Advance your research career at the Environmental Research Institute - University College Cork 2018 Call for Expressions of Interest for Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships (MSCA IF)

The Environmental Research Institute (ERI) at University College Cork and its Principal Investigators wish to develop high-quality research MSCA IF proposals in collaboration with postdoctoral researchers from within and outside of Europe in a number of key thematic areas. The European Commission’s next MSCA IF call for applications closes on 12 September 2018.

About The Environmental Research Institute (ERI)

The ERI is a University flagship research Institute. Its mission is to generate new research knowledge for the understanding and protection of our natural environment, and develop technologies, tools, services and policy knowledge to facilitate a transformation to a zero carbon, resource efficient, and sustainable society. Researchers with the ERI use a challenge-based approach to respond to and find solutions for, three core environmental challenges: Climate Action, Circular Economy and Healthy Environment.

It brings together over 300 researchers, from 17 Schools and Departments within UCC, to address complex environmental challenges in a multi-disciplinary approach. It incorporates six research centres: Centre for Marine and Renewable Energy (MaREI), Centre for Research on Atmospheric Chemistry (CRAC), Aquaculture and Fisheries Development Centre (AFDC), UN Environment GEMS/Water CDC (UN GEMS), Cleaner Production and Promotion Unit (CPPU) and Centre for Law and the Environment (CLE).

The institute offers substantial research facilities at its two dedicated buildings along with environmental research facilities across UCC campus. The ERI building has 3000 sq. metres of specialised customised laboratory facilities including: category 2 Laboratories, atmospheric chemistry simulation chambers and pilot scale anaerobic digestion reactors for carrying out biofuel trials. The Beaufort Building houses the National Ocean Test Facility, a 2,600m² tank hall, with four different wave tanks, and a range of electrical test infrastructure, incubation suites for industry, offices and associated laboratories and workshops for multi-disciplinary researchers.

How can we help?

The ERI will endeavour to facilitate a good match between the research interests of the ERI PIs and the incoming researchers and will provide support for the preparation of high-quality proposal to ensure a high probability of success. Researchers, who successfully get through the internal ERI EoI selection process, will be matched with suitable mentors and will be able to avail of wide-ranging support and guidance from the ERI Research support team and their mentor, as they develop their application.

Start your application today

Step 1.

Read the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships terms and conditions (please note this call for EoIs is focused on the European Fellowships) to ensure your eligibility (the 2018 Guide for Applicants is available here)

European Fellowships (EF) - Provide an opportunity for researchers to broaden their horizons by working at a research organisation in Europe, with a view to acquiring new skills or working in new sectors. The fellowships are open to researchers either moving within Europe or coming to Europe. Fellowships can last 12 to 24mths. Researchers with a PhD or 4 years equivalent full time research experience can apply for an MSCA IF. To be hosted at ERI, researchers must pick one of 3 types of European Fellowship.

• Standard Fellowship: open to Experienced Researchers wishing to carry out a fellowship at a European host organisation. The researcher must comply with the standard Mobility Rule: In the case of the ERI, they cannot have resided or carried out their main activity in Ireland for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to the call deadline.
• Career Restart Panel: A special Career Restart option for Experienced Researchers re-starting their research career at a European host organisation after being inactive in research for 12 months or more. The researcher must comply with the Relaxed Mobility Rule: in the case of the ERI, they cannot have resided or carried out their main activity in Ireland for more than 3 years in the 5 years immediately prior to the deadline.
• Reintegration Panel: A special Reintegration option for Experienced Researchers previously active in research in Europe who seek to return to carry out a fellowship at a European host organisation. The researcher must comply with the Relaxed Mobility Rule.

Step 2.

Review main areas of research within the ERI and identify the main area(s) of research for your proposal.

Research Areas

Step 3

Complete an EoI form which can be accessed/requested herehere 

Step 4

Outcomes of Internal Review process announced. Please note that, given the high volume of applications no feedback will provided. You can expect to have a response by Mid June at the latest.

Please make sure you have carefully read the guidelines and understood the scheme requirements before starting to work on your Expression of Interest. EoIs which are incomplete or show that the scheme guidelines have not been clearly understood will not be reviewed.