Research Assistant Games Development

Dublin City University; Dublin; On-site; EUR 34,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

Dublin City University is seeking a Research Assistant in the School of Computing to advance a game-based platform for the Happy Maths project funded under the Research Ireland ARC Hub. The role focuses on extending a JavaScript/PHP prototype, building editors and dashboards, and preparing the technology for potential commercialisation, with collaboration from an external dev firm.

The ideal candidate has hands-on experience in games development, software architecture and testing, plus an

Qualifications

• Experience in game development and software engineering.
• Strong programming skills in JavaScript and PHP.
• Ability to test, debug and document software.

Responsibilities

• Develop and improve the game-based platform and tools.
• Contribute to software architecture and design decisions.
• Collaborate with an external software company and integrate components.

Skills

Games development

JavaScript

PHP

Software testing

Job description

Role Profile

The School of Computing at Dublin City University (DCU) is seeking a Research Assistant with expertise in games development to work on the Happy Maths research commercialisation project, funded by the Research Ireland ARC Hub for ICT.

A functional game prototype has already been developed. The game is a digital card game that can be played either against a computer-"controlled opponent or against another player over a network. The current prototype is implemented primarily in JavaScript and PHP.

The successful candidate will contribute to the further development and redevelopment of the existing game and platform, and supporting tools such as game editors and teachers' dashboard, with the aim of making the technology more robust, reliable, scalable and suitable for further commercial development.

An external software development company will also collaborate on the project, with some key technical components being outsourced. The Research Assistant will therefore play an important role in:

• implementing and improving the game-based platform;
• contributing to software architecture and design decisions;
• collaborating with the external software development company;
• integrating software components developed internally and externally;
• testing, debugging and documenting the software;
• contributing to the ongoing evaluation and improvement of the prototype.

The ideal candidate will have strong technical skills as well as an interest in the entrepreneurial and commercialisation aspects of research and technology development. The Research Ireland ARC Hub will also provide opportunities for entrepreneurial and commercialisation training.

Please see the attached job description which outlines the responsibilities associated with the role and the qualifications and experience required.

Salary Scale: IUA Research Assistant Salary Scale - €34,129 - €44,311

• Appointment will be commensurate with qualifications and experience and in line with current IUA pay policy

Closing date: Wednesday, 23rd September 2026

For more information on the School of Computing, please visit https://www.dcu.ie/computing

Dr Pierpaolo Dondio, Assistant Professor, School of Computing, Faculty of Engineering and Computing, Dublin City University.

Email: [e-mail]

Dublin City University is an equal opportunities employer. In line with the Employment Equality Acts 1998-2015, the University is committed to equality of treatment for all those who engage with its recruitment, selection and appointment processes. The University's Athena Swan Silver Award signifies the University's commitment to promoting gender equality and addressing any gender pay gaps. Information on a range of university policies aimed at creating a supportive and flexible work environment are available in the DCU Policy Starter Packs

Contact Email : [e-mail] Contact No : +00353 1 700 5149