Research Assistant in History

University College Cork

School of History & Radical Humanities Laboratory

Institution: University College Cork (UCC)

Employment Type: Fixed-term

Duration: 4 years and 10 months

Working Hours: Part-time (0.5 FTE)

Position Overview

Applications are invited for the position of part-time Research Assistant – Admin on the DeepCattle project, a major new 5-year project funded by the European Research Council (ERC).

DeepCattle is based in the School of History and Radical Humanities Laboratory and involves collaboration with the School of Human Environment as well as international partners.

The project will break new ground in global environmental history by tracing the origins of commercial cattle farming. It investigates how the growth of beef and dairy production in rural areas of Europe fed trade and the rise of cities. At the same time, it will highlight the consequences of increasingly commercial cattle production for rural society and biodiversity.

DeepCattle is a highly interdisciplinary project, combining historical and archaeological methods with environmental science.

We are seeking an enthusiastic Research Assistant – Admin to join this innovative project.

The ideal candidate will have experience in providing administrative support to large research projects and will be interested in research management.

The successful candidate will work closely with the project team to:

  • oversee financial management,
  • organise international research travel,
  • handle recruitment,
  • manage procurement of services and subcontracts,
  • manage the project's online presence.

This is an opportunity to join an exciting project and contribute to our understanding of why food production has become so intensive and what that means for both rural communities and the wider world.

Project Title

DeepCattle: The Deep History of Commercial Cattle Farming in Europe, c.1240–1840 AD

Duration

  • 4 years and 10 months
  • Part-time (0.5 FTE)

Selection Process

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

For an information package including full details of the post, selection criteria and application process, visit:

https://ore.ucc.ie/

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

Informal Enquiries

Informal enquiries may be made in confidence to:

Professor Eugene Costello
School of History and Radical Humanities Laboratory

Email: ecostello@ucc.ie

For further information about the Department, see:

History | University College Cork

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

University College Cork is committed to being a fully inclusive global university that actively recruits, supports and retains colleagues from all sectors of society.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) are core values under the UCC Strategic Plan 2023–2028.

UCC holds a Silver Athena SWAN Award in recognition of its commitment to advancing equality in higher education.

The University:

  • values diversity,
  • celebrates and supports the contributions of all employees and communities,
  • is proud to be an equal opportunities employer,
  • encourages applications from all qualified candidates regardless of:
    • age,
    • care-giving status,
    • disability,
    • ethnicity,
    • gender,
    • gender identity or expression,
    • nationality,
    • marital status/civil partnership,
    • pregnancy and maternity,
    • race,
    • religion or creed,
    • sexual orientation.

UCC is committed to supporting staff through:

  • flexible working schemes,
  • family-friendly policies,
  • training and development,
  • staff networks.

The University values the enrichment that comes from a diverse community and seeks to:

  • promote equality,
  • prevent discrimination,
  • protect the human rights of each individual in line with equality legislation.

Applicants are encouraged to consult the University's Dignity and Respect Policy and learn more about its Equality, Diversity and Inclusion initiatives.

Salary

Appointment may be made on the Research Assistant IUA Salary Scale:

€34,129 – €44,311 per annum (pro rata for 0.5 FTE).

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

Recruitment Support

Applicants requiring assistance or reasonable accommodation during the recruitment process are encouraged to contact the University directly.

Interviews

Interviews will be conducted either:

  • online via Microsoft Teams, or
  • in person,

in the first instance.

Candidates may also be required to attend an in-person interview if the initial interview is conducted online.

Candidates will be notified as appropriate.

Application Procedure

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 directed to:

Email: recruitment@ucc.ie

Please quote the job title in all correspondence.

Candidates should apply, in confidence, before 12:00 noon (Irish Local Time) on Monday, 31 August 2026.

Late applications will not be accepted.

Employment Conditions

Please note that appointment to this post is subject to:

  • University approval, and
  • the terms of the employment control framework for the higher education sector.

Contact Information

Contact Person: Eugene Costello

Email: ecostello@ucc.ie

Job ID: 098033

Closing Date: 31 August 2026, 12:00 (Irish Local Time)

Available Documents

  • Guide for UCC Applicants
  • Guide for External Applicants
  • Candidate Brief

UNIVERSITY COLLEGE CORK IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES EMPLOYER

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