Overview

Permanent Whole Time Post (0.5 FTE)

Applications are invited for the position of Senior Lecturer in Quantum Materials for Sustainable Technologies in the School of Physics.

This post is required within the priority research area of UCC Futures – Quantum and Photonics to strengthen research and education at the interface between Physics and Chemistry. The post-holder is expected to develop and lead an independent and internationally competitive research programme in an area of experimental Quantum Materials Physics, or a closely related area, with focus on quantum materials for sustainable technologies. In addition, this research programme will engender collaboration with existing members of the School, and the successful appointee will be active in developing synergistic future research directions with colleagues in the Tyndall National Institute, the School of Chemistry, and the Sustainability Institute at UCC.
 
The holder of this post will also make an essential contribution to the Chemical Physics undergraduate programme, particularly to leadership of the development and teaching of courses required to keep the Chemical Physics programme at the forefront of the field and in line with UCC and national education and training priorities.

Informal enquiries can be made in confidence to Professor Alix McCollam, Director of UCC Futures – Quantum and Photonics, Professor of Quantum Technology. Email: amccollam@ucc.ie

Please note that Garda vetting and/or an international police clearance check may form part of the selection process.

For an information package including full details of the post, selection criteria and application process see https://ore.ucc.ie/. The University, at its discretion, may undertake to make an additional appointment(s) from this competition following the conclusion of the process.

This position is being filled as part of UCC Futures - Quantum and Photonics.

What is UCC Futures – Quantum and Photonics?

The first quantum revolution of the 20th century charted the development of semiconductors, transistors, lasers and, from there, computers and the internet. The accelerating second quantum revolution will transform our lives as dramatically as these first-generation technologies and will solve many of the most profound challenges of the future.

UCC Futures - Quantum & Photonics is an innovative multidisciplinary team, building on the powerful synergies of our globally renowned quantum and photonics research in the Schools of Physics, Engineering and Architecture, and Mathematical Sciences, and Tyndall National Institute. We are pushing the limits of synergistic quantum and photonic research – a key element of this second quantum revolution. 

UCC Futures - Quantum & Photonics will drive a generational change across multiple sectors, including fundamental quantum physics, quantum computing, data transfer, quantum metrology, sensing, quantum matter, healthcare, environment, energy and communications to deliver transformational progress, enhancing daily living while generating novel and disruptive solutions to some of the most important global issues of our time.

Duties of the post

In accordance with the University’s strategic objective as a research led institution, the duties of all academic staff will include research, research-led teaching and contributions to the university, the discipline and the community. The academic staff member shall teach and examine, undertake administrative duties and carry out other duties appropriate to the post under the general direction of the Head of the School of Physics.

The roles and responsibilities outlined below are to be interpreted in the context of the relevant Statutes and where there is any difference arising from interpretation, that statutory provisions take precedent. For the sake of clarity, the relevant elements of the statutes not already incorporated in the numbered sections are appended in italics under each subheading.

Teaching and Examining | Research | Contributions

Teaching and Examining

• Demonstrate excellence in research-led teaching and learning and apply innovative teaching and learning methodologies within the School of Physics, and within other academic units in the University, as appropriate;
• Teach and examine on courses at undergraduate and postgraduate level and, where, appropriate adult and continuing education courses;
• Supervise undergraduate and postgraduate students;
• Contribute to and take a leadership role, where appropriate, in the regular evaluation of curricula with reference to content, delivery and assessment, and the development of new curricular initiatives, particularly in the BSc. Chemical Physics programme;
• Perform an active role in the maintenance of academic standards in the development of the curriculum within their discipline;
• Contribute to the development of postgraduate studies at UCC

• to give the students attending their ordinary lectures assistance in their studies, by advice, by informal instruction, by occasional and periodic examination, and otherwise, as they may judge to be expedient; also, to make such arrangements as they see fit to make to meet students who have individual queries;
• to give instruction to their students and assist them in the pursuit of knowledge;
• to hold, or assist at, all University examinations in the subjects with which they are an examiner.

Research

• Engage in distinguished research and scholarship and contribute to advancing fundamental and consequential knowledge of nature; lead research activities in the field of quantum materials science within UCC Futures – Quantum and Photonics; publish the research in appropriate peer-reviewed publications; and generate creative works or other forms of scholarship appropriate to the discipline;
• Supervise students undertaking research projects (especially at PhD level);
• Undertake initiatives in generating research income as appropriate to the discipline, especially in development of synergistic Quantum and Photonics research with national and international collaborators;
• Engage in other scholarly activities relevant to the discipline and to the goals of UCC Futures – Quantum and Photonics.

Contributions

• Contribute to the administrative duties of the school and the academic life of the University, taking a leadership role where appropriate;
• Participate as a member of such committees as may be required within the academic unit and by the University;
• Mentor and advise newly appointed and junior academic staff;
• Develop links with professional bodies and external agencies, where appropriate;
• Serve if required as head of one of the College’s academic units subject to relevant University regulations, statutes or management requirements;
• Promote the discipline both inside and outside the University and contribute to the overall intellectual life of the University and society;
• Carry out other duties appropriate to the post as may be assigned by the Head of School

• to carry out administrative and other appropriate duties lawfully allocated to them within their department or other academic unit;
• if a member of the Academic Council, to attend its meetings;
• to serve upon all the committees to which s/he may be appointed by the Governing Body or the Academic Council, and to assist and co-operate with the Governing Body in such other reasonable ways as the Governing Body may prescribe, for the maintenance of discipline and good conduct among the students, or for the general business of the University.

The above listing is not exclusive or exhaustive and the post holder may be required to undertake duties as can reasonably be expected. All staff are required to be flexible, co-operative and professional within the needs of the post and the School, College and University. The University is undertaking a major reform of its internal structures which may necessitate possible future changes in the organisation of its activities.

Selection Criteria

The successful candidate will be expected to have:

Qualifications | Teaching and Examining | Research | Contributions | Other

Qualifications

Essential Criteria

1. A doctorate in the experimental physics of quantum materials physics or a closely related area.

Teaching and Examining

Essential Criteria

2. Evidence of a commitment to excellence in research-led teaching;
3. Significant experience in lecturing, examining and supporting students across a range of undergraduate and postgraduate teaching programmes in general physics and in the specialisations of quantum materials physics and technology;
4. The ability to teach, inspire and supervise students, communicate ideas and concepts in a teaching and learning environment and, where the opportunity has existed, to undertake successful postgraduate supervision to doctorate level;
5. Evidence of a significant contribution to innovation in the area of teaching and examining, curriculum design, review and development;
6. A familiarity with and willingness to use modern teaching technologies.

Research

Essential Criteria

7. A record of successful achievement and international recognition through research and scholarly activity within the discipline, particularly in the area of physical properties of quantum materials for sustainable technologies;
8. Evidence of consistent and continuing output of research in peer reviewed publications or equivalent outputs appropriate to the discipline;
9. Evidence of active engagement in research and scholarly activities including research supervision, examining, editing and refereeing research grant applications as appropriate for the discipline;
10. Experience of leadership in the area of research, including leadership of a research team, success in achieving competitive research grants or other sources of funding, and management of grant income;
11. Ability and willingness to collaborate with colleagues on research projects, as appropriate to the mission and ambitions of UCC Futures – Quantum and Photonics, focusing on the School of Physics and / or the Tyndall National Institute, as well as the School of Chemistry, the School of Engineering and Architecture and other Schools or Departments within the University.

Desirable Criteria

12. Experience of research in close collaboration with industry, public, or non-profit organisations.

Contributions

Essential Criteria

13. Evidence of participation in relevant academic and professional associations / bodies as appropriate;
14. Proven administrative experience or evidence of ability to undertake academic administrative responsibility within the School and College at a high level;
15. The ability to participate in and contribute to the overall intellectual life of the University, the academic discipline and society at large;
16. An ability and willingness to support mentor and advise junior staff.

Other

Essential Criteria

17. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills commensurate with working alongside a team of committed academic and administrative colleagues, together with the demonstrated ability and willingness to work in a collaborative environment;
18. An understanding of, and empathy with, the concerns of students;
19. Evidence of ability to work on own initiative as well as part of a team;
20. A commitment to the long term development of the discipline;
21. Evidence of leadership potential.

Salary Information

Appointment may be made on the Senior Lecturer Salary Scale (pro rata): €84,749 - €120,082 (Scale B) / €81,844 - €114,077 (Scale A).

Salary placement on appointment will be in accordance with public sector pay policy.

Applications for this post

How to apply

Applications for this post are received through UCC's online application portal. You'll be required to set up a profile (if you don't already have one). 

You can find the posts associated with UCC Futures - Quantum and Photonics by selecting 'Academic UCC Futures' in the search by vacancy type field.

Queries relating to the online application process should be referred to uccfuturesrecruitment@ucc.ie, quoting the job title.

What to include in your application

Applications should consist of your academic CV and a cover letter demonstrating your academic and research achievements. We would also like to hear about your research ambitions and how your academic and research profile aligns with the UCC Futures - Quantum and Photonics initiative.

Details of the following should also be included, as appropriate:

• Publications,
• Research Interests,
• Teaching Interests and Abilities,
• Teaching Objectives and Methods.  

Who to contact

Informal enquiries can be made in confidence to Professor Alix McCollam, Director of UCC Futures – Quantum and Photonics, Professor of Quantum Technology. Email: amccollam@ucc.ie 

Deadline for applications

Candidates should apply, in confidence, before 12pm (Irish Standard Time) on Tuesday, 21 July 2026. No late applications will be accepted.

Equality Statement

University College Cork is committed to being a fully inclusive global university which actively recruits, supports and retains colleagues from all sectors of society. Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) are core values under our UCC Strategic Plan 2023-2028. UCC holds a Bronze Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment to advancing equality in higher education. We value diversity as well as celebrate, support and thrive on the contributions of all our employees and the communities they represent. We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from everybody, regardless of age, care-giving status, disability, ethnicity, gender and/or gender identity or expression status, nationality, marital status/civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion/creed, and/or sexual orientation. We are committed to supporting all staff through flexible working schemes, family-friendly policies, training and development, and staff networks. We value the enrichment that comes from a diverse community and seek to promote equality, prevent discrimination and protect the human rights of each individual in line with equality legislation. We encourage applicants to consult our Dignity and Respect Policy and learn more about our EDI related initiatives.