Research Professor – International Economics

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 110 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. 

Academic collaborations are an important dimension of our research, and we enjoy strong collaboration and engagement with industry stakeholders.

The Team

The Competitiveness, Trade and FDI research area currently has a small team covering research topics in international trade, foreign direct investment, technological change, innovation, productivity, and the digital economy. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing and expanding the scope of research and for growing their own team of researchers over time, in line with the development of funding opportunities. 

Role Description

The overall purpose of the role will be to conduct research and guide an expansion of research activities covering International Trade, FDI and Supply Chains. There will be a particular emphasis on research leadership in terms of driving forward an evidence-based research agenda in these areas.

The successful candidate will also be expected to:

• Generate relevant high-quality research papers which can be published in both international peer-reviewed journals and domestically oriented policy papers, with opportunities to disseminate research findings to stakeholders and at conferences;
• Lead the development of new research projects and programmes and contribute to other areas of Institute research, in line with skillset and funding opportunities;
• Develop their own research programmes and projects on issues relating to international economics;
• Contribute to policy development and debates in areas related to research expertise;
• Grow, lead and manage  research teams in areas of related research.

Skills, Qualifications and Experience

The successful candidate will have:

• A PhD in Economics or related discipline;
• An exceptional and sustained record of high-quality peer-reviewed publications reflecting a recognised reputation as an international leader in their discipline;
• Demonstrated track record of winning major competitive research awards and tendered research commissions, preferably at Principal Investigator level;
• Excellent project management and co-ordination skills and evidence of successful delivery of multiple major research projects;
• Senior and effective leadership in the organisation of research, through activities such as leading international research collaborations, leading international advisory and review panels in relation to research and scholarship and/or senior editorial positions;
• Extensive experience of successful relationship management with policymakers and interaction with the policy system in Ireland and internationally;
• Evidence of direct policy impact of research output;
• Evidence of successful management of multiple researchers and research teams;
• Excellent communication, writing and interpersonal skills;
• Excellent presentation skills and experience of translating research findings for diverse audiences;
• Flexibility and capacity to contribute to other areas of ESRI research.

Location

ESRI, Whitaker Square, Sir John Rogerson’s Quay, Dublin 2. Applicants should note that staff currently 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. Further details can be provided at interview.

Terms & Application Procedure

Appointment will be at Research Professor grade. A mapping of ESRI grades to the corresponding grades in the Irish University system is set out below. Appointments at Research Professor are normally made on five-year, fixed-term contracts and basic starting salary for new entrants to the Irish public service will be €148,293, which is the first point of the salary scale. Benefits include 30 days paid annual leave, membership of the Single Public Service Pension Scheme and non-pensionable pay of 15% of basic salary.  The successful candidate will be eligible for tenure, subject to assessment.

The role is full-time (35 hours per week - standard working hours are 0930 - 1730, Monday – Friday; flexible working hours and patterns are supported). The appointee will also hold an adjunct position at Trinity College Dublin. Secondment arrangements may be considered for eligible candidates. Prospective candidates are encouraged to contact hr@esri.ie for further information on the terms and conditions of this position.

Closing date for applications is Friday 31 October 2025 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 presentation and final interview. Preliminary interviews will be conducted online; final stages of the selection process may be conducted in person.

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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