1. Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in Information Systems
Ref. no. NUIG-059-09 (Centre for Innovation and Structural Change)

Applications are invited for a funded postdoctoral fellowship in the area of group decision support systems (GDSS) for team-based decision making in agile systems development projects. The position is available for an initial period of 24 months with possibility of extension.

Decision making at the team level can be complex, and is influenced by social, technical and organisational factors. Suboptimal presentation, dissemination and sharing of information in teams can be problematic for decision making activities. These issues can be exacerbated in agile systems development projects, where formal documentation and processes are minimal and high levels of self-organisation and self-discipline are required. Innovative information systems can support team-based activities in this regard, and group decision support systems (GDSS) can assist with decision making, impact information dissemination, support agile team-based decision processes and activities, and facilitate optimal team decision behaviours in agile contexts. Further, information systems can impact decision quality, add strategic value to team-based decision making and influence efficacy. Specifically, the successful applicant will examine the impact of group decision support systems (GDSS) on team-based decision making in agile systems development projects. Focusing on decision processes, team decision activities, group decision behaviour and decisional guidance mechanisms, the research aims to support agile team-based decision making and increase organisational value.

Background required:

• high awareness of the salient extant research in decision support systems (DSS) or agile development
  

• existing research experience in DSS or agile development
  

• excellent communication and writing skills
  

• experience of team-based activities in organisational settings
  

• existing publishing record in high quality Information Systems journals and conferences

Each applicant should possess a PhD qualification in the areas of DSS, Agile Development or ICT-enabled organisational efficacy, and have a strong interest in the research description outlined above. Applicants must be highly motivated individuals with ability for independent and critical thought, and must also be able to demonstrate the ability to work and thrive in a team environment. The successful applicant will be located in the Centre for Innovation & Structural Change (CISC) (www.cisc.ie) at NUI Galway.

Salary: €40,578 - €47,699 commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Informal enquiries about this position may be made to: Dr. Thomas Acton or Dr. Kieran Conboy, Email: first.last@nuigalway.ie Tel: +353 (0)91 49(3806 or 2913), J.E. Cairnes School of Business & Economics, NUI Galway.

Application Procedure
Applicants should submit a covering letter, full CV and the names and addresses of at least three and not more than five referees by post or email to: Angela Sice, Development Officer, CISC, Cairnes Business School, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland. Email: cisc@nuigalway.ie Tel: +353 (0)91 492817 Please put ref. no. NUIG-059-09 in subject line of e-mail application and on cover letter.

Closing date for receipt of applications is Monday, September 14th 2009.
National University of Ireland, Galway is an equal opportunities employer. (back to top)

2. Social Science Research Methodologist
Ref. no. NUIG-049-09 (Centre for Innovation and Structural Change)

Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for a fixed term contract position as Social Science Research Methodologist with the Centre for Innovation and Structural Change (CISC). The position is available for an initial period of 24 months with possibility of extension.

The challenge of continually working to improve the quality and integrity of key innovation and social science statistics makes the Research Methodologist’s work within CISC potentially innovative and rewarding. He/she will be at the forefront of developing and testing empirical social science research methods within an interdisciplinary setting.

The Research Methodologist will work in a variety of quantitative areas, including aspects of sampling (e.g., selection from large populations, sample-size determination based on power calculations, randomization procedures), measurement (e.g., questionnaire design and standardization, evaluation and review of existing measurement instruments, psychometric validation and reliability assessments, administration of field procedures, collation of statistics from archival resources) and analysis (e.g., statistical analysis of large datasets using relevant software, instrument calibration). Responsibilities will also involve qualitative research methodologies, including relevant sampling, respondent recruitment, and data collection responsibilities. Both technical and academic report preparation will be necessary components of this job. Substantial relevant work experience and knowledge of both quantitative and qualitative methodologies will be required for the job. Also essential is familiarity with SPSS; familiarity with other analytical software packages (e.g., LISREL, NVivo) is highly desirable.

The Research Methodologist will serve as a methodology consultant for a variety of national projects within CISC and the National Social Sciences Platform as established under PRTLI 4. He/She will be expected to develop and grow the research component of the National Social Sciences Platform programme over time and provide significant leadership in relation to the development of studies and analysis of data. The Research Methodologist will also have primary responsibility for the maintenance and management of a Databank of Social Science Assessment Instruments, which will comprise an inventory of shareable psychometrically standardised assessment instruments in areas such as mental health, social adjustment, social functioning, quality of life, happiness, use of health services, participation in work, inter alia. The databank will be based at NUI Galway and will constitute an important infrastructural element of the National Social Sciences Platform.

A PhD in the Social Sciences or Behavioural Sciences is essential. The successful candidate is required to have experience in post-graduate supervision, international collaboration, funding acquisition, research leadership and research management.

Salary: €62,964 – €83,321commensurate with qualifications and experience

Informal enquiries about this position may be made to Dr. James Cunningham, Director, CISC, National University of Ireland, Galway (james.cunningham@nuigalway.ie) Tel: +353 (0)91 493472

Application Procedure
Applicants should submit a covering letter, full CV and the names and addresses of at least three and not more than five referees by post or email to: Angela Sice, Development Officer, CISC, Cairnes Business School, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland. Email: cisc@nuigalway.ie Tel: +353 (0)91 492817

Closing date for receipt of applications is Friday, July 31st 2009.
National University of Ireland, Galway is an equal opportunities employer.