Scientific Project Officer

Scientific Project Officer

Fixed term contract (2 years),  Level D

Individual-Led Research

About Taighde Eireann - Research Ireland

Taighde Eireann - Research Ireland is the national research and innovation funding agency, which was established on 1 August 2024; it amalgamates the activities of the Irish Research Council and Science Foundation Ireland. Research Ireland will drive world-class research and innovation in Ireland, funding excellence in all disciplines across the spectrum of Arts, Engineering, Humanities, Mathematics, Science, Social Sciences, Technology and others.

We are now recruiting for a Scientific Project Officer (SPO) to join the Individual-Led Research team within  Research for Society  on a fixed term (2 year) contract basis. This represents an exciting career opportunity for suitably qualified individuals to be part of, and to influence, highly ambitious, innovative and potentially high-impact research programmes.

About the Role :

Research Ireland is currently seeking to fill a fixed term (2 year) Scientific Project Officer role on the Individual-Led Research team. Excellent scientific, analytical and  project management skills are essential for Research Ireland to deliver an ambitious programme that funds excellent research with high impact.

Research for Society  leads on programmes that fund individual-led research grants for researchers at all career stages, international partnership programmes, global talent recruitment and PhD training programmes such as Innovate for Ireland. It leads on the development and delivery of a suite of challenge-based funding initiatives, including the 'National Challenge Fund', and also leads on the Public Service Fellowship, forging researcher-policymaker collaboration. In addition, it leads on the delivery of a broad portfolio of Education and Public Engagement initiatives and funding calls, including flagship activities such as Science Week.

Job Description

Working under the direction of a Scientific Programme Manager in the Individual-Led Research team, the Scientific Project Officer will :

Support the development and management of new and existing programme calls within the Individual-led Research team

Support the management of review processes, including the review of proposals, preparation of review documentation, organisation of international peer review panels

Contribute to the post-award management and evaluation processes for a portfolio of grants (including budget management), organising and conducting of progress reviews

Plan and execute programme activities in a timely and accurate manner

Essential criteria

Hold a PhD in a STEM discipline with a minimum of 3 years of relevant experience, preferably in a theme relevant to ICT / Physical Sciences

Demonstrate a solid research track record and knowledge of good research practice and research assessment

Be results-oriented with the ability to multitask, prioritise, meet deadlines and manage competing and changing priorities in a dynamic environment

Have excellent collaboration skills and enjoy working in teams

Have proven project management experience

Be an influential communicator with excellent writing and interpersonal skills

Have a professional and positive attitude and a willingness to undertake occasional travel, typically within Ireland

Key Competencies

Project Management

Specialist Technical Knowledge and Expertise

Knowledge of Research Assessment practices

Analysis and Decision Making

Interpersonal, Team-working and Communication Skills

Planning and organising

Application Process

To apply for this post, applicants must :

• Submit a cover letter demonstrating how the applicant meets the requirements for this role (maximum of two pages) as set out in the job specification together. Please note that the cover letter is essential and applications without a cover letter will not be assessed
• Provide an up-to-date CV.
• Applications must be submitted as one document.
• Applications shall only be accepted online through our online applicant management system, Occupop, on or before 12 noon Irish Local Time on  Friday 11th July 2025 .

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend for an interview, which may include a competency-based interview, a presentation on a topic of relevance to the role and / or other such assessment methods as deemed appropriate. Research Ireland reserves the right to invite candidates to a second-round interview and to undergo further assessment, including the use of psychometric assessment if so required. Please note, interviews may take place over videoconference or other remote technology where appropriate.

Salary

The starting salary for this post will be €51,511 per annum for new entrants to the Public Sector. This salary will rise over time, as per the salary scale detailed below.

Level D salary scale :   €50,501 - €73,985  per annum with contributory superannuation (pension).

Government policy continues to be that starting pay on recruitment from open competition for all posts within the public sector should be at the minimum of the relevant salary scale and are not subject to negotiation. Remuneration may be adjusted from time to time in line with Government policy.

Benefits

Additional Information

Please note, interviews will take place in person at Research Ireland's office.

The role will be based in the Research Ireland office located in Three Park Place, Hatch Street Upper, Dublin 2, Ireland, D02 FX65.

Research Ireland is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace that values and benefits from the diversity of our workforce. We encourage you to reach out to us directly at  recruitment@researchireland.ie  should you require assistance or reasonable accommodation during the recruitment process with Research Ireland.