Research fellow – Business Development Lead Coordinator – Applied Polymer Technologies

(1 Position)

This post will primarily be based at the location specified above, but from time to time may

require attendance at any of the TU campuses.

A panel may be formed from this competition.

Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) is Ireland’s third technological university and home to 15,000 students and a staff complement of approximately 2,000, full-time and part-time, across seven campuses in Athlone, Limerick, Thurles, Clonmel, and Ennis.

Established on October 1, 2021, TUS has a strong regional focus and is a key driver of development and investment across the Midlands and Midwest. The new networked university, linked by the River Shannon, borders on almost half of Ireland’s 26 counties and will provide unprecedented levels of access to higher education.

We are committed to developing a contemporary and vibrant technological university – a higher education TU that reflects the educational and economic needs of our region and the communities we serve. The new technological university will connect knowledge creation with industry partnerships to grow and support collaboration. The technological university will be the home of academic leaders, knowledge creators and cutting-edge researchers who will positively affect people’s lives now and in the future.

PRISM Research Institute

The PRISM (Polymers, Recycling, Industrial, Sustainability and Manufacturing) Research Institute, is an interdisciplinary research and innovation institute based in the Athlone campus of TUS. The PRISM Research Institute has a core focus on polymers, sustainability, drug delivery technologies, thermoplastic composites, product design, additive manufacturing, construction, renewable materials and biomedical polymers in addition to providing contract and bespoke testing for industrial partners. PRISM enables TUS to build on the Athlone Campus core competencies in polymer science and engineering and provides a significant focus for industry-academic collaborations in the Midlands Region and nationally. PRISM (formerly MRI) houses APT, Ireland’s Enterprise Ireland-funded Technology Gateway for polymer processing. Formally established in 2012, APT is continually ranked in the top two performing technology gateways in the country.

Applied Polymer Technologies

APT (Applied Polymer Technologies) Technology Gateway is co-financed by the Government of   Ireland and the European Union through the ERDF Southern, Eastern & Midland Regional Programme 2021-27. APT was created to focus on the Irish plastics sector with particular emphasis on multiple technology themes. The mission of the APT Ireland Gateway is “to support the development of innovative, high-value polymer and plastics products, which will increase the global competitiveness of Irish-based plastics and polymer companies, increase export opportunities and ultimately lead to increased revenues and employment across key industry sectors including Sustainability, Packaging, MedTech and Greentech”.

Polymer technology is a growing industry in Ireland with the number of companies rising to 230 who boast an annual turnover of €2.1 billion. This has driven strong jobs growth of 7.7% in the past couple of years with 7,000 now working across Ireland with major hubs in Athlone, Limerick, Galway, Sligo, Dublin, Cork and Waterford. The high-tech polymer industry is a driver of innovation in the MedTech, ICT, biopharma, agri-food and automotive sectors. As well as being an industry of regional significance, the polymer sector is making a global impact with 77% of sales exported worth €1.62 billion annually.

• A relevant PhD or level 8 honours degree and four years full time experience post award of degree or eight years relevant industrial experience in a business development role plus significant further relevant research experience (10years).

Desirable

• Experience in co-ordinating large-scale projects
• Experience in overseeing projects from commencement to completion date
• Experience in new client acquisition
• A strong background in a sales and operations industry including experience implementing relevant business development strategies.
• Have a track record of postgraduate/team supervision

• Co-ordinate and supervise large scale projects from start to finish
• Ability to retain existing clients and further growth within the existing client base.
• Define business development aims with team members and manage implementation/delivery of same
• New client acquisition
• Contribute to the development of the research strategy within the PRISM Research Institute
• Supervise and support staff members as appropriate
• Plan and implement commercial and consultancy activities as appropriate
• Take responsibility for, manage and conduct administrative and management tasks associated with defined projects.
• Represent TUS at external events as identified alone or by line manager.
• Take responsibility to identify research aims/potential funding sources and prepare associated funding bids / grant proposals in line with set metrics both alone and as part of a team.

• Contribute to patents / commercial application, as appropriate
• Liaise with both internal and external stakeholders including industry and academic partners/collaborators, to develop pipeline projects and funding opportunities.
• Other duties that may arise which may be assigned by their line manager or designate

The starting pay on appointment is dependent on funding availability and experience.

The rate of remuneration may be adjusted from time to time in line with Government pay policy.

For further information and informal enquiries about the position, please contact Dr Noel Gately, APT Centre Manager, at noel.gately@tus.ie

or

The Human Resources Department at recruit.midlands@tus.ie

The successful candidate will benefit from:

• On the job training (i.e. training specific to the job).
• For full list of benefits for employees working at TUS Midlands Campus please see below link:

Benefits for TUS Midlands Employees

In addition to the minimum qualifications, it may be necessary to introduce further shortlisting criteria.  Therefore, candidates may be shortlisted based on qualifications and suitable experience, based on details given on the application form.

We welcome applications from all suitably qualified individuals regardless of gender, civil status, family status, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, race, or membership of the traveller community.

Only on-line e-recruitment application forms will be accepted.

TUS staff who wish to apply must apply via the ESS system.

TUS is an equal opportunities employer, working towards creating and sustaining an inclusive environment which promotes equality, embraces diversity and is committed to work-life balance policies for all.

Canvassing will disqualify. 

The Enterprise Ireland Technology Gateway Programme is co-financed 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.