Research Fellow (Post-Doctoral Researcher)

We seek to appoint an experienced Research Fellow (Post-Doctoral Researcher) to join the GLOMoL research team in the Department of Sociology, School of Social Sciences and Philosophy, Trinity College Dublin. The post is offered on a specific purpose, full-time contract. GLOMoL is a European Research Council (ERC) funded project led by Professor Mark Ward, focused on a global country-comparative study of the macro- and individual-level causes and consequences of loneliness. The appointment is expected to commence on 1st September 2026 or shortly thereafter.

The successful applicant will have a background in quantitative sociology or a related social science discipline, with demonstrated experience in comparative and/or longitudinal data analysis. The candidate should also have a strong interest in ageing and the social determinants of health. The role requires advanced data analysis skills and experience working with complex longitudinal survey data using tools such as Stata, R, or equivalent software.

This post provides an exciting opportunity to contribute to a major ERC-funded research programme developing a unique longitudinal, cross-national data infrastructure that integrates individual- and macro-level indicators to advance understanding of loneliness across societies. The successful candidate will apply advanced multi-level and longitudinal analytical techniques to complex datasets and contribute to high-impact international research outputs.

The Research Fellow will be expected to conduct a specified programme of research under the supervision of the Principal Investigator, engage in appropriate training and professional development, and contribute to the dissemination of research findings through publications and presentations. The post holder will also mentor junior researchers as appropriate and contribute to administrative tasks associated with the project. This role offers the opportunity to contribute to a highly collaborative, interdisciplinary research environment and to support the development of innovative data-driven approaches to understanding loneliness.

The appointee will be expected to contribute to cross-cultural and comparative research, support research dissemination activities, and, where appropriate, engage with stakeholders and contribute to project coordination and data harmonisation activities. The successful candidate will play a key role in delivering a world-leading research programme funded under the European Research Council Consolidator Award (2026–2031).

Post Status: Specific Purpose Contract – Full-time

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

Salary: Appointment will be made on the IUA Post-Doctoral Researcher Scale, at PD1 Points 1–6 (€47,273–€53,925) or PD2 Point 1 (€55,399), depending on experience and in line with Government Pay Policy.

Closing Date: 12 Noon (GMT), Wednesday 15th July 2026

Applications should be submitted to Ms Lorraine Ivers at recruit.sociology.sssp@tcd.ie, quoting “PD - GLOMoL” in the subject line.

Applicants must submit:

• Cover letter (maximum 2 pages, outlining suitability for the role)
• Full Curriculum Vitae, including list of publications
• Names, affiliations, and contact details of two referees (including email addresses)

Informal enquiries should be directed to Professor Mark Ward at wardm8@tcd.ie.

Further information is available via https://www.tcd.ie/hr/vacancies/

Trinity College Dublin is Ireland’s leading university, ranked 75th in the QS World University Rankings 2026. Founded in 1592, Trinity is internationally recognised for excellence in research, teaching, and innovation. The university has over 20,000 students and a strong global research profile spanning the arts, humanities, social sciences, engineering, science, and health sciences.

Trinity is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates.

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