Education, Public Engagement and Outreach Officer

FG-15 Education, Public Engagement and Outreach Officer

Contract type: Full Time/ Specified Purpose (Maternity Leave Cover)

Tyndall National Institute at University College Cork is a leading European research institute specialising in Information and Communications Technology (ICT) hardware.  CONNECT is the Science Foundation Ireland Research Centre for Future Networks and Communications and is one of several research centres located at Tyndall. This is a joint appointment between Tyndall and CONNECT.

Science and technology play an increasingly important role in addressing the economic, social and environmental challenges facing the world today. Tyndall and CONNECT seek a creative and enthusiastic Public Engagement and Outreach Officer to deliver our objective of achieving a scientifically engaged public.  The Public Engagement and Outreach Officer will raise public awareness and understanding of our research and the role it plays in society.  A key part of the role is to encourage public involvement and interaction with science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM).  Tyndall and CONNECT aim to inspire and encourage the next generation to study STEM subjects and to consider a career in these fields.

The successful candidate will co-ordinate, organise and participate in a wide range of activities locally, nationally and internationally, working together with Tyndall staff, CONNECT staff based in Tyndall and external partners. The role will require engagement with a variety of stakeholders (researchers, science communicators, schools and the general public) using a variety of media.  

Please note that this role is available to start immediately and that in line with statutory requirements for working with children and vulnerable persons, a vetting disclosure from the National Vetting Bureau will be required prior to appointment.

Key Responsibilities

• Report to Tyndall’s head of Graduate Studies and EPE (Education & Public Engagement)
• Report to CONNECT’s Education and Public Engagement manager
• Plan, develop and implement public engagement and outreach programmes and activities that are informative, engaging, fun and curriculum focused.
• Engage and motivate Tyndall and CONNECT researchers based in Tyndall, from Principal Investigators to PhD students, to actively participate in the development and delivery of EPE activities.
• Keep track of the public engagement and outreach activities that staff and students are undertaking throughout the year.
• Prepare reports and presentations as and when required capturing the programme objectives, strategy and performance.
• Evaluate and report the impact of the outreach activities and adjust activities accordingly.
• Work with multidisciplinary teams such as HR, Marketing, Safety and Facilitates to ensure proper protocols and procedures are adhered to with regards to our EPE events and activities.
• Form partnerships with other outreach providers, collaborating locally, nationally and at European level to leverage and support both new & existing programmes.
• Pursue funding opportunities and collaborations to sustain and develop activities and reach new audiences.
• Provide EPE induction as part of Tyndall’s on boarding to new hires as and when required.
• Manage, maintain and update the Tyndall EPE intranet pages and external EPE page on the Tyndall website.
• Assist with CONNECT’s two-yearly progress reports, on-site reviews, annual reports and any other KPI reporting requirements.
• Keep informed of developments in EPE best practice and implement where appropriate.
• Ensure all activities are compliant with the Tyndall Quality Management system and Health & Safety standards
• Carry out any additional duties as may reasonably be required within the general scope and level of the post.

Essential Criteria

• Degree in science, technology, engineering or mathematics, preferably in areas relevant to Tyndall and CONNECT research.
• Experience in sharing science with the public
• Experience in networking, building relationships and motivating others, with examples
• Excellent communications skills.
• Excellent project management skills, including demonstrable experience in running events.
• Demonstrate experience in working flexibly, creating independent initiatives, and as part of a team.

Desirable Criteria

• Significant and demonstrable experience in public engagement, science communication or outreach, preferably with a formal qualification or credential.
• Full Valid Driving licence in Ireland
• Experience in scientific research would be advantageous.
• Proven record of developing relationships and partnerships with external stakeholders.
• Experience of organising and delivering a large education and public engagement programme.
• Track record of using logic model planning for programming activities.

Appointment may be made on the Admin Grade 5 scale (B) € 46,935– € 57,694 per annum.  Salary placement on appointment will be in accordance with public sector pay policy.

Candidates must add a cover letter, identifying key skills and experience that matches essential criteria.

Informal enquiries can be made in confidence to the Fatima Gunning at Fatima.Gunning@tyndall.ie.

Closing date of applications is 9th June, 2023.

Application Instructions

Step 1- click here to download and complete the Application form and indicate Job Reference FG-15

Step 2 - return completed application form, together with your CV and motivation letter to careers@tyndall.ie. 

Please ensure that your motivation letter, CV and application letter are submitted in pdf format.

A full candidate information pack is available to download by clicking here.

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

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

Please note that an appointment to posts advertised will be dependent on University approval, together with the terms of the employment control framework for the higher education sector.

At this time, Tyndall National Institute does not require the assistance of recruitment agencies.

Tyndall National Institute at University College, Cork is an Equal Opportunities Employer.