Senior Research Officer in Sociology

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 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, migrant integration, educational inequality or related fields. 

As with all researchers at the ESRI, the successful candidate will be required to produce high-quality research which can be published in both international peer-reviewed journals and domestically-oriented policy papers and reports. The appointee will be expected to contribute to enhancing ESRI involvement in European research projects, therefore links with European universities or research institutions would be an advantage. 

Skills, Qualifications and Experience

The successful candidate will have: 

• A PhD in Sociology;
• Typically, 8 years’ post-doctoral research experience;
• Very strong quantitative skills, including the ability to analyse complex longitudinal data;
• A strong background in social stratification, educational inequality, social inclusion/ equality, or migrant integration research;
• A keen interest in providing evidence for policy-making and experience in engaging with policy makers or other external stakeholders;
• Flexibility to work across research areas;
• A strong track record of publication in peer-reviewed journals;
• Proven ability to work effectively as part of a team and to deliver high-quality outputs to tight deadlines;
• Experience supervising or managing junior researchers or research teams;
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to communicate complex research findings to multiple audiences, including the media;
• Experience of writing grant applications and a record of securing research funding. 

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.  Employees are permitted to work from abroad within the EEA for a maximum of 20 days per calendar year. 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 at Senior Research Officer and above are normally made on a five-year, fixed-term contract basis. 

The successful candidate will be eligible for tenure, subject to assessment. Secondment arrangements may be considered for eligible candidates. 

A mapping of ESRI grades to the corresponding grades in the Irish University system is set out below.    

An incremental salary scale applies, and all new entrants from outside the Irish public/civil service will be required to commence employment at the minimum point of the scale, which is €93,162 per annum (of which €7,298 is non-pensionable).

Benefits include 30 days paid annual leave and membership of the Single Public Service Pension Scheme. 

The closing date for applications is 5pm (Irish time) on 03 July 2026.  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 and presentation. 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.  

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