Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Education

Applications are open to researchers in education or related fields (sociology, social policy, psychology or economics).  A panel may be formed from the 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.

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

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.  

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 studies on children and young people’s participation in cultural activities and their online engagement and behaviour.  Opportunities to work on projects in social inclusion, equality and migration may also be available.  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 will have:

Essential

• A PhD (or close to completion) 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;
• Research experience in a related field.

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 €50,318 which is the first point of the ESRI Administrative Officer (Higher) salary scale. 

Closing date for applications is 29 May 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. 

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