Research Programme Officer - Research Ireland

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.

ROLE OVERVIEW

This role is designed to support and assist SPMs in the coordination and delivery of programmes and relevant activities, and will lead on projects that contribute primarily to economy outcomes. 

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Support the development and management of new and existing programme calls  
• Assist in the management of programme review processes including the identification of international peer reviewers, review of proposals, preparation of review documentation 
• Implementation of the post-award management and evaluation process for the grants (including budget monitoring), to ensure compliance, monitoring of key deliverables and impact tracking. 
• Assist in organising progress reviews and preparing associated documentation. 
• Plan and execute programme activities in a timely and accurate manner. 
• Collaborate with the communications team to identify and shape impactful stories that highlight programme achievements and communicate the value of Research Ireland's investments. 
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Key Stakeholders for the Role

• Line Manager 
• Wider Programme Team and Directorate 
• Funded Researchers 
• Reviewers and Panel Members 
• Internal Research Ireland Teams  
• Industry 
• Innovation Community 

EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS

Key Criteria

• Hold a PhD OR a Masters in with a minimum of 3 years of relevant experience. 
• Demonstrate a solid research track record and knowledge of good research practice and research assessment 
• Have a professional and positive attitude, aligned to delivering the objectives and goals of Research Ireland. 
• Be well organised 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 result-oriented and possess excellent organisational/administrative skills. 
• Be an influential communicator with excellent writing and interpersonal skills. 
• Demonstrate an ability to deal with competing priorities, demands and timelines through analytical and problem-solving capabilities. 
• Be persuasive, encouraging, and motivating with the ability to elicit cooperation from a wide variety of stakeholders, including senior management, clients, and other departments. 
• A willingness to undertake occasional travel, typically within Ireland 

Desirable Criteria

• Hold a PhD in a STEM discipline. 
• Have experience outside of academia, preferably in industry. 
• Have a strong interest in innovation, entrepreneurship or research commercialisation. 

Key Competencies

• Project Management 
• Analysis and Decision Making 
• Interpersonal, Team-working and Communication Skills 
• Stakeholder Engagement 
• 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 with an up-to-date CV. Please note that the cover letter is essential.

Applications must be submitted as one document online through the online applicant management system Cezanne on or before 12 noon Irish Local Time on 17th June 2026.

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 salary for this post will be €52,546 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: €52,546 - €75,472 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:

We offer several key Benefits and perks, such as:

      Competitive salary with defined progression through the grade

      Defined Benefit Pension Scheme (Single Public Service Pension Scheme)

      Excellent progressive Policies including a favourable Blended Working Policy, Sick Leave, and other family-friendly policies

      Modern office facilities with a subsidised canteen

      Life Insurance

      29 Days Annual Leave

      Learning and development opportunities