Research Fellow (Post-Doctoral Researcher) in Economics

The Department of Economics, School of Social Sciences and Philosophy, Trinity College Dublin, seeks to appoint a Research Fellow to join the Understanding Determinants of Future Vehicle Demand (UDev) project. The primary purpose of this post is to contribute to research examining future car demand, with a particular focus on electric vehicles, hybrid technologies, mobility behaviour, and the economic drivers shaping long-term transport patterns in Ireland.

This position provides an exciting opportunity to contribute to research addressing key societal challenges related to sustainable mobility, energy transition, and climate policy. The successful candidate will have a strong research profile in economics, with expertise in behavioural economics applied to transport or energy. They will be expected to undertake advanced research, publish in high-quality international journals, engage with stakeholders, and disseminate findings through academic and policy-focused outputs.

The Department is seeking to appoint a motivated and talented researcher who will become an integral member of the UDev project team. The appointee will contribute to innovative research on the determinants of future vehicle demand and support the development of evidence-based policy recommendations. Working under the direction of Professor Eleanor Denny, the successful candidate will undertake advanced discrete choice and econometric modelling, manage and analyse complex datasets, present research findings at international conferences, and contribute to the academic life of the School.

Post Status: Specific Purpose Contract – Full-Time. The appointment is linked to the UDev project and is expected to commence on 20 July 2026 or shortly thereafter.

Hours of Post: 39 hours per week (full-time).

Salary: Appointment will be made on the IUA Research Fellow Scale in line with Government Pay Policy (€67,214–€73,239 per annum), commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Closing Date: 12 Noon (GMT), 30 June 2026.

Project Deliverables

• Submission of a peer-reviewed journal article on behavioural aspects of future car use.
• Development of a policy paper for a non-specialist audience.
• Delivery of a workshop in collaboration with the Trinity Sustainability Office.
• Presentation of research findings at international conference(s).

Person Specification

Applicants must possess:

• A PhD in Economics.
• Significant postdoctoral research experience in transport, energy, or related economic fields.
• A strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals.
• Expertise in discrete choice methods and advanced econometric modelling.
• Experience managing and analysing large and complex datasets.
• Excellent communication, organisational, and collaborative skills.

Experience in energy policy, electric vehicle adoption, mobility behaviour, machine learning, interdisciplinary research, or policy engagement is desirable.

Applications

Applicants should submit:

• A cover letter (maximum two pages) outlining their suitability for the role.
• A full Curriculum Vitae, including publications.
• Names and contact details of two referees.

Applications should be submitted to Alexandra Erofei-Trefil at recruit.economics.sssp@tcd.ie, quoting “Research Fellow in Economics” in the subject line.

Informal enquiries may be directed to Professor Eleanor Denny at dennye@tcd.ie.

Trinity College Dublin is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from talented individuals of all backgrounds.

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