Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Education

The Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) wishes to appoint a Postdoctoral Research Fellow, who will work in the education research area.

The Postdoctoral Research Fellow will work on a diversity of projects, using quantitative, qualitative and mixed-method research approaches. It is envisaged that projects will include research on school policy and practice, further and higher education, educational programmes and the experiences of different groups of students (such as students experiencing socio-economic inequality, students with additional educational needs) across the education system.

The successful candidate will join the Social Research Division of the ESRI, which consists of a multi-disciplinary team of sociologists, psychologists, economists, neuroscientists, health service researchers, epidemiologists and statisticians, working in the areas of education; health and quality of life; behavioural economics; taxation, welfare and pensions; and social inclusion and equality.

The ESRI is now inviting applications from researchers in education or related fields (sociology, social policy, psychology or economics) for this three-year Postdoctoral Research Fellowship. A panel may be formed from this selection process should similar vacancies arise within the next 6 months.

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. 

Research at the ESRI

ESRI researchers contribute to the development of public policy across a range of issues by providing timely evidence, which shapes national and international debates. The ESRI has a number of research programmes with government departments and agencies, where a wide range of policy issues are examined by ESRI researchers. 

As well as providing evidence to inform policy, ESRI researchers publish high-quality academic research, and may have the opportunity to engage in teaching and other research activities at Trinity College Dublin, which has a strategic alliance with the ESRI. The ESRI is also involved in the development and collection of some of the key longitudinal data sources in Ireland including Growing Up in Ireland (GUI) and The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA).

Role Description

The successful candidate will ideally have a background and experience in education research but candidates with a background in sociology, social policy, psychology or economics will also be considered. They will join a team of experienced researchers analysing issues around inequality in education, curriculum and assessment in education, and the experiences of students with additional educational needs. They will use a range of quantitative and qualitative research methodologies to examine these, and related, issues. The projects will include national studies, as well as cross-national comparative research funded under the Horizon Europe programme. Opportunities to collaborate with researchers on other projects across the Institute will also be available. In addition, the role will involve:

• Leading on, and contributing to, the analysis of quantitative and qualitative data;
• Writing and contributing to peer-reviewed journal articles and policy briefs arising from the research findings;
• Communicating with key stakeholders and co-ordinating stakeholder events.

Skills, Qualifications and Experience

The successful candidate should be able to demonstrate the following:

Essential

• A PhD in education or a related field (sociology, social policy, psychology, economics);
• Strong quantitative research methods, including longitudinal data analysis techniques, are essential;
• Qualitative research methods including qualitative interview skills, qualitative analysis skills are desirable;
• Strong computer skills including proven ability in using quantitative data analysis packages (e.g. use of SPSS, STATA) and qualitative data analysis packages (e.g. use of NVivo);
• Academic writing skills and experience;
• Excellent communication skills;
• Strong organisational and administrative skills with the ability to prioritise objectives;
• The ability to work on one’s own initiative as well as in a team environment;
• Willingness to undertake training and career development.

Desirable

• Peer-reviewed publications;
• Postdoctoral research experience;
• Research experience in a related field;
• Experience in writing research grant proposals.

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. 

To apply for this role, please click on the 'Apply' button above.

Closing date for applications is 10 September 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.