Ward & Burke Construction- Established Professor of Smart Infrastructure and Data Driven Engineering, 1FTE, Permanent

Applications are invited for an appointment as Ward & Burke Established Professor Of Smart Infrastructure and Data Driven Engineering in the School of Engineering at the University of Galway. This role has been developed as part of an exciting strategic partnership between Ward & Burke Construction Ltd, the University of Galway and the School of Engineering and the Construct Innovate Centre (Ireland’s National Research Centre for Construction Technology and Innovation). The Ward & Burke Centre for Smart Infrastructure and Data Driven Engineering, located in the School of Engineering alongside Construct Innovate, aims to make Ireland a global research and innovation leader for infrastructure, data-driven engineering, sustainable construction and built environment technology. The Centre will lead globally impactful research that enables climate resilient infrastructure and energy excellence in infrastructure development.

The successful candidate will capitalise upon and strengthen University of Galway’s international position in Smart Infrastructure and Data Driven Engineering. This role strongly aligns with climate-neutral and smart cities, one of the five missions of Horizon Europe. This role will provide leadership to the University’s ambitions to further world-class research within the newly formed Ward & Burke Centre for Smart Infrastructure and Data Driven Engineering and deliver upon our commitment to supporting the just transition to a low carbon future. It will support the infrastructure sector in meeting key societal challenges, supporting sustainable economic growth and meeting the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) Net-Zero Standard, which establishes a robust emissions reduction target that aligns with the pace and scale mandated by climate science. The Centre, located in the School of Engineering alongside Construct Innovate, will make Ireland a global research and innovation leader for infrastructure, data-driven engineering, sustainable construction and built environment technology.

There are many exciting opportunities to foster the application of disruptive innovation, new research approaches to the design, construction and operation of infrastructure including, but not limited to, water and wastewater infrastructure, flood and coastal protection, microtunnelling/pipe-jacking and stormwater conveyance systems. Such research will provide the opportunity for multidisciplinary research approaches, for example the application in developing energy neutrality in infrastructure projects (including on construction sites), developing climate-resilient approaches to infrastructure design and operation, enhancing the social benefit of infrastructure and minimising the environmental impacts of these projects. The successful candidate will be an ambitious, and highly committed individual who combines strong academic credentials with a record of accomplishment in research and innovation leadership in these and related areas.

The appointee will have prior experience of building, leading and managing a high-performance research team, prior experience of knowledge transfer, innovation and partnering with industry, and demonstrated experience of delivering strategic objectives. The role requires an individual who can foster a culture of innovation and collaboration with staff, industry partners, policy makers, regulatory and professional bodies, and other stakeholders to develop and grow this area of strategic importance to the University of Galway.  

It is expected that the appointee will lead a world-class research programme, working with colleagues across the relevant academic disciplines such as Mechanical Engineering and research institutes. Civil Engineering has active clusters in construction, environmental engineering, structural engineering, offshore engineering, transport, geotechnical engineering etc. Of particular relevance is Construct Innovate, Ireland’s national research centre for construction technology and innovation, which collaborates with over 90 construction companies and is led by academic staff from the School of Engineering at University of Galway and the Ryan Institute which focuses on sustainability research and innovation. The successful candidate will be expected to apply for major funding awards, for example from the European Research Council (ERC), Research Ireland and Horizon Europe, and will develop national and international collaborations with academia and industry. 
The successful candidate will contribute to teaching, research, student project supervision, and programme administration across undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in Civil Engineering and the School of Engineering and will benefit from a significant package for Centre-related research, including PhD and researcher funding.

The successful candidate shall possess:
A PhD in Civil Engineering or a closely-related discipline, significant research experience and expertise in one or more of the following areas: soil/structure interaction, microtunnelling/pipe-jacking, water and wastewater engineering, application of data and digital engineering approaches including innovative sensor and sensing technologies, neural-network approaches for engineering applications, use and application of digital twins in infrastructure, the use of artificial intelligence for more sustainable and efficient infrastructure design and automation in infrastructure and construction applications.
For informal enquiries, please contact Professor Laoise McNamara, Head of School, School of Engineering (laoise.mcnamara@universityofgalway.ie) or Prof. Eoghan Clifford, Head of Civil Engineering, School of Engineering (eoghan.clifford@universityofgalway.ie).

Additional information on the School/Discipline/College is available at https://www.universityofgalway.ie/engineering/  and the Discipline is available at: https://www.universityofgalway.ie/science-engineering/engineering/civil-engineering/  

Salary: € 144,298 to € 182,427 p.a (applicable to new entrants effective from January, 2011)
This appointment will be made on the Established Professor scale in line with current Government pay policy and in accordance with the terms and conditions of the University’s Remuneration policy. QA321-Updated-PP-Remuneration.pdf (universityofgalway.ie) 

Closing date for receipt of applications is 17:00 (Irish Time) on November 21st 2025. It will not be possible to consider applications received after the closing date.
Garda vetting may apply. 
Appointments will be conditional on work authorisation validation. 
Further details are available at www.dbei.ie

For more information and Application Form please see website:
Jobs - University of Galway 

Applications should be submitted online.
Please see further information on how to apply here: E-Recruit - University of Galway and Guidelines for On-line Applications (universityofgalway.ie)

Please note that appointment to posts advertised will be dependent upon University approval, together with the terms of the Employment Control Framework for the higher education sector.
At the University of Galway, we celebrate diversity and believe that every candidate can bring unique perspectives, talents and approaches to our University community.  We actively encourage applications from all backgrounds regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, gender, family status, civil status, membership of the Traveller community, sexual orientation, disability or age.   
We value flexibility and recognise that a work-life balance is essential.  We offer flexible working arrangements, including hybrid options, to accommodate the diverse needs of our staff.   Our commitment to inclusivity extends beyond recruitment as we foster a friendly and supportive work environment, where all work styles are valued and respected.  Join us in shaping a workplace that thrives on diversity, creativity and collaboration.    
University of Galway is an equal opportunities employer.