Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Behavioural Science

The Behavioural Research Unit at the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) wishes to appoint a Postdoctoral Research Fellow. Candidates will be considered from a range of disciplines, including but not limited to behavioural economics, experimental psychology and decision science. This is a 3-year fixed term position.

The Institute

The ESRI, 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. We have over 100 staff including economists, sociologists and other social scientists, in addition to support and technical staff.

The results of the Institute’s research, and the policy implications that flow from it, have been the subject of a huge range of publications by ESRI staff over the last six decades. All research projects undertaken by the ESRI have a significant public good element and results are published without restriction.

The Institute has excellent facilities and a supportive atmosphere, with a particular emphasis on team-based research. 

The Behavioural Research Unit (BRU)

The Behavioural Research Unit (BRU) is a team of behavioural economists and psychologists who carry out behavioural research for multiple government departments and agencies. The BRU deploys a broad range of research methods, but specialises in designing and conducting laboratory, online and field experiments to diagnose policy problems and test potential solutions. Much of the BRU’s work focuses on behaviours linked to financial, environmental and health outcomes. Candidates are strongly advised to visit www.esri.ie/bru.

Role Description

The job is to design, programme and conduct original experiments tailored to the investigation decisions and behaviours of relevance to environmental, health and financial outcomes. The post requires strong quantitative and experimental research skills. The BRU relies on strong teamwork and the successful candidate will reflect this.

Skills, Qualifications and Experience

Candidates should have a background in behavioural economics, experimental psychology, decision science, or a closely related discipline. In addition to the abovementioned qualities, the successful candidate will have:

• A Ph.D. in a relevant discipline (completed or nearing completion)
• A strong research record
• Broad knowledge of relevant literature in applied behavioural science
• Capability with statistical software packages and techniques
• Strong writing, presentation and communication skills
• Scientific curiosity and enthusiasm

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.  This arrangement is running on a pilot basis. Full details will be provided at interview.

Terms & Application Procedure

The standard working week is 35 hours, i.e., 09.30-17.30, Monday – Friday; (flexible working hours are supported). Appointments will be on a three-year, fixed-term contract basis. The starting salary will be €49,818 which is the first point of the ESRI Administrative Officer (Higher) salary scale. 

Closing date for applications is 27 August at 5pm. All applications will be acknowledged. Late or incomplete applications will not be processed.

The selection process will consist of a preliminary interview and, for candidates successful at that stage, a final interview, presentation, and written assessment. The ESRI is currently conducting selection processes via videoconference (MS Teams or Zoom).

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion are fundamental values in our Strategic Plan.  We recognise that a diverse workforce brings a range of perspectives and experiences that foster innovation and enriches our research. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, irrespective of age, disability, ethnicity, gender identity, nationality, marital status, family status, religion, sexual orientation, or socio-economic background.    As such we particularly welcome applications from under-represented groups.