Researcher in Education

Project: ABACUS – Analysing the Bilingual Advantage in mathematical Cognition – exploiting the UnSeen
Institution: University College Cork (UCC)
School: School of Education
Collaborating Centre: INFANT Research Centre

Position Details

• Employment: Whole-time Post
• Duration: 19 months (Fixed Term)
• Job ID: 096813
• Application type: Online via UCC vacancy portal
• Application deadline: 31 July 2026 (12 noon, Irish Local Time)

Project Overview

The ABACUS project investigates the relationship between bilingualism, executive function, and mathematical cognition in primary school children through an innovative interdisciplinary approach.

Working in collaboration with the School of Education and the INFANT Research Centre at University College Cork, the project employs a longitudinal mixed-methods design integrating portable EEG technologies, executive function assessments, language profiling, classroom observations, and mathematical assessments to examine how bilingualism may influence cognitive development and mathematics learning over time.

The successful candidate will play a key role in the implementation of this ambitious research programme, with particular responsibility for the collection, processing, analysis, and interpretation of portable EEG data within naturalistic classroom environments.

This will involve integrating neurophysiological data with qualitative classroom observations, behavioural measures, language profiling, and mathematical assessment data to develop a richer understanding of bilingual learners’ cognitive and educational experiences.

The position offers significant opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration, methodological innovation, publication, conference dissemination, and career development within a high-impact and internationally relevant research project.

Responsibilities

• Collection, processing, analysis, and interpretation of portable EEG data
• Work in naturalistic classroom environments
• Integration of multiple datasets:Contribute to interdisciplinary research outputs
  • Neurophysiological (EEG)
  • Classroom observations
  • Behavioural measures
  • Language profiling
  • Mathematical assessments
• Participate in publications and conferences
• Support methodological innovation within the project

Candidate Profile

• Experience or interest in interdisciplinary research
• Ability to work with EEG or neurophysiological data (advantage)
• Familiarity with behavioural and educational research methods
• Ability to integrate quantitative and qualitative datasets
• Interest in bilingualism, cognition, and education
• Strong analytical and research skills
• Ability to work in collaborative research environments
• Strong communication skills

What We Offer

• Fixed-term contract: 19 months (whole-time post)
• Salary scale: IUA PD1 €46,805 – €53,391 per annum
• Salary placement based on experience and public sector pay policy

Additional Information

• Transferability of Post Doc progression within Irish HEIs
• Garda vetting or international police clearance may be required
• Opportunity for publication, dissemination, and career development
• Possible additional appointments may be made from this competition

Work Environment

This project is based at:

• School of Education, University College Cork
• INFANT Research Centre

The ABACUS project is part of a high-impact, interdisciplinary research programme focused on:

• Bilingualism and cognitive development
• Mathematics learning in primary education
• Neurophysiological and behavioural integration
• Classroom-based educational research

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

University College Cork:

• Is committed to inclusion and equality
• Holds a Silver Athena SWAN award
• Supports flexible working and family-friendly policies
• Promotes diversity across all identities and backgrounds
• Provides training and professional development opportunities
• Encourages applicants from all communities

Application Process

Applications must be submitted online via:

https://ore.ucc.ie/

• All applications must be submitted before deadline
• Late applications will not be accepted
• Interviews may be online (Microsoft Teams) or in person

Important Dates

• Application deadline: 31 July 2026 (12 noon Irish time)

Contact Information

Informal enquiries:
Dr Máire Ní Ríordáin
Senior Lecturer, School of Education
???? maire.niriordain@ucc.ie
???? +353 (0) 21 4903841

Recruitment queries:
recruitment@ucc.ie

Additional Notes

• Appointment subject to university approval
• Employment control framework applies
• Flexible and inclusive recruitment process available
• Reasonable accommodation support available

Documents Available

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

In your application, please refer to Professorpositions.com