"Research Assistant – SME Innovation (0.5 FTE) (x2 posts)"

Research Assistant – SME Innovation (0.5 FTE) (x2 posts)

Atlantic Technological University - Enabling Technology Cluster for Small and Medium Enterprises (ETC4SME)

Placed On: 23rd December 2025

Closes: 15th January 2026

Job Ref: 024370

Description of Post

The Enabling Technology Cluster for Small and Medium Enterprises (ETC4SME) is a business development programme focussed on technology enabled innovation for SMEs (including Micro-enterprises where appropriate). Led by ATU, it will enable the delivery of a series of product and process innovation programmes tailored to meet the diverse range of SMEs across the region.

The Research Assistant will provide support to all the partners in the PEACEPLUS funded SME Innovation and Transition initiative, the Enabling Technology Cluster for Small Medium Enterprises (ETC4SME).

The selected candidate will explore new forms of entrepreneurship and innovation specific to SMEs in the region, including AI enabled / digital entrepreneurship and innovation, entrepreneurial well-being, minority founders, public value innovation and responsible innovation, and will have an opportunity to develop/ expand this research agenda. Research in novel areas will help further advancement of SEUPB, National and European strategy and funding objectives.

The successful candidate will ensure the initiative meets targets, utilises funding appropriately, and addresses enterprise skills needs in digital skills and emerging digital technologies.

Essential Qualifications

Minimum

Candidates must have:

• A bachelor’s degree in business or relevant STEM discipline
• Minimum of 2 years business research / business innovation
• Understanding of business innovation policy, practice and implementation.
• Proven research experience, including academic writing and data collection. Demonstrating:
  • commitment to research and publications.
  • understanding research project management.
  • stakeholder engagement and data analysis.
• Strong interpersonal, communication and presentation skills and ability to work in a team culture.
• Workplace flexibility, high levels of motivation and a pro-active attitude to problem solving.
• Excellent organisational, administrative, and analytical skills, ability to schedule tasks, prioritise workload and meet on-going deadlines.
• High proficiency in IT and digital communication platforms
• Excellent communication skills in English

Desirable Qualifications and Skills

• Master’s degree in business or relevant STEM discipline
• Driving license.

Skills and Competencies:

• Track record of contributing to peer-reviewed publications and/or successful grant proposals.
• Ability to work proactively as part of a research team and across departments.
• Understanding of research funding mechanisms, both national and international.
• Familiarity with TU RISE themes
• Competence in managing multiple priorities and tracking progress against targets.
• Strong networking and collaborative skills
• Innovative thinking and problem-solving abilities

Project specific:

• Understanding of entrepreneurial ecosystems or startup collaborations in ROI & NI.
• Familiarity with digital platforms, policy analysis, stakeholder analysis
• Interest in interdisciplinary approaches to entrepreneurship and innovation research
• The successful applicant is expected to have an excellent record of research activities including publications in international peer-reviewed journals.