Technical Officer/Senior Technical Officer - PESS

Applications are invited for the following position:

Title of Post: Technical Officer/Senior Technical Officer - PESS

JOB SYNOPSIS

The Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences at the University of Limerick is seeking to appoint a Technical Officer or Senior Technical Officer to join its Technical Services Team. The successful candidate will provide specialist technical support for undergraduate and postgraduate teaching, research activities, human performance testing, and departmental initiatives. Working collaboratively with academic and technical staff, the postholder will contribute to the effective operation, development, and continuous improvement of laboratory, research, and teaching facilities. Additional duties may be assigned by the Chief Technical Officer as required.

Faculty of Education & Health Sciences

Department of Physical Education & Sport Science

Contract Type: Permanent

Salary Scale:

Technical Officer €42,153 - €60,384 p.a.

Senior Technical Officer: €63,742 - €73,382 p.a.

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 John L Perry

Head

Department of Physical Education & Sport Science

University of Limerick

Email: [email protected]

The closing date for receipt of applications is Wednesday, 11th 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: Technical Officer/Senior Technical Officer - PESS LOCATION: University of Limerick REPORTS TO: Head of Department CONTRACT TYPE: Permanent SALARY SCALE: Technical Officer €42,153 - €60,384 p.a. Senior Technical Officer: €63,742 - €73,382 p.a.

JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB SYNOPSIS:

The Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences at the University of Limerick is seeking to appoint a Technical Officer or Senior Technical Officer to join its Technical Services Team. The successful candidate will provide specialist technical support for undergraduate and postgraduate teaching, research activities, human performance testing, and departmental initiatives. Working collaboratively with academic and technical staff, the postholder will contribute to the effective operation, development, and continuous improvement of laboratory, research, and teaching facilities. Additional duties may be assigned by the Chief Technical Officer as required.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Technical Officer: A relevant honour's bachelor’s degree (level 8NFQ), or equivalent qualification, in Sport Sciences or a related discipline.

• Senior Technical Officer: A relevant master’s degree (level 9NFQ), or equivalent qualification, in Sport Sciences or a related discipline.

OVERALL PURPOSE OF JOB:

To provide specialist technical support for undergraduate and postgraduate teaching, research activities, human performance testing, and departmental initiatives.

DESCRIPTION:

Key Responsibilities

• Support the delivery of undergraduate practical classes and laboratory activities.

• Assist academic staff in the provision of teaching and practical instruction.

• Provide technical support for undergraduate and postgraduate research projects.

• Deliver specialist assistance within laboratories and human performance testing facilities.

• Train students, researchers, and Graduate Teaching Assistants in the safe and effective operation of equipment.

• Contribute to the enhancement and development of laboratory practicals and teaching resources.

Laboratory and Equipment Management

• Operate, calibrate, maintain, troubleshoot, and decommission specialist scientific equipment.

• Coordinate equipment servicing schedules and preventative maintenance programmes.

• Ensure laboratories and testing facilities are maintained to a high operational standard.

• Manage equipment inventories, consumables, and storage systems.

• Support procurement activities in accordance with university policies and procedures.

• Assist in planning future laboratory developments and equipment requirements.

Research Support

• Provide technical expertise and guidance on research methodologies and procedures.

• Contribute to the development and enhancement of research infrastructure.

• Support interdisciplinary and collaborative research initiatives

Health and Safety

• Develop and maintain Risk Assessments and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

• Ensure compliance with university health and safety regulations and policies.

• Monitor the safe operation of laboratories and testing facilities.

• Participate in safety inspections and audit activities.

• Maintain health and safety records, documentation, and training logs.

Administration and Outreach

• Maintain laboratory records, timetabling, equipment logs, and technical documentation.

• Support budgeting, purchasing, and procurement processes.

• Prepare technical reports and administrative documentation as required.

• Participate in departmental outreach activities, including Open Days and promotional events.

Essential Criteria:

Technical Officer

• A relevant honour's bachelor’s degree (level 8NFQ), or equivalent qualification, in Sport Sciences or a related discipline.

• Minimum of two years' relevant experience in a laboratory, research, technical, or applied sport science environment.

• Demonstrated experience in operating and maintaining scientific equipment.

• Sound knowledge of laboratory health and safety procedures.

• Strong communication, organisational, and IT skills.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Senior Technical Officer

• A relevant master’s degree (level 9NFQ), or equivalent qualification, in Sport Sciences or a related discipline.

• Minimum of three years' relevant technical or research experience.

• Experience managing specialist scientific facilities and equipment.

• Experience supporting teaching and research activities in a higher education or research environment.

• Strong knowledge of laboratory health and safety requirements.

• Coordinate laboratory operational planning and resource management.

• Excellent communication, organisational, and IT skills.

Desirable Criteria:

Candidates with one or more of the following will be at an advantage:

• Qualifications in Health & Safety, Project Management, Laboratory Management, or Quality Systems.

• Experience supporting undergraduate teaching and postgraduate research.

• Experience working within a higher education environment.

• Knowledge of procurement, budgeting, and inventory management processes.

• Experience developing SOPs, risk assessments, and technical documentation.

• Experience using data acquisition and analysis software.

• Evidence of initiative, innovation, and a commitment to continuous improvement.

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.