Overview

Permanent Whole-time Post

The School of Chemistry at University College Cork invites applications for a Professor/Chair in Analytical Chemistry. We are seeking an exceptional individual with a distinguished record of research and teaching in the field of analytical chemistry, along with a demonstrated ability to collaborate with industry, particularly in the pharmaceutical sector. The successful candidate will join a vibrant and collaborative School committed to advancing the field of chemistry and educating the next generation of leaders in the discipline.

The School of Chemistry offers a wide range of courses that cover various aspects of chemistry. The courses are designed to provide students with a solid foundation in the principles and applications of chemistry, as well as hands-on experience with laboratory techniques and instrumentation. Within analytical chemistry, the School offers undergraduate and postgraduate courses covering both fundamental principles and advanced techniques used in industry. The School is committed to providing students with a comprehensive education that prepares them for careers in academia, industry, and related fields. The School of Chemistry is also dedicated to advancing workplace diversity, equity, and inclusion and has been recognised for its efforts with the current possession of an Athena SWAN Bronze Award.

To be considered for the position, candidates must have a Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry or a related field and must have demonstrated exceptional research and leadership skills. Additionally, candidates must have a proven track record of effective teaching, international scholarly achievements, and successful collaboration with industry. Furthermore, the ideal candidate should possess the capacity to formulate a research program that aligns with the University’s research agenda and is in line with national and EU funding strategies.

Informal enquiries can be made in confidence to Professor Anita Maguire, Head of School of Chemistry.

Further information on the School of Chemistry can be found on the School website.

This position is being filled as part of UCC Futures - Future Pharmaceuticals.

What is UCC Futures – Future Pharmaceuticals

UCC Futures – Future Pharmaceuticals is driving enhanced interdisciplinary collaboration among world leading scientists and engineers and building on established industry partnerships. Modern medicines are increasingly based on complex pharmaceuticals and advanced therapeutics. These new emerging treatments and therapies increase the complexity of component materials and processes. UCC Futures - Future Pharmaceuticals is advancing knowledge which underpins discovery, development and manufacturing, from small molecules to biopharmaceuticals. 

Transcending traditional discipline boundaries is critical to ensure effective and advanced collaboration, development and production of new medicines at scale that ensure availability, affordability, efficacy and safety through a patient-centric approach. UCC Futures - Future Pharmaceuticals leverages extensive infrastructure between our key Schools and research institutes including APC Microbiome Ireland and our flagship Tyndall National Institute. Our existing collaborations with strategic national partners including NIBRT, the National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training and SSPC, the Science Foundation Ireland Research Centre for Pharmaceuticals, strengthens our industry engagement through collaborative research

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 Chemistry

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.

In the appointment process for all leadership positions, a requirement of appointment will be demonstrable experience of leadership in advancing gender equality.

Leadership | Research | Teaching and Examining | Contributions

Leadership

1. Demonstrate academic leadership in the development of Analytical Chemistry through teaching, research and scholarship, and in any other appropriate manner;
2. Mentor, support and advise junior staff as appropriate and assist in their academic career development in teaching and research and foster the research and scholarship of other individuals and groups within their academic unit and the University.

Research

3. Engage in productive research and scholarship and contribute to the advancement of knowledge within their discipline and publish their research in appropriate peer-reviewed publications, creative works or other forms of scholarship appropriate to the discipline;
4. Carry out initiatives in generating research income and assist in the co-ordination of research funding activities within the discipline/ School, as appropriate to the discipline;
5. Supervise students undertaking research projects (especially at PhD level);
6. Engage in other scholarly activities relevant to the discipline;
7. Develop collaborative engagements with the industry in relation to Analytical Chemistry, including the pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical and other enterprise sectors.

Teaching and Examining

8. Promote excellence in teaching and learning and encourage the application of innovative teaching and learning methodologies within the School of Chemistry and within other academic units in the University, as appropriate;
9. 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 levels;
10. Supervise undergraduate and postgraduate students;
11. Contribute to, and take a leadership role where appropriate in, the regular evaluation of curricula, and the development of new curricular initiatives;
12. Perform a significant role in the development of postgraduate studies at UCC;
13. 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

14. Promote the discipline both inside and outside the University and contribute to the overall intellectual life of the University and society;
15. Serve if required as head of one of the College’s academic units subject to relevant University regulations, statutes and management requirements;
16. Develop links with professional bodies and external agencies, where appropriate;
17. Contribute to the administrative duties of the discipline/department/school and to act as a member of such committees as may be required within the university;
18. Fulfil other duties appropriate to the post as may be assigned by the head of discipline/department/school;
19. 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 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 may 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.

Selection Criteria

The successful candidate will be expected to have:

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

Qualifications

Essential Criteria

1. A doctorate or appropriate professional qualification or a significant record of research and publication in the relevant discipline.

Leadership

Essential Criteria

2. The ability to provide vision and leadership in the development of Analytical Chemistry within the strategic frameworks of the College of Science, Engineering and Food Science (SEFS) and the University;
3. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills commensurate with leading and supporting a team of committed academic and administrative colleagues together with the demonstrated ability and willingness to work in a collaborative environment.

Research

Essential Criteria

4. International standing as a leading researcher and scholar in the relevant discipline or profession as evidenced through an outstanding contribution to its advancement through research outputs including peer reviewed publications, creative works or other appropriate forms of scholarship and a significant research funding record, as appropriate to the discipline;
5. A record of successful leadership and international recognition through research and scholarly activity within the discipline, including research supervision, examining, editing and refereeing, as appropriate for the discipline.

Teaching and Examining

Essential Criteria

6. Evidence of significant achievement in and commitment to excellence in research-led teaching and learning in Analytical Chemistry, at undergraduate and postgraduate level and a willingness to both contribute to and lead in the development of the teaching programmes offered by the academic unit;
7. Evidence of a contribution to innovation in teaching and in curriculum or programme development, review and evaluation;
8. 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 develop and lead postgraduate supervision to doctorate level;
9. A familiarity with and willingness to use modern teaching technologies.

Contributions

Essential Criteria

10. Proven senior administrative experience and the capacity and willingness to act as head of an academic unit;
11. Evidence of participation in relevant academic and professional associations/ bodies as appropriate;
12. Ability to participate in and contribute to the overall intellectual life of the University, the academic discipline and society at large.

Other

Essential Criteria

13. An understanding of, and empathy with, the concerns of students;
14. Evidence of ability to work on own initiative as well as part of a team;
15. A commitment to the long term development of the discipline;
16. A track record in successful interaction with industry in relation to Analytical Chemistry.

Salary Information

The appointment to the post of Professor will be made on the following scale: €132,302 – 167,261 (Scale B) / €125,687 - €161,521 (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 - Future Pharmaceuticals 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 - Future Pharmaceuticals initiative.

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

• Publications
• Research Interests
• Grants and Funding
• 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 the Head of School, Professor Anita Maguire.

Deadline for applications

Candidates should apply, in confidence, before 12pm (Irish Standard Time) on Thursday, 22 June 2023. 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.