"Professor of Primary Education: Policy and Practice"

Department:

Froebel Education

Vacancy ID:

040163

Closing Date:

06-Apr-2026

Maynooth University seeks an outstanding academic to join our staff as Professor of Primary Education: Policy and Practice. This new Professor post is part of the university commitment to our Society and Public Policy research beacon of our university Strategic Plan 2023-2028. The appointee will contribute research informed, practice engaged, education, scholarship and societal impact that demonstrates Maynooth university’s impact in supporting research-informed social policy, regulation and professional practice in Ireland and Europe

This role forms part of a coordinated Faculty-wide investment in the Society & Public Policy research beacon, with multiple Professor B appointments being made simultaneously to build critical mass, collaboration, and impact across disciplines.

We are seeking an internationally recognised scholar with an excellent track record in international peer reviewed publications, teaching and education innovation, and in the development of education programs at undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral level. They will have a proven capability in mentorship and development of faculty and research students, and experience in academic leadership. They will be expected to have a strong record and pipeline of externally won funding. The successful candidate will foster interdisciplinary collaboration across the university and with external stakeholders, including policymakers and practitioners in the field, contributing to the University’s impact and knowledge exchange agenda. Applicants should demonstrate the capacity to translate research into policy-relevant insights and professional practice, particularly within primary education systems.

Primary education is an important strategic development area for the Froebel Department in line with the ambitions of the Maynooth University Strategic Plan 2023-2028 and the ongoing research and funded work in the broader area of education. The successful candidate will work to consolidate existing activity and support the development of research and teaching in the Froebel Department.

Candidates are invited to outline in their cover letter how their experience, research, and leadership equip them to contribute to primary education policy and practice, with awareness of Irish and international contexts.

Maynooth University is committed to a strategy in which the primary university goals of excellent research and scholarship and outstanding education are interlinked and equally valued. Professors will be expected to provide significant intellectual leadership, through a demonstrated commitment to both education and research, and also to contribute to the effective leadership and management of the department, the faculty and the university.

Salary:

Professor B Salary scale (2025): €105,554 - €141,089 (6 points)

Appointments will be made in accordance with public sector pay provisions.

Closing Date:

23:30hrs (local Irish time) on Monday 6th of April 2026

Applications must be submitted by the closing date and time specified above. Any applications which are still in progress at the closing time on the specified closing date will be cancelled automatically by the system.

Late applications will not be accepted.

Maynooth University is an equal opportunities employer

The position is subject to the Statutes of the University