Open and Transparent Advertising and Recruitment
The University recognises the need for Research Centres to be in a position to recruit research staff in as expeditious a manner as possible while adhering to best practice methods of recruitment and selection and in compliance with legislation.
As holders of the HR Excellence in Research logo the University is formally acknowledged as adhering to the Charter and Code of the EC HR Strategy for Researchers. Through open and transparent advertising and recruitment we contribute to the attractiveness of UCC's research infrastructure and to the attractiveness of the European Research Area and uphold the principles of the Charter and Code.
Please see UCC policy on Open Transparent and Merit Based Recruitment OTMR2024
People & Culture, Research will assist and advise staff of Research Centres, Institutes and Units in managing the recruitment of research staff.
Please note: we require paperwork for appointments four weeks before the contract start date.
Research Support Officers and Senior Research Coordinators
With effect from 8th July 2026, all new Research Support Officer and Senior Research Coordinator posts must be advertised using the appropriate University salary grades (Research, Administrative or Technical). New Research Support Officers and Senior Research Coordinator positions should no longer be advertised using personal rates and will instead be advertised against a specified grade in line with the duties and responsibilities of the role.
Link to Salary Scales: SalaryScales01June2026.pdf
Scales inclusive of Cost to Grant
Admin Scales Cost to Grant Admin Scales Cost to Grant RSO & SRC June 2026
Technical Scales Cost to Grant Technical Scales Cost to Grant June 2026
Clinical Nurse Manager B Cost to Grant Clinical Nurse Manager B June 2026 Cost to Grant
For further information or assistance please contact hrresearchqueries@ucc.ie
Research Recruitment-Shortlisting
Shortlising steps:
1. Review and evaluate the application forms
2. Identifiy those candidates who most closely meet the selection criteria
3. Make a short list which will lead to an organised and manageable interview schedule
4. Contact the candidates who will not be invited to interview for the position
Examples of email wording:
Email to unsuccessful candidates at shortlisting Not Successful at shortlisting
Invitation for interview Invitation for Interview
Reserve Candidates after shortlisting Reserve Candidates at Shortlisting
Research Recruitment-Interviews
What to do:
1. Organise a reduced board of assessors (PI and at least one other with knowledge of the post/research area)
2. Retain a record at local level of how decisions were made at short-listing and interview, in the event of a candidate requesting feedback
3. Conduct a reference check on the candidate being nominated for appointment
4. Advise unsuccessful candidates of the outcome
5. Let the successful candidate know they have been recommended for appointment and that they will be contacted by HR regarding a formal offer of appointment
Suggested email wording:
Reference Request email: Reference Request email example
Email to unsuccessful candidates following interview Non Successful Candidates following interview email
Email to reserve candidates following interview Reserve Candidates Post Interview
REMEMBER
Discussions on salary should not take place until the recommended salary has been fully approved in accordance with University Policy on Research Salary Guidelines.
Research Recruitment-Reccomendation for Appointment
What to do:
Complete a Recommendation for Appointment Form 2026 and return to hrresearchqueries@ucc.ie
For contracts less than six months or contracts of employment as a direct result of successfully obtained individual independent research funding (as per UCC Policy) please use this form:
Short Term Research Appointment 2026
Remember:
People & Culture Research will obtain approval on funding from Research Accounts before the appointment can be made or contracts signed.
Short Term Appointments
Non Standard Contracts of Employment - Less than 6 Months - Please fill in Short Term Research Appointment and regturn to hrresearchqueries@ucc.ie
Where the term of the research funded project is less than 6 months, the PI can with the authorisation of the Head of School/College/Centre/Unit and Research Accounts, offer a non standard contract under the following circumstances:
(i) where a specific skill set is required for less than 6 months
(ii) where a contact is issued for a replacement for a post doc who has resigned during the project
(iii) where a contract is issued to cover leave of less than 6 months.
There is no advertising requirement for contracts of less than 6 months duration.
Visiting Research Agreements
Visiting Researcher Agreements: Placement Framework Agreement
- The Placement Framework Agreement can be used for a one-off exchange or to facilitate multiple exchanges over a period of time;
- Where the transfer is taking place between Research Performing Organisations.
- Where there is a defined work project which the researcher will be undertaking;
- Where there will not be any change in the employment status of the visiting researcher.
Download agreement here Visiting Researcher Agreement
Download Guidance Notes here Guidance on Placement Framework
