With over 18,000 students and 2,000 members of staff, the University of Limerick (UL) is an energetic, research led and enterprising institution with a proud record in innovation and excellence in education, research and scholarship. The dynamic, entrepreneurial and pioneering values which drive UL’s mission and strategy ensure that we capitalise on local, national and international engagement and connectivity. We are renowned for providing an outstanding student experience and conducting leading-edge research. Our commitment is to make a difference by shaping the future through educating and empowering our students. With the River Shannon as a unifying focal point, UL is situated on a superb riverside campus of over 130 hectares. Outstanding recreational, cultural and sporting facilities further enhance the campus’s exceptional learning and research environment.

JOB SYNOPSIS:

Project Title: Giving Voice: Socio-Environmental Software Design With and For Unheard Communities and Entities Institution/Center: Interaction Design Centre, in collaboration with the REWORLDING MSCA EU Doctoral Network Position
Project Summary: This position supports a pioneering research programme aimed at expanding participation in the design and research of software technologies that serve vulnerable or traditionally underrepresented actors—such as autistic individuals, visually impaired children and adolescents, and even non-human entities like endangered species or fragile ecosystems. Building on the foundations laid by the REWORLDING EU MSCA Doctoral Network (link), the programme critically explores how to meaningfully give voice to these “others” within technological research and design processes. It does so by engaging two core research questions: How can we hear these voices? This includes investigating methods for collecting and amplifying the wishes, needs, and perspectives of marginalized or non-verbal actors through tools such as participatory sensing, IoT for sustainability, and analysis/retrieval of data from open APIs or independent and multiple data sources (including live sensor data and online Open Data). How can we translate these voices into design? This line of inquiry focuses on techniques for turning collected data into actionable insights through approaches such as data visualization, information representation and controversy mapping. Ideal Candidate: We are looking for a motivated researcher with experience or interest in inclusive design, participatory research, HCI, IX, UX or software engineering. Strong communication and collaboration skills are essential, as the project involves working closely with diverse communities and research teams.
Applications are invited for the following position:
Faculty of Science & Engineering
Department of Computer Science & Information Systems
Research Assistant in Socio-Environmental Software Design – Specific Purpose Contract
Salary Scale: €32,962 - €42,943 p.a. pro rata (maximum starting salary €32,962 p.a. pro rata)
Informal enquiries regarding the post may be directed to:
Associate Professor Cristiano Storni
Department of Computer Science & Information Systems
University of Limerick
Email: Cristiano.Storni@ul.ie
The closing date for receipt of applications is Wednesday, 11th June 2025.
Applications must be completed online before 12 noon, Irish Standard Time on the closing date.
Please email erecruitment@ul.ie if you experience any difficulties
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.
Please note your application must include:
A letter of introduction indicating how you meet the criteria outlined in the Job description.
A completed online Application Form (separate application forms must be submitted for each post applied for).
Applications are welcome from suitably qualified candidates.
The University of Limerick holds a Silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment to advancing equality in higher education. The University is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to selection on merit welcoming applicants from all sections of the community. The University has a range of initiatives to support a family friendly working environment, including flexible working.
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.
Contact Person :
Competition Type :
Research
Contact Email :
Job ID :
076228
Contact Number :
Close Date :
11-Jun-2025 12:00
Further Particulars :

Please refer the Job description for details