Research Assistant Dept of Planning, School of Human Environment

Further Vacancy Details Research Assistant Dept of Planning, School of Human Environment 12 Months, Specific Purpose Full-Time Post Position Summary The Department of Planning at UCC is accepting applications for the role of Research Assistant(s) for an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) funded research study related to planning, landscape character and landscape sensitivity. The study is anticipated for an approximately 18-month duration commencing on 31st March, with the research assistant joining the team as near as possible to the project start date. The study (‘ Determining environmental impacts on landscape - understanding landscape sensitivity in assessment of strategic plans and programme’ ) explores the scope for the effective incorporation of landscape values, sensitivity, and capacity for change into decision-making and strategic assessment at different scales in Ireland. It examines how a system for a deeply values-based classification of landscape sensitivity can be developed nationally, for both urban and rural landscapes, to improve assessment of environmental impacts on landscape of plans and programmes. The outputs will inform the development of future national planning statements, actions and measures, and will include sample maps, guidance documentation, and toolkits. This will be used to provide a consistent approach to Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) monitoring of national plans and programmes for landscape and cumulative effects and to identify data required for this. This study involves working with core members of the teaching team at the Department of Planning, as well as the running of workshops with stakeholders and key users of the landscape. The successful candidate(s) will primarily report to project-lead, Dr Karen Ray, and will have the responsibility of conducting core research into current best practice for classification of and decision-making around landscape sensitivity, gathering and managing data, creating of digital maps and graphics, writing reports and briefing notes for policy makers, presenting at national (and possibly international) forums, and contributing to overall management of the project. Applications are invited from candidates with a strong academic background, a demonstrable interest in planning, landscape and heritage matters and specialist knowledge and / or competency in the field of landscape values and landscape sensitivity. Depending on the suitability, profile and availability of candidates, the department will consider appointing either two part-time research assistants or a single full time research assistant. The project is aligned with the Sustainability Institute, UCC. Project Title: Determining environmental impacts on landscape - understanding landscape sensitivity in assessment of strategic plans and program Post Duration: 18 Months, Full -Time Post Salary: €33,791 - €43,872 p.a. (IUA Salary Scale) For an information package including further details of the post see https://ore.ucc.ie/ Informal enquiries can be made in confidence to Dr Karen Ray, lecturer, Department of Planning, Tel: + 353 (0) 21 4904347, email: kray@ucc.ie Applications must be submitted online via the University College Cork vacancy portal https://ore.ucc.ie/ Queries relating to the online application process should be referred to recruitment@ucc.ie quoting the job-title and project name. Candidates should apply, in confidence, before 12 noon (Irish Local Time) on Monday 2nd March 2026. Interviews will be held online the week after the closing date for application No late applications will be accepted. 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. UCC is committed to creating and fully embracing an inclusive environment where diversity is celebrated.  As a university we strive to create a workplace that reflects the diversity of our student population where people from a wide variety of backgrounds learn from one another, share ideas, and work collaboratively. UCC is committed to being an employer that recognises the value of diversity amongst its staff.  We encourage applicants to consult our policies at https://www.ucc.ie/en/edi/policies / and initiatives at https://www.ucc.ie/en/edi/implementation / and we welcome applications from everyone, including those who are underrepresented in the protected characteristics set out in our Equal Opportunities & Diversity Policy. UNIVERSITY COLLEGE CORK IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES EMPLOYER Contact Person : Karen Ray Contact Email : kray@ucc.ie Job ID : 094633 Contact Number : Close Date : 02-Mar-2026 12:00 Click on the link(s) below to view documents Filesize Notes Guide for UCC Applicants 926 Guide For External Applicants 1672.6 Candidate Brief 3988 Apply for Job Return to Search