Research Impact Manager

About Taighde Éireann – Research Ireland
Taighde Éireann – 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 believe in the power of research to create a better future for society, economy, and the environment in Ireland, and that research can be truly impactful when it is shaped and informed by the society it serves.
The Research for Society Directorate leads on programmes that fund individual-led research grants for researchers at all career stages, international partnership programmes and PhD training programmes.
It also leads on the development and delivery of a suite of challenge-based funding initiatives, including the EU-funded 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.
We are now recruiting for a
Research Impact Manager
to join 'Research for Society' on a 4-year FTC basis.
This represents an exciting career opportunity for a suitably qualified individual to lead and influence and highly ambitious, innovative, and potentially high impact research programmes.
As an impact specialist you will play a critical role in the delivery of Research Ireland's mission, particularly in supporting the delivery of the National Challenge Fund.
About the Role
Research Ireland is dedicated to supporting researchers to develop solutions to complex societal challenges.
In recent years, we have developed novel approaches to supporting research teams through challenge-based or mission-oriented initiatives.
Challenge-based funding supports ambitious, highly motivated innovators to address society's most significant challenges, delivering tangible benefits over well-defined timeframes.
Challenge-based funding programmes enable research teams to contribute to solving challenges of strategic national importance, thereby sustaining and growing Ireland's competitiveness, but also providing our community with support to mobilise action on global issues.
The Research Ireland Challenge Team is responsible for the development and implementation of a suite of challenge-based funding programmes including the large scale National Challenge Fund, funded under the EU Recovery and Resilience facility and through multiple partnerships with Government bodies including Irish Aid under the Sustainable Development Goals Challenge and with the Defence Forces under the DefOrg Innovation challenge.
Through these and other approaches, the team is responsible for providing additional supports in areas such as Theory of Change, Design Thinking, and Impact Pathway development.
Challenge funding represents an approach to engaged research, which recognises that to address complex societal challenges, stakeholders, beneficiaries, and end-users should be involved in the cocreation of research activities and should inform the expected outputs and outcomes to ensure that they are meaningful and relevant.
The Translational Specialist will develop and implement ways to support research teams in new ways to maximise the translation of research and solutions to society.
This position plays a key part in ensuring the delivery of impactful initiatives that align with the organisation's overarching mission.
Key Responsibilities
Identify and develop opportunities to support research teams to translate their work into impactful applications through, for example, policy, commercialisation, and social innovation.
Design, develop and deliver initiatives and interventions to facilitate Challenge Teams enhancing the impact of their research.
Assess the effectiveness of impact initiatives and implement plans for continuous improvement.
Contribute to broader organisational goals by identifying opportunities to collaborate, synergise, and support other teams with research impact and commercialisation.
Stay at the cutting edge of global best practices in impactful research and integrate emerging trends and technologies into Research Ireland initiatives.
Build strong relationships with researchers, stakeholders, and policymakers to enhance the reach and impact of Research Ireland initiatives.
Support the design, execution, monitoring and evaluation of Challenge Funding initiatives, ensuring alignment with organisational goals, requirements of partners and funders, and value for money.
Act as spokesperson and representative for Research Ireland in national and international fora, as required.
Essential Criteria
Hold a third-level qualification (PhD, MBA, Masters) in a relevant discipline.
At least 10 years of relevant experience, ideally in translational research, research commercialisation, entrepreneurship, or a relevant related impact area.
Proven experience in developing and implementing impact strategies within a relevant sector, such as research or technology.
Demonstrated ability to work at a strategic level yet also drive daily execution.
Have proven analytical, problem-solving, and interpretive skills with an ability to think strategically and use sound judgement on complex issues.
Be well-organised with the ability to multitask, prioritise, meet deadlines, and manage competing and changing priorities in a dynamic environment.
Proven experience in building and maintaining high-level relationships with diverse stakeholders, including researchers, policy-makers, investors, and entrepreneurs.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present information in a confident, logical, and convincing manner.
Ability to measure impact, evaluate interventions, and provide insights to inform strategic decision-making.
Have a professional, positive, and enthusiastic attitude, aligned to delivering the objectives and goals of Research Ireland.
Ability to work well under pressure, demonstrating integrity, energy, and resilience.
Desirable Criteria
Experience of working with, and developing, teams
Hands-on experience of research commercialisation
Experience in managing budgets
Experience working in an impact or solution-oriented environment
Understanding of the challenges and opportunities in translating research into practical applications.
Experience in working within multi-/interdisciplinary research environments.
Key Competencies
Ability to develop and articulate a long-term vision that aligns with organisational goals
Leadership in a dynamic environment, managing competing priorities
Management and delivery of results
Supporting team professional development
Initiative and creativity
Ability to influence and advocate effectively within and beyond the organisation
Advanced 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 in one document.
Please note that the cover letter is essential and candidates will be rejected for not including one.
Applications must be submitted as one document online through the online applicant management system Occupop on or before
12 noon Irish Local Time on 26 September 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.
Interviews may take place over videoconference or other remote technology where appropriate.
Salary
This role will be appointed at €81,475 to €100,064 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.
Benefits
30 days annual leave per annum, (+ 1 Organisation holiday day + 10 additional public holidays = 41 days).
Defined Benefit Pension Scheme (Single Public Service Scheme)
Favourable Hybrid / Blended working policy for employees.
Subsidised canteen.
Long term illness income protection
Additional information
The role will be based in the Research Ireland office located in Three Park Place, Hatch Street Upper, Dublin 2, Ireland, D02 FX65, but travel around Ireland will be required on a regular basis.
Research Ireland currently operates a hybrid/flexible working model.
For this role, a minimum of two days a week in the office is required, in addition to nationwide travel as required for business needs.
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 ****** should you require assistance or reasonable accommodation during the recruitment process with Research Ireland.
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