Scientific Programme Officer

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 excellence in all disciplines across the spectrum of Arts, Engineering, Humanities, Mathematics, Science, Social Sciences, Technology and others.

We are now recruiting for 2 Scientific Programme Officers(SPO) to join the Research Centres and Enterprise Partnerships teams within Research for the Economy on 1 year fixed term contract.

About the Role:

These roles represent exciting career opportunities for suitably qualified individuals to be part of, and to influence, highly ambitious, innovative and potentially high-impact research programmes. Excellent scientific, team, analytical and project management skills are essential for roles in Research Ireland to deliver an ambitious programme that funds excellent research with high impact.

Research for the Economy has overall responsibility for coordinating an ambitious suite of competitive programmes that seed and scale research collaborations between industry and academia. A key priority is to evolve the Research Centres and other enterprise-facing funding programmes, to maximise their impact on society, economy and the environment through multi-stakeholder partnerships and enhanced researcher mobility. It also aims to drive regional innovation and entrepreneurial training through accelerating research to commercialisation within ARC Hubs.

Role Description:

Working under the direction of a Scientific Programme Manager in Research for the Economy, the role of Scientific Project Officer will:

- Support the development and management of new and existing programme calls.
- 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 higher degree in a STEM discipline with a minimum of 3 years relevant experience at the appropriate level.
- 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.

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.
- Hold a recognised qualification in project management.

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 shallonly be accepted online through our online applicant management system, Occupop, on or before 12 noon Irish Local Time on Friday 3rd October 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 €52,026 per annum for new entrants to the Public Sector. This salary will rise over time, as per the salary scale detailed below.

Salary scale: €52,026 – €74,725 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

- Competitive salary with defined progression through the grade
- Pension scheme (Single Public Service Pension Scheme).
- An excellent blended working policy
- Life insurance
- 29 days annual leave
- Learning and development opportunities.

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 at researchireland.ie should you require assistance or reasonable accommodation during the recruitment process with Research Ireland.

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