Research Cluster Coordinator

Essential Qualifications and Skills Minimum:

• A relevant undergraduate qualification to degree level (level 8).
• A minimum of 3 years appropriate experience and a working knowledge of academic support structures and administration.
• Strong organisational and project management abilities.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively in interdisciplinary and multistakeholder environments.
• Proficiency in budgeting, financial reporting, and resource allocation.
• Familiarity with research metrics, funding processes, and knowledge transfer initiatives.

Desirable Qualifications and Skills

• A postgraduate qualification(s).
• Experience in academic industrial, or public sector research coordination.
• Background in one or more of the cluster themes.
• Knowledge of national and international research funding mechanisms (e.g., Horizon Europe, SFI).
• Expertise in using data management and research tracking tools.
• Experience with public engagement and dissemination of research outcomes.
• Understanding of Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) principles in research.

Overview of the Role As part of its research strategy, ATU is forming four research clusters broadly themed around the following areas.

• Marine, Environmental, and Energy Innovation
• Health and Bio-Innovation
• Advanced Manufacturing, ICT, and Digital Transformation
• Tourism, Creative Industries, Entrepreneurship and Social Innovation

The Research Cluster Coordinators will play a pivotal role in facilitating and managing the activities of one of the four research clusters at ATU, each aligned with strategic and national priorities. The coordinators will ensure the effective operation, governance, and achievement of the clusters' objectives, working closely with academic, industry, and government stakeholders. Catalysing Research and Innovation for Regional Prosperity: RISE@ATU  ATU’s transformative and ambitious TU RISE programme (RISE@ATU) invests European Regional Development Funds to progress Ireland’s Smart Specialisation Strategy for Innovation (S3) in the Northern and Western region. RISE@ATU will advance institutional Research and Innovation (R&I) capacity while delivering tangible benefits to enterprises, empowering diverse beneficiaries, and ultimately fostering regional prosperity and cohesion.  TU RISE is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the ERDF Southern, Eastern & Midland Regional Programme 2021- 27 and the Northern & Western Regional Programme 2021-27.

Duties Coordination and Governance

• Act as the primary contact point for the research cluster.
• Support the development and implementation of the cluster’s strategic and operational plans.
• Integrate cluster activities and plans with faculties.
• Facilitate meetings, prepare agendas, and ensure follow-up on action items.
• Collaborate with the cluster chair and advisory board to monitor performance against key performance indicators (KPIs).

Research Support and Development

• Identify funding opportunities and support the preparation of grant applications.
• Promote interdisciplinary research collaboration within and outside the cluster.
• Ensure alignment of research activities with ATU’s strategic priorities and regional/national goals.

Resource Management

• Oversee the cluster’s budget and resource allocation.
• Coordinate with technical and administrative staff to manage infrastructure and logistics.
• Support the recruitment and onboarding of staff and students.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Foster partnerships with academic, industry, and community stakeholders.
• Represent the cluster at internal and external events, including conferences, workshops, and public outreach activities.
• Facilitate knowledge transfer and commercialization opportunities.

Evaluation and Reporting

• Prepare and submit annual reports on research outputs, funding, and impact.
• Coordinate periodic evaluations of the cluster’s activities and ensure continuous improvement.
• Monitor and document progress toward sustainability targets

Salary The salary scale attached to this post is €59,417 - €77,243. * Candidates may be appointed up to the 3rd Point (€62,567) of the Salary Scale in accordance with University Policy. Hours of Work 35 hours per week