Prism Research And Innovation Officer

Job Purpose

The PRISM Research and Innovation Officer will support the Cluster Manager and Programme Development and Delivery Manager to ensure the successful delivery of the PRISM programme, which will provide specific support to two or three SMEs in the Mineral Processing Sector to achieve their decarbonisation targets.

The post holder will be responsible for research and innovation to embed new products/processes on site at the company premises.

Contract Type

• Fixed Term Contract until August 2029 with possible extension

Location

The main PRISM programme operates from the South West College Omagh campus; however, the postholder may undertake work across College campuses in Omagh, Dungannon, and Enniskillen when not engaged in industry-based activity.

Due to the nature of the role, flexibility in working location and travel between sites will be required. The confirmed base location will be specified in the successful candidate’s offer of employment.

Participating SMEs are located across Monaghan, Leitrim, Fermanagh, and Armagh.

Depending on future developments, the College may reserve the right to relocate staff to other campuses of South West College.

Key Responsibilities

Research and Innovation

• Support up to three SMEs as an embedded researcher, helping them identify opportunities for product, process, and organisational innovation
• Work closely with company staff to co-design and implement practical, research-informed solutions on site
• Develop, alongside the Cluster Manager, tailored decarbonisation plans that reflect each SME’s needs and priorities
• Ensure that all company-level research activity supports the wider aims and objectives of the PRISM project
• Stay up to date with best practice in decarbonisation, process and product innovation, sustainable manufacturing, and low-carbon technologies

Progression of Project Actions

• Collaborate with the Cluster Manager to record research findings, methods, and outcomes in a clear and accessible format
• Support the Cluster Manager in preparing interim and final project reports for SEUPB and the project steering committees
• Prepare detailed case studies showcasing SME progress for dissemination and PR purposes
• Contribute to all required project reporting, including engagement updates, event participation, and dissemination activities
• Support SMEs in identifying training, development, or funding opportunities that can strengthen innovation and decarbonisation efforts

Stakeholder Engagement and Knowledge Sharing

• Act as the main point of contact between SMEs and the Cluster Manager, ensuring clear communication regarding progress, challenges, and opportunities
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with SMEs, trade associations, and academic partners across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland
• Help deliver workshops, training sessions, and presentations for SMEs, including contributing to the annual PRISM Research Symposium hosted by CITC
• Ensure that all dissemination and communication activities follow SEUPB and PEACEPLUS branding and visibility requirements

Performance Management

• Provide regular progress updates to the Cluster Manager, including company achievements, milestones, and outcomes
• Share knowledge, learning, and examples of good practice across SMEs and project partners to support wider knowledge transfer
• Encourage SMEs to embrace innovative and sustainable practices that support decarbonisation
• Review SME processes and ways of working to support continuous improvement and drive measurable impact

General Responsibilities

The post holder is expected to:

• Ensure that the College continues to develop as an inclusive, student-centred organisation, providing a high-quality curriculum that is dynamic and meets the learning needs of students and the demands of the economy
• Promote and act as advocate for the implementation of the vision, mission and core values of the College
• Contribute to the ongoing development and implementation of the College’s Health & Safety policy
• Ensure the College’s Equality policy is implemented in all areas of responsibility
• Implement marketing initiatives to ensure an effective profile of the College and its activities
• Participate, as required, in the recruitment and selection of staff for the College in accordance with procedures
• Abide by the College’s Code of Conduct and seek to promote the College positively at all times
• Abide by all college procedures and ensure these are implemented in area of responsibility
• Undertake any other reasonable duties and responsibilities as requested

Qualifications

• Degree qualification/Level 5 or equivalent in Construction, Mineral Process or Industrial Engineering; Sustainable Manufacturing; Energy Management; Environmental Management; Environmental Science; Carbon Management; Sustainability; Renewable Energy Engineering; Materials Science; Innovation and Technology Management; or a related discipline

Or

• A minimum of four years’ demonstrable experience in Construction, Mineral Process or Industrial Engineering; Sustainable Manufacturing; Energy Management; Environmental Management; Environmental Science; Carbon Management; Sustainability; Renewable Energy Engineering; Materials Science; Innovation and Technology Management; or a closely related field
• GCSE English and Maths (Grade A–C) or equivalent

Experience & Skills

A minimum of 2 years’ experience demonstrating the following:

• Proven experience in improving products or processes, including spotting opportunities for change, developing practical solutions, and delivering improvements that make a real difference to SMEs
• Experience working with new products or process teams within an organisation
• Experience producing clear, accurate reports for management, including analysing data, highlighting key findings, and making practical, evidence-based recommendations
• Access to own transport and willingness to travel across SME/company sites as required

Salary

• Band 5 Points 20–25: £32,597 – £36,363 per annum
• Commencing salary: £32,597

Contract Type

• Fixed Term Contract until August 2029 with possible extension

Hours of Work

• 36 hours per week

Location

The postholder will be based at the SMEs’/companies’ premises with limited time spent at the closest South West Campus.

Depending on future developments, the College may reserve the right to relocate staff to suit the programme or to other campuses of South West College.

Terms & Conditions

All terms and conditions of employment for this post are as laid down by the Association of NI College’s non-teaching negotiations committees and are drawn from the conditions of service for NJC for local authorities staff.

Holiday Entitlement

• 12 public holidays plus 24 days rising to 31 days after 5 years’ continuous service

Pension

• The post-holder will automatically be enrolled in the NILGOSC pension scheme, which offers a range of benefits commensurate with public sector pension schemes

Other Benefits

• Comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme
• Staff Wellbeing Programme
• Cycle to Work and Tech Schemes
• Benenden Healthcare
• Occupational maternity, paternity and adoption leave
• Carers leave
• Flexible working
• Hybrid working
• Training and development