Research Officer in Sociology

The Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) has a long-established tradition of sociological research, and we wish to recruit a sociologist with strong quantitative skills to add to our team. This is a tenure-track position, and the appointment will be made at Research Officer level.

The Institute

The Economic and Social Research Institute, founded in 1960, is located in Dublin’s South Docklands area. Our mission is to produce high quality research, relevant to Ireland’s economic and social development, with the aim of contributing to knowledge and informing policymaking and public debate.

Sociological Research

The successful candidate will join the Social Research Division of the ESRI, which consists of a multi-disciplinary team of sociologists, economists, epidemiologists, psychologists, health service researchers and statisticians. Divisional research areas include social inclusion and equality; health and quality of life; migration and integration; education; employment and workplace; wellbeing of children and young people; behavioural research; and taxation, welfare and pensions. The Institute has excellent facilities and a supportive atmosphere, with a particular emphasis on team-based research.  All research has an empirical focus, and strong quantitative research skills (including the use of advanced statistical methods) are essential. We also undertake mixed methods research involving both qualitative and quantitative elements.  All projects/programmes are undertaken with a view to publication in academic journals and/or policy reports and all contributions are recognised in the attribution of authorship.  ESRI research also has a strong policy focus, allowing the successful candidate the opportunity to interact with policymakers.  The Institute aims to contribute to an understanding of Irish society and to inform Irish social policy but also has a strong record of collaborative research with other European institutions and encourages comparative projects.  ESRI staff members are affiliated to Trinity College Dublin, providing opportunities for collaboration and interaction.  We are strongly committed to ongoing staff training and development, and researchers are supported to participate in international conferences and networks.  

Role Description

The ESRI is seeking to recruit a Sociologist who will contribute to intellectual and project leadership. The successful candidate will therefore be expected to have the leadership skills and experience necessary to lead more junior researchers. The person appointed will also be expected to raise research funds and to engage frequently with policy-makers and stakeholders. A PhD in Sociology is essential, and preference will be given to candidates with expertise in one or more of the following: social stratification, social inclusion, equality or related fields. As with all researchers at the ESRI, the successful candidate will be expected to produce high-quality research which can be published in both international peer-reviewed journals and domestically-oriented policy papers and reports.

Skills, Qualifications and Experience

The successful candidate will have:

• A PhD in Sociology;
• Idealy 4 years’ post-doctoral experience or equivalent for appointment at RO level
• Very strong quantitative skills, including experience of longitudinal data analysis;
• A strong background in social stratification, social inclusion, or equality research;
• A strong track record of publication in leading international, peer-reviewed journals;
• Flexibility and capacity to contribute to other areas of ESRI research;
• Experience of translating research findings for diverse audiences;
• Excellent presentation skills with experience in presenting at seminars and conferences;
• Experience of writing successful grant applications/funding proposals;
• Research/project management & leadership skills;
• Capacity to undertake independent research on policy-relevant issues including developing relevant research questions;
• Proven experience in engaging with policy makers and other stakeholders;
• Excellent communication, writing and interpersonal skills;
• Proven ability to work independently and within a highly motivated team;
• Experience of delivering high quality outputs to tight deadlines.

Location:

ESRI, Whitaker Square, Sir John Rogerson’s Quay, Dublin 2. Applicants should note that staff have the option of working remotely from their home in Ireland on a ‘blended’ basis with a minimum requirement of one day per week (or as business requires) based in the ESRI office. The arrangement will run on a pilot basis for up to a year. Full details will be provided at interview.

Terms & Application Procedure

Appointment will be at Research Officer grade. A mapping of ESRI grades to the corresponding grades in the Irish University system is set out below. Appointments at Research Officer are normally made on five-year, fixed-term contracts and basic starting salary for new entrants to the Irish public service will be €59,370, which is the first point of the salary scale. Benefits include 30 days’ paid annual leave, membership of the Single Public Service Pension Scheme and additional non-pensionable pay of 7% of basic salary.  The successful candidate will be eligible for tenure, subject to assessment.

The role is full-time (35 hours per week - standard working hours are 0930 - 1730, Monday – Friday; flexible working hours are supported). The appointee will also hold an adjunct position at Trinity College Dublin. Secondment arrangements may be considered for eligible candidates. Prospective candidates are encouraged to contact jobs@esri.ie for further information on the terms and conditions of this position.

To apply, please click on the ‘Apply’ button above

The closing date for applications is 5pm on 22 March 2024. All applications will be acknowledged. The selection process will consist of a preliminary interview and, for candidates successful at that stage, a final interview and presentation. The preliminary stage of the selection process will be held via videoconference and the final stage may be held in person. Late or incomplete applications will not be processed. 

The ESRI is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to accommodating the needs of people with disabilities to enable them to participate in the selection process. Please let us know if you have any requirements should you be invited for assessment/interview or that you wish us to account for when considering your application.