Posted 18 June, 2026
Research Assistant in Design for Healthcare - Playground Sun Protective Structure
University Vacancies Ireland
Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
Temporary
Reference: 641152352
Applications are invited for the following position:
Title of Post: Research Assistant in Design for Healthcare - Playground Sun Protective Structure
JOB SYNOPSIS
Research Assistant in Design for Healthcare - Playground Sun Protective Structure.
The National Skin Cancer Prevention Plan (2023-2026) is aimed at tackling the most common type of cancer in Ireland. The plan focuses on the fact that most skin cancers could be prevented by protecting skin from the sun and not using sunbeds. Action area 7.6 of the plan is to 'Conduct research and an evaluation to assess the use and effectiveness of shade in a range of settings in Ireland'. Children are particularly vulnerable to UV radiation during childhood. Children's skin is more vulnerable to damage from UV, and this damage is cumulative, adding up over a lifetime. UV exposure during the first 10-15 years of life makes a disproportionately large contribution to lifetime risk of skin cancer. Shade provision is a proven strategy to reduce UV exposure. The provision of shade, either natural or constructed structures, should be an essential element when planning for and developing public spaces such as playgrounds. If outdoor environments do not provide sufficient shade this can place great demands on individuals to protect themselves from UV radiation. While UV radiation is the main area focused for this research piece other benefits of providing shade include heat reduction, mitigating climate change, protection from the elements such as wind and rain, providing energy savings and the provision of comfortable outdoor environments that encourage increased physical activity. In order to develop skin cancer prevention interventions, guidelines and policy documents for outdoor settings on shade, it is vital to understand factors that influence shade UV protection in the Irish setting, which is based on recent scientific research. Findings from this research will help inform work planned with groups responsible for management of outdoor play areas to identify means of maximising skin protection including shade structures. This piece of research will also be used to help inform shade structures for other outdoor spaces in Ireland such as public parks, schools and outdoor sporting facilities.
The role of this position is:
In detail the objective of the role is:
The research must inform a practical design component, and the final report must include:
Faculty of Science & Engineering
School of Architecture and Product Design
Contract Type: Specific Purpose
Salary Scale: €34,129 - €44,311 per annum pro rata (maximum starting salary €34,129)
University of Limerick is a research-led, energetic and enterprising institution with a proud record of innovation and excellence in education and scholarships. We value creativity, curiosity and excellence in our inclusive community which is committed to social good. Our motto Eagna chun Gnímh translates as Wisdom for Action reflecting our mission to contribute to the discovery of new knowledge for a better world.
Informal enquiries regarding the post may be directed to:
Dr Louise Kiernan
School of Architecture and Product Design
University of Limerick
Email: [email protected]
Application Instructions
The closing date for receipt of applications is Friday, 3rd July 2026
Applications must be completed online before 12 noon, Irish Standard Time on the closing date.
Please note your application must include:
A letter of introduction and a current CV indicating how you meet the criteria outlined in the Job description.
A completed online application form.
Please email [email protected] if you experience any difficulties
Applications are welcome from suitably qualified candidates.
Further information for applicants and application material is available online from: University of Limerick Vacancies
We are committed to upholding the principles of fairness, equality, and transparency in pay, in line with the EU Pay Transparency Directive (Directive (EU) 2023/970)
Please click on the Apply button below for the full job description and application instructions.
Many thanks for your interest in this role.
Apply
Title of Post: Research Assistant in Design for Healthcare - Playground Sun Protective Structure
JOB SYNOPSIS
Research Assistant in Design for Healthcare - Playground Sun Protective Structure.
The National Skin Cancer Prevention Plan (2023-2026) is aimed at tackling the most common type of cancer in Ireland. The plan focuses on the fact that most skin cancers could be prevented by protecting skin from the sun and not using sunbeds. Action area 7.6 of the plan is to 'Conduct research and an evaluation to assess the use and effectiveness of shade in a range of settings in Ireland'. Children are particularly vulnerable to UV radiation during childhood. Children's skin is more vulnerable to damage from UV, and this damage is cumulative, adding up over a lifetime. UV exposure during the first 10-15 years of life makes a disproportionately large contribution to lifetime risk of skin cancer. Shade provision is a proven strategy to reduce UV exposure. The provision of shade, either natural or constructed structures, should be an essential element when planning for and developing public spaces such as playgrounds. If outdoor environments do not provide sufficient shade this can place great demands on individuals to protect themselves from UV radiation. While UV radiation is the main area focused for this research piece other benefits of providing shade include heat reduction, mitigating climate change, protection from the elements such as wind and rain, providing energy savings and the provision of comfortable outdoor environments that encourage increased physical activity. In order to develop skin cancer prevention interventions, guidelines and policy documents for outdoor settings on shade, it is vital to understand factors that influence shade UV protection in the Irish setting, which is based on recent scientific research. Findings from this research will help inform work planned with groups responsible for management of outdoor play areas to identify means of maximising skin protection including shade structures. This piece of research will also be used to help inform shade structures for other outdoor spaces in Ireland such as public parks, schools and outdoor sporting facilities.
The role of this position is:
- To assess the use and effectiveness of shade structures in Irish outdoor play areas. This work aims to provide evidence to inform policy and regulatory measures in the context of Ireland's National Skin Cancer Prevention Plan 2023-2026.
In detail the objective of the role is:
- To evaluate UV protection effectiveness of existing shade structures in outdoor recreation settings in Ireland such as playgrounds and public parks via a shade audit.
- To map current distribution of UV-protective shade in a sample of playgrounds in urban and rural settings.
- To assess compliance with international UV protection standards for shade in outdoor play areas.
- To develop design solutions and recommendations for future implementations.
The research must inform a practical design component, and the final report must include:
- Identification and justification of suitable materials for a UV-protective shade structure.
- Development of an appropriate design concept for a shade structure informed by the research findings, including considerations of all-weather types, durability, safety, sustainability, and effectiveness in UV protection.
Faculty of Science & Engineering
School of Architecture and Product Design
Contract Type: Specific Purpose
Salary Scale: €34,129 - €44,311 per annum pro rata (maximum starting salary €34,129)
University of Limerick is a research-led, energetic and enterprising institution with a proud record of innovation and excellence in education and scholarships. We value creativity, curiosity and excellence in our inclusive community which is committed to social good. Our motto Eagna chun Gnímh translates as Wisdom for Action reflecting our mission to contribute to the discovery of new knowledge for a better world.
Informal enquiries regarding the post may be directed to:
Dr Louise Kiernan
School of Architecture and Product Design
University of Limerick
Email: [email protected]
Application Instructions
The closing date for receipt of applications is Friday, 3rd July 2026
Applications must be completed online before 12 noon, Irish Standard Time on the closing date.
Please note your application must include:
A letter of introduction and a current CV indicating how you meet the criteria outlined in the Job description.
A completed online application form.
Please email [email protected] if you experience any difficulties
Applications are welcome from suitably qualified candidates.
Further information for applicants and application material is available online from: University of Limerick Vacancies
We are committed to upholding the principles of fairness, equality, and transparency in pay, in line with the EU Pay Transparency Directive (Directive (EU) 2023/970)
Please click on the Apply button below for the full job description and application instructions.
Many thanks for your interest in this role.
Apply
