Further Information for Candidates:

Are you currently legally entitled to work and reside in Ireland?

If you are not currently an EEA Citizen and have stated, you are currently legally entitled to work and reside in Ireland. You MUST upload a copy of your current Visa and Work permit in the attachments section application form, or your application will not be processed. Please note your current work authorisation status must allow you to fulfil the terms of the contract on offer.

Recruitment Procedures used at University of Limerick (UL)

University of Limerick uses a three-stage recruitment procedure: screening, shortlisting and interview.

Screening: Initially, applications for an advertised position are screened to determine if applicants meet the ‘Essential Criteria’ as outlined in the advertised job description. It is only candidates who meet the ‘Essential Criteria’ that progress beyond this stage.

Shortlisting: Depending on the number of applications remaining, it may not be possible to interview every candidate who has passed the screening process. Therefore, at this stage the Selection Board may review the applications and select a final shortlist of candidates who, in their view, are most closely aligned to the post as advertised.

Interview: Once a shortlist has been finalised, all applicants will be notified of the status of their application. The final shortlist of candidates will then be invited to interview. We aim to provide at least two weeks’ notice to all candidates. The interview process will take the format of a standard interview and may include a presentation –you will be provided with details of this in your invitation to interview letter.

University of Limerick benefits to staff

Employees of the University of Limerick receive a variety of benefits including: • Supported professional development under the Researcher Development Programme and Staff Training Programmes.

• Membership of the Public Sector Single Public Service Pension Scheme.

• Membership of the Income Continuance Plan

• The opportunity to join the University’s Additional Life Cover plan.

• Coverage in the UL Sick Leave Scheme (available under “S” on the HR A- Z)

• Flexible working practices such as the Shorter Working Year Scheme.

• Preferential rates for health insurance.

• Employee wellness is a priority and a number of initiatives take place each year for the benefit of UL employees, see more at Be Well at UL.

• Preferential rates for access to the UL Arena swimming pool and fitness centre.

Additional Links: • Join the Team in UL Join the team in UL | University of Limerick • Link to website for new staff New To UL - Staff Roadmap

Equal Opportunities

University of Limerick holds a Silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment to advancing equality in higher education. University of Limerick is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to selection on merit, welcoming applicants from all sections of the community. UL is committed to developing and maintaining a positive working environment, in which all employees are treated with dignity & respect. In pursuit of this, it is the policy of the University to provide all employees with an environment which is free from bullying, harassment or victimisation of any form. You can read more about UL’s commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion here.

Culture Charter A positive culture within an organisation is a shared system of values and behaviours that influence and reflect how its people behave and interact with each other and the wider community. It is shaped by the everyday actions, behaviours and words that are used. The values and behaviours outlined in UL’s Culture Charter should guide how we act, interact and connect with one another in the challenges and successes of university life.

Pension Abatement If an appointee has previously been employed in the Civil or Public Service and that appointee is entitled to or in receipt of a pension from the Civil or Public Service or where a Civil/Public Service pension comes into payment during the appointee’s re-employment that pension will be subject to abatement in accordance with Section 52 of the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and other Provisions) Act 2012. Please note: In applying for this position you are acknowledging that you understand that the abatement provisions, where relevant, will apply. It is not envisaged that the employing Department/Office/Body will support an application for an abatement waiver in respect of appointments to this position.

Qualifications Please take note of the essential qualifications for this position as listed in the job description. If you are successful in being offered this position, the offer will be made pending the Chair of the selection committee verifying your qualifications. Therefore, after the interview, you will be required to forward your transcripts to the Chair by email. No contract of employment will be issued until all required documentation is received.