Job Specification: Psychology Lab Coordinator
Job Title
Psychology Lab Coordinator
Department
Psychology Department, School of Business and Social Sciences
Location
National College of Ireland, Mayor Square, IFSC, Dublin 1
Reporting to
Role Overview
The National College of Ireland seeks to appoint a Psychology Lab Coordinator to lead the management of the psychology laboratory, coordinate and support practical research activities for undergraduate students on the BA (Hons) in Psychology and future masters students, and contribute to ongoing research projects within the psychology department. The post holder will also have teaching and supervision responsibilities, which will include support for Final Year Projects and module coordination and lecturing for the Psychology Labs module on the BA (Hons) Psychology full-and part-time programmes.
This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated early-career researcher, seeking to gain both research and teaching experience, and to contribute to high-quality scholarly outputs, as a pathway towards an academic career in psychology.
Key duties and responsibilities
The job duties and responsibilities listed below are intended to describe the general nature of the role. The duties and responsibilities, and the balance between the elements in the role, may change or vary over time, particularly throughout the academic year. In the addition to the below, there will be an expectation that the post holder will undertake any other tasks that may reasonably be requested by the Programme Director or Vice Dean.
Laboratory management
- Oversee the day-to-day operation and efficient running of the psychology research laboratory.
- Coordinate the maintenance, upgrading, purchasing (as required) and integrating of laboratory equipment, software, databases, and research materials.
- Develop and maintain catalogues of available laboratory resources and standard operating procedures for research activities that are compliant with college health and safety procedures.
- Provide support to student and staff in finding and using appropriate resources to carry out research and teaching activities, including undergraduate final year projects.
- Support the induction and training of students, research assistants, and visiting researchers.
Teaching Responsibilities
* Module coordination, teaching and assessment for the Psychology Lab practical module. This includes providing students with instruction related to the application of the scientific method in psychology, including both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, writing of lab reports and use of APA style.
* Supervision and assessment of final year projects.
* Support for teaching activities on other modules, particularly those involving research methods and statistics, as required by the Programme Director and Vice Dean.
Research project support
- Assist in the planning, design, and delivery of research projects within the psychology department. This may include assisting with the preparation of grant applications, funding proposals, and peer-reviewed publications.
- Ensure research activities comply with ethical guidelines, institutional policies, and relevant data protection regulations.
- Participate in research group meetings, departmental seminars, and collaborative research initiatives.
- Provide administrative and organisational support for research-related activities, including workshops, participant communications, and data management, analysis, and archiving.
- Contribute to a positive, collaborative, and inclusive research environment.
Psychology is an expanding discipline at NCI which may result in duties and responsibilities expanding as they arise within the technical support pool. It is hoped that this will provide staff with a positive opportunity for personal development and progression and therefore a flexible approach is essential.
Person specification
Essential criteria
Undergraduate degree (or conversion equivalent) in psychology. Recognised by PSI (or equivalent).
At a minimum a masters (level 9 or equivalent) qualification in Psychology or a closely related discipline (Master’s degree or equivalent). A PhD in Psychology or a closely related field is highly desirable. Candidates who have made substantial progress toward completion of PhD will also be considered.
Experience supporting psychological research projects, including data collection and participant management.
Knowledge of quantitative and qualitative research methods.
* Ability to use/learn to use and maintain specialist psychology equipment (e.g., virtual reality, LabChart, online experiments – Inquisit, Gorilla), online survey tools (e.g., MS Forms).
- Experience with data analysis software such as SPSS and similar statistical packages.
- Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a research team.
- Understanding of research ethics and data protection requirements.
Desirable criteria
- A PhD in Psychology or a closely related field is highly desirable. Candidates who have made substantial progress toward completion of PhD will also be considered.
- Experience managing a research laboratory or coordinating research projects.
- Previous experience teaching at third level institutions.
- Experience contributing to peer-reviewed publications.
- Experience supporting grant applications or research funding activities.
- Interest in developing an academic research career.
Key skills and attributes
- Self-motivated, flexible and adaptable
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to high-quality research standards.
- Ability to prioritise workload and meet project deadlines.
- Problem-solving skills and adaptability in a research environment.
- Professionalism in working with research participants and maintaining confidentiality.
- Able to demonstrate initiative in providing additional assistance to colleagues
- Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion within research and academic settings.
Benefits of the role
- Opportunity to contribute to innovative psychological research.
- Experience in laboratory management and research project coordination.
- Experience of teaching, assessment and supervision at undergraduate level.
- Opportunity to contribute to publications, conference presentations, and funding applications.
- Collaborative and supportive academic research environment.
Salary: Academic I (€37,271- €57,027)
Contract Type: 3 year fixed term
Hours: 35 per week
Application Process: Applications will close at 5pm on the 24th of August
Please upload your cover letter and CV as a single PDF document, as only one attachment can be submitted with your application.
The successful applicant may be subject to Garda Vetting and must not have any convictions under the Sex Offenders Act 2001.
Note: The functions and responsibilities assigned to this role are based on the current stated role and objectives of the college. These functions and responsibilities may alter in line with any change in the role and objectives of the NCI.
The Importance of Confidentiality
We would like to assure you that protecting confidentiality is our number one priority. You can expect that all enquires, applications and all aspects of the proceedings are treated as strictly confidential and are not disclosed to anyone, outside those directly involved in that aspect of the process.
Candidates' Obligations
In submitting a completed Curriculum Vitae and supporting documentation, candidates are declaring:
That all the particulars furnished in their application are true and correct without omission and that they are aware of the qualifications and particulars for this position.
That to the best of their knowledge that there is nothing in relation to their conduct, character or personal background of any nature that would adversely affect the position of trust in which they would be placed by virtue of this appointment.
Their irrevocable consent to NCI making such enquiries as deemed necessary in respect of their suitability for the post in respect of which their application is made.
Their acceptance and confirmation of the entitlement of NCI, as appropriate to, reject their application, or to terminate their employment (in the event of a contract of employment having been entered into on foot of this competition) if they have omitted to furnish NCI with any information relevant to their application or their continued employment or where they have made any false statement or misrepresentation relevant to this application or their continuing employment with the College.
Candidates should note that they may be required to submit documentary evidence in support of any particulars given by them in their application for the post.
Data Protection Acts 1988 to 2018 and the Freedom of Information Acts 1997 to 2014 as amended
Data collected for the purposes of recruitment activities
NCI conducts recruitment processes to fill vacancies within the college. When applying for these competitions applicants are asked to submit a range of documents, e.g., a completed application form, CV and/or a personal statement or cover letter. For the purposes of recruitment activities, we will not collect any personal data that we do not need to assess your candidature for a role with us.
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NCI ’s legal basis for the processing of this data is a combination of individual consent, contractual necessity and legal obligations.
Withdrawal of Consent
Applicants can withdraw their consent for the processing of their personal data at any time by notifying the College. It is important to note that withdrawal of consent prior to the completion of the process will be considered as a withdrawal of the application.
What we do with your data
People who are directly employed by NCI and are based in Ireland process all the personal data collected for both recruitment and HR purposes.
Shortlisting
HR draft up the shortlisting documents and provide the initial screening to determine if a person meets the essential criteria of the competition. A shortlisting panel is generally made up of two senior grade staff members from the relevant department for which the role is being recruited.
Sharing of your data
Where you have been successfully shortlisted for a post, each interview panel member will be furnished with a copy of the relevant information of those who will be attending interview in order that they can review applications in advance of the interview process. All such information will be returned to NCI and shredded following the competition process. Some of the interview panel will be external interviewers, who are not employees of NCI but are engaged for the purpose and are strictly subject to the rules and policies of the College.
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Erasure
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Applicants can have any incorrect information corrected.
Objection / Withdraw
Applications can object to this information being processed and/or can request to withdraw from the application process
Complain
Applicants can make a complaint to our internal Information Governance and Data Protection Officer
NCI Information Governance and Data Protection Officer
National College of Ireland, Mayor Street, IFSC, Dublin 1
Tel (Direct): + 353 1 4498 523 ; Tel (Reception): + 353 1 4498 500
And/or make a complaint to the relevant authority
Data Protection Commission, 21 Fitzwilliam Square South, Dublin 2, D02 RD28
Tel: +353 (0) 761 104 800
National College of Ireland is an equal opportunities employer and is a Member of the Athena SWAN Charter. NCI is committed to serving our diverse community and welcomes applications from underrepresented groups.