Royal College Of Surgeons (Rcsi) | Postdoctoral Researcher On Mitigating Air Pollution (Map) Impact Project (Pd2)

Job Title: Postdoctoral Researcher on Mitigating Air Pollution (MAP) Impact Project Department: Public Health and Epidemiology Reporting to: Prof. Debbi Stanistreet, Associate Professor of Public Health Location: RCSI, St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2 Contract/Duration Specified Purpose, full- time (36 Months) Remuneration: Post-Doctoral Researcher Salary Scale - starting at Point 1 PD2 up to a maximum of PD2 Point pa) Closing Date: 17th January 2025 RCSI is a community of academic, research, clinical and professional staff working collaboratively to lead the world to better health.
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Background to the research project: The World Health Organization has identified air pollution as one of the greatest environmental risks to health.
Reducing the impact of air pollution on health is therefore a global priority and it is vital that effective policy is implemented to address the health impacts, in order to reduce morbidity, healthcare costs and premature death.
Compounding the need for immediate action is a recent EPA report, showing Ireland being considerably behind on all EU greenhouse gas targets, with the current trajectory suggesting we won't meet the EU enforced targets by 2030.
The overall concept behind this project is underpinned by a public health approach to air pollution mitigation and adaptation.
A public health approach enables consideration of equity, from a policy perspective.
Disadvantaged communities are often the most exposed to air pollution, often living in travel corridors into and out of a city, and using more polluting forms of fuel for heating their homes.
Reviewing policy in the light of equity considerations will not only ensure that risk is reduced for the most disadvantaged but will also be more likely to lead to engagement of these communities in subsequent behavior change, as well as help to inform the development of communication strategies.
The synthesis of best international evidence on air pollution mitigation and adaptation, will inform policy and practice in an Irish context and ensure that proposed policies and practices are based on the best available evidence.
In addition, the link between air pollution and health is often overlooked since air pollution cannot be seen, and it is complex to measure and understand individual health risk.
Making the relationship between air pollution and health tangible at a local level, by demonstrating impact on hospitalisations, is an effective means of emphasising the relationship between air pollution and health and will contribute to behaviour change at all levels as well as providing information on who is most at risk.
Our global evidence-informed and local data-driven approach will inform our collaborations with key stakeholders in Ireland.
All main stakeholders, including Local Authorities, Government Departments, the Health Service Executive (HSE), the National Health Intelligence Unit (NIHU), Irish Doctors for the Environment, Asthma Society Ireland, the Irish Heart Foundation, and other NGOs, will be invited to contribute to a review of policy and practice through policy dialogue workshops.
This will ensure that multiple perspectives are represented in the final project outcome.
Responsibilities of the Researcher: We are seeking to recruit a post-doctoral researcher with excellent skills in quantitative analysis.
The post-holder will ideally be familiar with epidemiological research, working with aggregated population level data, using advanced statistical methods.
Additionally, the post-holder will work alongside a secondary post-doctoral researcher, collaborating on a systematic review, including the screening process, as well as translational work in the late stages of the project.
The post-holder will support the two PIs in undertaking all necessary activities, and will participate in data acquisition, analysis, write up and publication of findings, supported by a research assistant.
Additionally the post-holder will write reports to be presented to stakeholders in lay terms forming the central points of two in person stakeholder workshops.
The post-holder will need to be self-motivated, demonstrate initiative, and have proven ability to work independently and lead on literature reviewing, and evidence synthesis with a focus on translation towards health policy.
They will be educated to post-doctorate level, with significant experience of mixed-methods research and will be a member of a multi-disciplinary team, based at RCSI.
Specifically, the duties of the post are: Undertake data analysis, including the production of advanced statistical models examining associations between air pollution and health Summarize population level health data for a community audience Contribute to communications with partners and key stakeholders including preparation of reports and deliverables related to her/his responsibilities Support the preparation for research team and steering group meetings Contribute to writing high quality scientific papers Represent the best interests of the SHCP and RCSI at all times Perform such other duties as may be required.
Qualifications - (Essential): PhD level qualification (social science, public health, statistics or related field) First degree in a social science, public health, statistics or related field Knowledge & Experience - (Essential): Evidence of performing all aspects of data analysis including cleaning, linking and analysis to a publishable standard Knowledge of advanced statistical methods such as spline modeling and structural equation modeling Computer skills including use of all standard packages including Excel Strong scientific writing skills and experience, with track record of publications Excellent communication skills and interpersonal skills Strong organisational and administrative skills with the ability to prioritise objectives and work to deadlines The ability to work on own initiative as well as in a team environment Flexibility to work irregular hours on occasion Ability to work in a multicultural environment Knowledge & Experience - (Desirable): Experience in (or with) the health sector We are all too aware that imposter syndrome and the confidence gap can sometimes stop fantastic candidates putting themselves forward, so please do submit an application - we'd love to hear from you.
Application Process Please apply online through the RCSI careers portal on the closing date with your CV and cover letter.
Informal Enquiries can be directed to .
Please note we do not accept CVs directly.
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We offer a wide range of benefits in areas including time away, finance, community, health, and well-being and insuring your financial future.
In addition to our city centre campus and world-class facilities, there are a wide range of excellent benefits available to our employees, including: Onsite gym €10 per month Flexible working arrangements Automatic enrolment to a pension scheme for all employees (Willis Towers Watson, pension documents outlined below) RCSI Investment Guide Pension Scheme Guide Benefits Schedule Life assurance/death in service Long term illness/disability income replacement Free advice on health/motor and home insurance Discounted services, including GP Support for parents and carers Taxsaver commuter tickets BiketoWork Free eye test at the National Optometry centre €12/day for parking for all RSCI staff in the St. Stephens green/RCSI car park RCSI's Learning and Development team facilitate and provide training opportunities for all staff Sports and social club Opportunities to volunteer in the community 26.5 days leave - 20 days annual leave plus 6.5 days Privilege days - In addition to your annual leave entitlements and public holidays, RCSI also grants privilege days to our employees (paid time off during Easter and Christmas periods).
We also offer a number of leave options to support the working lives of our employees.
Paid maternity leave Paid Paternity leave Parental leave Note: This job description may be subject to change to reflect the evolving requirements of the Department and RCSI.
Similar vacancies that arise in the next 6 months may be filled from the pool of applicants that apply for this position.
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Eligibility to work in Ireland is a requirement of this role, Proof of eligibility documentation will be required at a later date.
Under limited and specific circumstances (research/ specialist roles) RCSI may be in a position to seek a hosting agreement and/or work permits.
Employees are required to undertake 6 months service in their current role before applying for other internal opportunities, unless agreed in advance by the SMT representative