Overview

Permanent Whole-time Post

Architecture is a relatively new addition to the disciplines practised in University College Cork, which has been incorporated as an autonomous Discipline in the School of Engineering and Architecture, the largest constituent of the College of Science, Engineering and Food Science at UCC. Working in collaboration with the Munster Technological University, the Centre for Architectural Education (CCAE), was established in 2006 by the two Higher Education Institutions in Cork in response to the ‘Worthington Report’ (commissioned in 2004 by the Higher Education Authority and the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland).

The vision for Architecture in UCC into the future integrates sustainability, cultural sensitivity, and technological innovation, which will respond creatively to global challenges, including climate adaptation, urban and rural regeneration, and social inclusion. Through international partnerships, interdisciplinary collaborations, and local engagement, the innovative research in Architecture will be a catalyst for positive societal change and will inform Teaching & Learning. Adopting Mission-oriented and experimental principles and Engaged Research methods in line with UCC’s Third Mission, Architecture will address emerging urban and environmental challenges through innovative and impactful research in real-world contexts that are both disruptive and transformative.

Through the CCAE, UCC jointly awards with MTU degrees of B.Sc. (Honours) in Architecture (BArch) and Masters in Architecture (MArch), both accredited by the RIAI (Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland). Architecture in UCC was also central to the development and delivery of the new European Joint-Master Course RePIC “Redesigning the Post-industrial City” co-delivered with Partners of the European University of Cities in Post-Industrial Transition (UNIC), which initiated in 2024/25. UCC also offers research degrees in the Architecture discipline, the MSc by Research in Architecture and PhD. With  significant international  visibility and peer esteem such as top awards at Venice Biennale the ambition for Architecture is to grow visibility and impact nationally and internationally.

We know seek a highly motivated leader to deliver on this vision for UCC architecture and to play a key leadership role in the CCAE.  A member of the school of Engineering and Architecture executive, the Professor in Architecture at UCC will provide inspired leadership to the progression of Architecture education, research and innovation in Cork and internationally.

Candidates with a primary degree and a PhD in Architecture (or a very close cognate) and clear evidence of a substantial record of teaching, research and innovation in Architecture of international standing are encouraged to apply. Candidates should provide evidence of their commitment, track record and plans for teaching, research and innovation in Architecture to progress the Discipline in UCC and the CCAE, with especial emphasis in the alignment with one (at least) of the research clusters of the Futures initiative at UCC. UCC Futures - Securing our future through excellence in research | University College Cork.

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.

Informal enquiries can be made in confidence to Prof. Jorge Oliveira, Head of School of Engineering and Architecture (e-mail j.oliveira@ucc.ie)

This position is being filled as part of UCC Futures - Sustainability Institute.

What is UCC Futures – Sustainability Institute

UCC Futures Sustainability Institute builds on strong foundations of research excellence in sustainability coupled with significant societal impact. The University has invested significantly in sustainability and environmental research over the last two decades including the establishment of the Environmental Research Institute (ERI) in 2000. UCC is currently recognised as a global leader in sustainability research. Three of UCC’s academic leaders are the highest cited globally in offshore wind energy, electro-fuels and energy modelling. In addition, UCC provide leadership within the International Energy Agency’s Technology Collaboration Programmes on energy systems modelling and biogas and in European research projects on offshore renewable energy.

The AACSB accredited Cork University Business School, established in 2015, has a mission ‘to shape leaders for a sustainable future’ and the investment in inter-disciplinary research will see advances in sustainable business across all disciplines. UCC’s QS 100 Ranked Law School has a track record of research excellence and engagement in its ERI-affiliated Centre for Law and the Environment, and in wider areas of corporate and social governance.

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 Engineering and Architecture. In particular, They will provide inspired leadership to the delivery and further development of the educational programmes in Architecture as well as to a vibrant research and innovation programme. The successful appointee will also proactively engage with private and public institutions and with the community in general.

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, 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.

In the appointment process for all leadership positions (including Head of Department), a requirement of appointment will be demonstrable experience of leadership in advancing gender equality. This will be included as a specific criterion in role descriptions.

Leadership | Research | Teaching & Examining | Contributions

Leadership

1. Demonstrate academic leadership in the development of Architecture in UCC through research, teaching, and scholarship, and in any other appropriate manner, including through interaction with public and private institutions and the wider community;
2. Mentor, support, inspire and advise staff, including in particular junior staff, as appropriate and assist in their overall career development in both research and teaching; and furthermore foster the research and scholarship of other individuals and groups within the academic unit and the University.

Research

3. Engage in internationally competitive research and scholarship and contribute to the advancement of knowledge within their discipline and publish their research in appropriate international peer-reviewed publications, creative works or other forms of scholarship appropriate to the discipline;
4. Carry out initiatives in generating research income both with industry, and through competitive national and international funding routes focussing on Architecture, with particular emphasis in the development of one of the Futures clusters;
5. Assist in the co-ordination of research funding activities within the School of Engineering and Architecture, and/or related Schools and Research Institutes within UCC;
6. Supervise students undertaking research projects (especially at PhD level);
7. Engage in other scholarly activities relevant to the discipline.

Teaching & Examining

8. Promote excellence in teaching and learning and encourage the application of innovative teaching and learning methodologies within the School of Engineering and Architecture and especially the Cork Centre for Architectural Education, and within other academic units in the University, as appropriate;
9. Take a leadership role in the coordination and delivery of the educational programmes in Architecture, evaluation of curricula, the development of new curricular initiatives and the processes of accreditation by professional bodies;
10. Lead the cooperation with the Munster Technological University (MTU) in the framework of the Cork Centre for Architectural Education;
11. Teach and examine on courses at undergraduate and postgraduate level and, where appropriate, adult and continuing education courses and make a distinguished personal contribution to teaching at all level;
12. Supervise, inspire and encourage undergraduate and postgraduate students;
13. Perform a significant role in the development of postgraduate studies at UCC;
14. Lead in the maintenance of academic standards and in the development of the curriculum within their subject areas

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

Contributions

15. Promote the discipline both inside and outside the University and contribute to the overall intellectual life of the University and society;
16. Develop and strengthen links between the Discipline and the key stakeholders in the Architecture area, both within the Cork region, Ireland more generally and internationally, as appropriate;
17. Proactively and constructively interact with stakeholders with a view to developing research, teaching and outreach activities of mutual benefit;
18. Serve if required as Head of one of the College’s academic units subject to relevant University regulations, statutes and management requirements;
19. Develop links with professional bodies and external agencies, where appropriate;
20. Contribute to the administrative duties of the Discipline, School and/or College, and to act as a member of such committees as may be required within the University;
21. Fulfil other duties appropriate to the post as may be assigned by the Head of Discipline/School;
22. Carry out other duties as may arise as identified in the University Statutes

• 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 they 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 Discipline/Department/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.

As the university continues to expand and evolve, it is likely that flexibility in regard to the allocation of specific duties will be necessary. Accordingly, the list of duties specified above is not intended to be exclusive or restrictive; duties may be added or withdrawn but any such alteration will take place after consultation with the appointee.

Selection Criteria

The successful candidate will be expected to have:

Qualifications | Leadership | Teaching and Examining | Research | Contributions | Other

Qualifications

Essential Criteria

1. A primary degree and a PhD in Architecture, or a very close cognate (e.g.  civil engineering, interior design, landscape architecture, urban planning, building technology).

Desirable Criteria

2. Registered Architect status in the Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland, or one of the comparable professional institutions of the architecture profession.

Leadership

Essential Criteria

3. Evidence of ability to lead and inspire a team of architects and other relevant professionals to conceive and deliver high-quality and research & innovation – informed teaching in Architecture;
4. Evidence of ability to lead and inspire a team of researchers producing outcomes of relevant impact;
5. Ability to provide vision and leadership in the development of the Discipline of Architecture at UCC;
6. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills commensurate with playing a significant role within a team of committed academic and administrative colleagues together with the demonstrated ability and willingness to work in a collaborative environment.

Desirable Criteria

7. Track record of leading accredited educational programmes in Architecture (desirable)

Research

Essential Criteria

8. A strong research / innovation track record evidencing an international standing as a leading researcher and innovator in Architecture;
9. A track-record of success in securing research funding;
10. A significant record of publications, scholarly and innovative works in Architecture of international standing;
11. Ability and willingness to collaborate with colleagues on research projects, as appropriate to the discipline.

Desirable Criteria

12. Evidence of international distinctions, awards or recognitions as a leading scholar in the area.

Teaching and Examining

Essential Criteria

13. Evidence of significant achievement and strong track record in research-led teaching in Architecture;
14. Evidence of ability to teach, inspire and supervise students, communicate ideas and concepts in a teaching and learning environment.

Desirable Criteria

15. Evidence of contributions to innovation in teaching and in curriculum or programme development, review and evaluation and the ability to lead the development of new programmes;
16. A familiarity with and willingness to use modern teaching technologies.

Contributions

Essential Criteria

17. Demonstrated potential to proactively engage with the community to develop mutually beneficial activities in research, teaching and/or outreach activities;
18. Demonstrated commitment to the long-term development of the Discipline of Architecture in multidisciplinary settings.

Desirable Criteria

19. Evidence of active participation in relevant academic and professional bodies;
20. Proven administrative, organisational and managerial experience in an academic leadership position, or equivalent.

Other

Essential Criteria

21. An understanding of, and empathy with, the concerns of students;
22. Evidence of ability to work on own initiative as well as part of a team;
23. A commitment to the long term development of the discipline.

A requirement of appointment will be demonstrable experience of leadership in advancing equality and a strong commitment to the successful delivery of initiatives which drive improvements in equality, diversity and inclusion in their widest sense.

Candidates are requested to make a personal assessment of these criteria against their own qualifications, skills and abilities to assess whether they should apply for the post.

Please note: Candidates who do not demonstrate that they meet the criteria as detailed above will not be short listed.

The University, at its discretion, may undertake to make an additional appointment(s) from this competition following the conclusion of the process.

Salary Information

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 - Sustainability Institute 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 - Sustainability Institute 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

We encourage all applicants to contact us prior to making an application for the position. 

• Contact: Informal enquiries can be made in confidence to Prof. Jorge Oliveira, Head of School of Engineering and Architecture (e-mail j.oliveira@ucc.ie)

Deadline for applications

Candidates should apply, in confidence, before 12pm (Irish Standard Time) on Tuesday, 19 August 2025. 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.