Head of Research Centres

About SFI

SFI is the national foundation for investment in research in the areas of STEM, which assists in the development and competitiveness of industry, enterprise and employment in Ireland. We also promote and support STEM education and engagement to improve awareness and understanding of the value of research to society and to support the careers pipeline.

Our Vision is that "Ireland will be a global innovation leader in scientific and engineering research for the advancement of Ireland's economy and society."

Our Mission is that "Science Foundation Ireland funds excellent and impactful research and talent and shapes the future of Ireland through anticipating what's next and widening engagement and collaboration."

Our Strategy, Shaping Our Future, aims to unlock the potential of Irish research to meet current challenges and seize future opportunities, with two core ambitions: Delivering Today and Preparing for Tomorrow.

We are now recruiting a Head of Research Centres to join our Science for the Economy Directorate. This is 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 Head of Research Centres, you will play a critical role in the delivery of the organisation's mission.

The Research and Innovation Bill 2024, provides for the establishment of a new National Research and Innovation Funding Agency through the amalgamation of Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) and the Irish Research Council (IRC). Subject to the completion of the legislative process, it is expected that Taighde Eireann - Research Ireland will be established in 2024. Employees of Science Foundation Ireland would become employees of Research Ireland.

The Role

Science Foundation Ireland is seeking candidates for the position of Head of Research Centres within the Science for the Economy Directorate, which has overall responsibility for coordinating an ambitious suite of competitive programmes that seed and scale research collaborations between industry and academia.

Key strategic goals for the Directorate are to grow and evolve SFI's Research Centres and other key enterprise facing programmes, to improve SME and entrepreneur engagement, to facilitate the acceleration of research to commercialisation and to increase researcher exchange mechanisms.

The successful candidate will lead the Research Centres team and will overall have responsibility for the performance management of SFI's portfolio of Research Centres and Co-Centres, the management of Research Centre funding programmes and will lead on cross-cutting functions within the Directorate.

Key responsibilities:

Provide effective leadership and performance management of the team, supporting their development and well-being and helping them to achieve their maximum potential.

Work collaboratively as a member of Senior Management to support implementation of the organisational strategy and development of annual plans.

Drive strategic development of the programme in line with national strategy, including Impact 2030[1] and Project Ireland 2040[2]

Lead on the performance management of Centres and the development of underpinning policies and procedures.

Collaborate with colleagues across government departments and agencies to ensure a cohesive approach to ecosystem development.

Develop and nurture relationships and engage effectively with other key stakeholders (both internal and external) to promote and maximise the impact of the State's investment.

Lead on the management of new competitive funding calls.

Essential criteria:

Hold a PhD in a STEM discipline.

Have significant relevant experience, with a minimum of 5 years professional experience post PhD ideally in academia or industry.

Demonstrate a strong research track record and knowledge of good research practice.

Proven experience in leading a high-performance, results-focused team.

Proven ability to work at a strategic level yet also drive daily execution.

Strong attention to detail.

Have excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with proven experience in developing and leveraging stakeholder networks.

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

Ability to work well under pressure, demonstrating integrity, energy, and resilience.

Have a strong work ethic and positive attitude, aligned to delivering the objectives and goals of the organisation.

Proven ability to deal with ambiguity through analytical and problem-solving capabilities.

Willingness to travel in order to deliver effectively on the role.

Key Competencies:

Communications & Influencing

Stakeholder & Client Service

Initiative and Creativity

Personal Effectiveness

Teamwork

Leadership

Flexibility & Resilience

Problem Analysis & Resolution

Project Management

Respect & Integrity

Application Process:

To apply for this post, applicants must submit a cover letter demonstrating how they meet the requirement for this role (maximum of two pages) as set out in the job specification together with an up-to-date CV.

Applications must be submitted as one document online through the online applicant management system Occupop on or before Thursday 27th June '24

Salary Scale:

This position will be a permanent Level F role. The starting salary for this post will be €101,894 per annum, for new entrants to the Public Sector. This salary will rise over time, as per the salary scale detailed below.

Level F salary scale: €101,894 to €118,467 per annum with 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. Remuneration may be adjusted from time to time in line with Government policy.

Benefits:

Competitive salary with defined progression through the grade, pension scheme (Public service Single Scheme), life insurance, income protection, 30 days annual leave, learning and development opportunities.

SFI currently operates a hybrid/flexible working model.

Additional information

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. SFI 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 video-conference or other remote technology where appropriate.

The role will be based in the SFI office located in Three Park Place, Hatch Street Upper, Dublin 2, Ireland, D02 FX65. SFI operates a blended/flexible working model. Science Foundation 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 should you require assistance or reasonable accommodation during the recruitment process with Science Foundation Ireland.

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