Postdoctoral Researcher in Computer Systems

Position: 26-Month Postdoctoral Researcher in Computer Systems

Reporting to: Project Principal Investigator

The National College of Ireland is seeking an innovative and motivated early career researcher to join the Cloud Competency Centre as a Postdoctoral Researcher in Computer Systems. The successful candidates will play a pivotal role in EU-funded projects enabling sustainable digital transformation for European businesses, safeguard European industries from cyber-attacks, and focusing on computer systems and advanced digital skills.

Purpose

Affiliated with the Cloud Competency Centre (CCC), a research centre renowned for its expertise in high-performance computing, parallel processing, open data, distributed ledger technologies, the post holder will perform novel research and innovation in computer systems broadly encompassing operating systems, distributed systems, systems architecture, optimising compilers, and secure software development.

At the CCC, we recognise the evolving landscape of work and understand the importance of providing a work environment that accommodates the needs and preferences of our diverse team ensuring optimal productivity and work-life balance for its team. We firmly believe that offering flexible working conditions is essential for attracting leading researchers. Here at the CCC, we understand that individuals have different working styles, rhythms, and personal commitments. As such, we encourage flexible work hours, enabling our team members to adapt their schedules to suit their individual needs, as long as the required outcomes and deadlines are met. This flexibility ensures that you have the autonomy to structure your workday effectively, allowing for optimal productivity and personal well-being.

KEY RELATIONSHIPS

The Postdoctoral Researcher will be required to work closely with the NCI EU-funded Project Principal Investigator, the Head of Cloud Competency Centre, NCI EU-funded Project Staff and European partners, Vice President Academic Affairs and Research, Dean of the School of Computing, and other staff members in the School of Computing.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

The Postdoctoral Researcher will have the following responsibilities:

• Develop a comprehensive research programme and conduct research aligned with the objectives of the EU-funded Project such as
  • Develop and deploy relevant software/code
  • Produce high-quality project deliverables
  • Produce high-quality conference papers and journal articles
  • Design postgraduate modules and training materials
• Collaborate and participate in suitable project-related activities in Ireland and, when circumstances require, abroad in subject-related areas.
• Assist the Principal Investigator in overseeing software and system development for various projects in Computer Systems ranging from TRL 4 to TRL 7.
• Identify and engage proactively in writing research proposals for future funding.
• Foster strategic collaborations within academia and industry to strengthen the research profile and funding potential of the CCC.
• Participate in the CCC’s activities including showcases, annual reporting, academic accreditations, and EU reviews.
• Contribute to enhancing the international profile of the CCC.
• Undertake any other reasonable duties that may be requested by the Principal Investigator and/or the Head of the CCC.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

The successful candidates must possess the following qualifications and experience:

• A PhD in Computer Science or a closely related discipline.
• Evidence of publication record in high-impact peer-reviewed journals and selective conferences in computer systems, cloud computing, high-performance computing and/or software engineering. Filed Patents will be a plus.
• Substantial programming experience using programming languages such as Python/Java/C++/C; solid working knowledge and experience of Linux internals and debugging; experience with Cloud/HPC platforms; and extensive knowledge of software engineering principles.
• Experience or demonstrated capability in research development, grant proposal writing, and funding acquisition processes.
• Self-motivation, attention to detail, and ability to thrive in an international research team.
• Relevant interpersonal skills and ability to develop productive working relationships with other researchers and senior staff with diverse cultural backgrounds in an international environment.
• Capacity to balance the pressures of research tasks and competing deadlines
• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.

Desirable:

• Prior experience in managing or coordinating research projects or collaborations.
• Familiarity with EU research funding mechanisms, particularly European Commission instruments such as DIGITAL Europe and Horizon Europe.

Note: A 2-page Original Research Statement is required as part of the application for this position. The Research Statement should concisely outline the candidate's research interests, previous work, and proposed research including methodology and expected outcomes within the context of computer systems. Note that in the case where Large Language Models have been used to make important changes ("polishing"), such as rewriting whole paragraphs, content and/or code generation it needs to be disclosed accurately, including which sections are concerned.

We welcome applications from individuals who meet the requirements of this position and who are committed to contributing to the success of the CCC EU-funded projects.

Employment Conditions   

Salary: €53,812 per annum (Academic I Salary Band). N.B. Fixed amount as per research Grant including annual increments.

Annual Leave: 34 days.

Contract: 26 months Full-Time Fixed Term Contract (to start on 1^st of September 2025 or immediately thereafter). The position has a 6-month performance-based probation period.

APPLICATION PROCESS

To apply, please e-mail a single PDF file containing your cover letter, CV and Research Statement using the email subject “Postdoctoral Researcher in Computer Systems, NCI Reference No: NCI1014” to: recruitment-cdolan@ncirl.ie via the 'Apply' button by FRIDAY 15th OF AUGUST 2025 5PM GMT. 

Interviews are expected to be conducted on the week starting on 25^th of August 2025.

The successful candidate is expected to take up the post on 1^st of September 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter.

National College of Ireland has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in The Republic of Ireland.

Note:

The functions and responsibilities assigned to the Postdoctoral Researcher are based on the current stated role and objectives of the College. These functions and responsibilities may alter in line with any change in the role and institutional objectives.

Athena SWAN:

National College of Ireland holds an Athena SWAN Bronze award and is committed to promoting and developing a culture of excellence, diversity, and mutual respect that supports the College’s ambitions and attracts highly motivated and talented people.

Equal Opportunities Policy:

National College of Ireland is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to the employment policies, procedures and practices which do not discriminate on grounds such as gender, marital status, family status, age, disability, race, religious belief, sexual orientation, or membership of the traveller community.