Research Assistant - School of Engineering & Architecture

EURAXESS Ireland; Cork; On-site; EUR 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

University College Cork invites applications for a Research Assistant to support a project on AI-powered digital twin for ageing tunnel infrastructure. You will collect field data, assist data processing, and contribute to model development under supervision.

The role is based at UCC in Cork, with a 39-hour week and salary aligned with public sector pay policy. Garda vetting may be required; UCC promotes equality and inclusion.

Responsibilities

• Field data collection and data processing under supervision.
• Contribute to development of AI-driven digital twin framework for ageing tunnel infrastructure.

Job description

Organisation/Company University College Cork Department HR Research Research Field Engineering » Civil engineering Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions Other Positions Application Deadline 20 Nov 2026 - 12:00 (Europe/Dublin) Country Ireland Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 39 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

8 Months Fixed-Term, Whole-Time Post

The long-term service performance and safety of large-scale ageing tunnels are increasingly challenged by evolving climate change. Many in-service tunnels, including those at CERN, were designed based on static geological and groundwater assumptions derived from limited site investigation data and simplified design method. After decades of operation, changes in ageing infrastructure can lead to increasing risks such as water ingress, elevated external loading, durability degradation, and service disruption.

This project investigates an AI-empowered digital twin framework for in-service tunnel evaluation, especially focusing on ageing CERN tunnel infrastructure. Expected outputs include a version-controlled digital twin, ageing tunnel models, decision-support tools, and peer-reviewed publications. The project will deliver a transferable solution to enhance the resilience and sustainability of ageing underground infrastructure under evolving climate conditions.

Dr. Zili Li is the Principal Investigator, leading the proposed project. In this project, a research assistant will focus on field data collection and data processing.

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

Project -Investigation of large-scale aging underground infrastructure using multimodal data-driven deep learning

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

Informal inquiries can be made in confidenceto Dr. Zili Li, Associate Professor (Senior Lecturer) in School of Engineering and Architecture, Email: [e-mail]

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 Silver 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 andlearn more about our EDI related initiatives

Salary placement on appointment will be in accordance with public sector pay policy.

We encourage you to reach out to us directly should you require assistance or reasonable accommodation during the recruitment process.

Please note interviews will be conducted either online via Microsoft Teams or in person in the first instance. Candidates may also be required to attend interviews in person if an interview takes place online. Candidates will be notified as appropriate

UNIVERSITY COLLEGE CORK IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES EMPLOYER

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.