Lecturer in Physics, Waterford Institute of Technology
Dr Cormac O'Raifeartaigh - Physics Lecturer
What were the main ‘career decision’ milestones in your life so far?
Languages and science (physics and chemistry) in school, science in university, postgraduate life in Trinity College, early lecturing experience.
Who are the people who most influenced your career direction?
No-one really, though my dad was a scientist. I was best at languages and music, but science seemed a better choice career-wise. Also I liked the broad choice within a science degree.
Does your job allow you to have a lifestyle you are happy with?
Definitely. Academic life offers huge flexibility both time-wise and content-wise, as much of the non-teaching work is self-directed.
Some academics like to concentrate on research, some on teaching, some on both… and the holidays are the envy of every other profession. It’s particularly suitable for a skier or a surfer, as there’s plenty of time for travel!
Describe a typical day
During term-time I tend to have lectures on/off until about 3 pm. Then I get back to the office to do completely different work, either research or writing science pieces for the media.
I rarely leave before 7pm, but it’s fine because I enjoy the contrast between the two aspects of my job.
What are the main tasks and responsibilities?
The main activities are teaching and research, although I’m also involved in the communication of science to the general public.
Things can get a bit hectic during term-time as the teaching load in an institute of technology is generally larger than in a university – but it’s great to have a job that involves work in several different spheres
What are the main challenges?
The balance between teaching, research and writing about science for the public can be difficult at times. Most of the time teaching is very enjoyable, but every now and then you get landed with a senior module on a topic you never mastered yourself as a student! Then you have to get on top of it and prepare a thorough course – that can stymie any non-teaching activity for a while, very frustrating!
What’s cool?
I get to teach general introductory courses in really cool subjects like cosmology and particle physics. I have always had a general interest in these subjects myself, so it’s great fun teaching the basic concepts. I think the students really enjoy these modules too.
What’s not so cool?
Teaching is great most of the time, but new modules at third or fourth-year level can be a lot of work.
The other big bugbear is administration: there seems to be much more admin than there used to be, it can take over all the non-teaching time if you let it.
What particular skills do you bring to your workplace?
I’m told I’m very good at explaining things! I suspect this is because although I was always interested in science, it didn’t come to me naturally (like some people).
I find the ideas fascinating, but have to work hard to understand them. As a result, I tend to concentrate on getting the basic ideas across more than most lecturers.
This is probably also a useful skill in the communication of science to the public, something I’ve been working at lately.
What subjects did you take in school and how have these influenced your career path?
I was top of the class at languages and music in school, but I also chose physics and chemistry for Leaving Cert because I had a general interest in science. I’m glad I did, because it opens a lot of doors career-wise.
What is your education to date?
I spent the first year of secondary school in France. The school was huge, mixed and a very high standard. I certainly learnt French but probably not much else.
I then went to Colaiste Eoin, an all-Irish school. It was a super school for languages and music, but probably not so good for science.
The science degree at UCD was a great all-round education. I then went on to do a PhD in Trinity College – much more specialised, but an important grounding for research.
What have been the most rewarding events in your career so far?
I write the occasional Irishman’s Diary on a scientific topic for The Irish Times – I really enjoy the challenge of trying to communicate scientific ideas to the general public in a well-known literary column.
Recently, I got the job of chairing public science debates in the Science Gallery at Trinity College Dublin. That’s great fun too, though it involves quite a lot of prep.
A few months ago, I started my own science blog at http://coraifeartaigh.wordpress.com/. It’s a very useful forum for communicating scientific concepts to my students in a non-formal way
What personal qualities do you have that helps you in your career?
I like performing in public, a leftover from a previous career as a violinist. This is a great help for lecturing, and also for public talks on science etc.
What is your dream job?
One day, I’ll get to be a “Professor for the Public Understanding of Science” somewhere in the world. Then I can concentrate on writing about the importance of science in our lives, and the role of science in society.
Also I’ll have time to write the book I’ve wanted to write for years – a short book on the sub-atomic world for the layman.
What are the three most important personal characteristics required for the job?
Confidence, patience, interest in your own subject.
What kinds of work experience would provide a good background for this position?
Any form of teaching, plus a general interest in science.
