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 research and innovation excellence in all disciplines across the spectrum of Arts, Engineering, Humanities, Mathematics, Science, Social Sciences, Technology and others.
We are now recruiting for Researcher Training & Innovation Project Officer to join the Research for Society Directorate on an 18 months fixed term contract basis. This represents an exciting career opportunity for a suitably qualified individual to be part of, and to influence, highly ambitious, innovative and potentially high impact research programmes.
As a Researcher Training & Innovation Project Officer, you will play a critical role in the delivery of Research Ireland's mission. Successful candidates will initially be assigned to one of the teams on the basis of current business needs.
About the Role
This role is central to the Challenge Team and will work across all challenges currently underway, supporting a portfolio of ambitious research programmes tackling real-world issues. Every team funded under a Challenge call is provided with a range of training opportunities including in areas such as Theory of Change, Design Thinking, Evidence-based Entrepreneurship, Communications, and Impact Pathway development. This support provided by the Challenge Research team includes coordinating and managing a range of learning and development initiatives as well as ensuring training opportunities are maximised. This role will play a critical role in supporting the development and co-ordination of these training initiatives, as well as identifying the training needs of new research teams in upcoming challenges.
The Training and innovation Officer will work closely with colleagues and external partners to coordinate the delivery of engaging training, development, and innovation-related activities, while also identifying emerging needs and shaping new initiatives. This is a varied and collaborative role, with scope to contribute to programme development and to influence how we support research teams to maximise their impact.
Accountabilities
Working under the direction of their line manager, the Training and Innovation Officer will:
Coordinate and support the development and delivery of new and existing training supports associated with challenge programmes.
Develop and manage new and existing training supports associated with other programmes e.g. Innovate for Ireland.
Organise and manage events associated with innovation, entrepreneurship, and engagement activities.
Support business development activities including engagement with potential partners and collaborators.
Contribute to building relationships with researchers, end-users of research, and other stakeholders.
Monitor, track and report on feedback to improve supports provided to researchers.
Contribute to the development of the post-award management.
Conduct training reviews and prepare reports for management on outputs and achievements.
Key Stakeholders
Funded Researchers, Research Office Staff, Training Providers.
Responsibilities
Management of new and existing training supports- we have a number of existing relationships with training providers through our Challenge programmes.
Support role for other Challenge-related activities.
Responsibility for coordinating inputs from multiple stakeholders to support researcher development initiatives.
Sourcing new training ideas to maximise impact amongst funded research teams
Performance Metrics
High levels of satisfaction amongst those who will benefit from the role holder's support.
Number of training sessions
Number of researchers, end-users, and stakeholders engaged through training, workshops, or events. Completion and timeliness of training reviews and reports
Evaluation plan to assess participant attitudes to training delivered by RI in terms of (a) satisfaction, (b) usefulness and (c) learning outcomes.
Contribution to development and refinement of new initiatives.
Role Criteria and Competencies
Essential Criteria:
1 to 3-years relevant experience in programme coordination, project management, innovation support, policy, research support, or a related area.
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 a strong communicator with excellent writing and interpersonal skills.
Possess analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
Desirable criteria:
Experience supporting innovation, engagement, business development, or researcher development initiatives.
Experience contributing to the organisation or coordination of workshops, events, or learning activities.
Competencies:
Project Management
Specialist Knowledge and Expertise of research /research funding
Analysis and Decision Making
Teamwork
Initiative and Creativity
Interpersonal and Communication Skills
Application Process:
To apply for this post, applicants must submit a cover letter demonstrating how the applicant meets the requirement 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 Midday Irish Local Time on 2nd July 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 scale for the position is €53,071 to €76,227 per annum plus contributory superannuation pension.
Please note that Government policy continues to be that starting pay on recruitment from open competition for all posts within the public service should be at the minimum of the relevant salary scale and are not subject to negotiation.
Please note that new entrants to the public sector will be appointed at the minimum point of the salary scale. Remuneration may be adjusted from time to time in line with Government policy.
Benefits
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29 days annual leave per annum.
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Defined Benefit Pension Scheme (Single Public Service Scheme)
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Favourable Hybrid / Blended working policy for employees.
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Subsidised canteen.
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Long term illness income protection.
Additional information
Note: 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 currently operates a hybrid/flexible working model.
Research Ireland is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace which values and benefits from the diversity of our workforce. We encourage you to reach out to us directly at [email protected] should you require assistance or reasonable accommodation during the recruitment process with Research Ireland
