Translational Specialist

Translational Specialist 4 Year Fixed Term Contract Research for Society About Taighde Éireann – Research Ireland Taighde Éireann – Research Ireland is the national research and innovation funding agency which was established on 1 August 2024; it amalgamates the activities of the Irish Research Council and Science Foundation Ireland.
We believe in the power of research to create a better future for society, economy and the environment in Ireland, and that research can be truly impactful when it is shaped and informed by the society it serves.
We are now recruiting for a Translational Specialist to join 'Research for Society' on a 4 year FTC basis.
This represents an exciting career opportunity for a suitably qualified individual to lead and influence a highly ambitious, innovative and potentially high impact set of research programmes.
As a translational specialist you will play a critical role in the delivery of Research Ireland's mission, particularly in supporting the delivery of the National Challenge Fund.
About the Role Research Ireland is dedicated to supporting researchers to develop solutions to complex societal challenges.
Challenge-based funding supports ambitious, highly motivated innovators to address society's most significant challenges, delivering tangible benefits over well-defined timeframes.
Challenge-based funding programmes enable research teams to contribute to solving challenges of strategic national importance, thereby sustaining and growing Ireland's competitiveness.
The Research Ireland Challenge Team is responsible for the development and implementation of a suite of challenge-based funding programmes including the large scale 'National Challenge Fund'.
Through these and other approaches, the team is responsible for providing additional supports in areas such as Theory of Change, Design Thinking and Impact Pathway development.
The Translational Specialist will develop and implement ways to support research teams in new ways to maximise the translation of research and solutions to society.
This position plays a key part in ensuring the delivery of impactful initiatives that align with the organisation's overarching mission.
Key responsibilities: Identify and develop opportunities to support research teams to translate their work into practical applications through e.g.
policy, commercialisation, and social innovation.Design, develop and deliver initiatives/interventions to enhance Challenge Research programmes, and translation of outputs.Oversee the development of robust metrics and impact evaluation to assess the effectiveness of the initiatives, and implement plans for continuous improvement.Contribute to broader organisational goals by identifying opportunities to collaborate, synergise, and support other teams and functions.Stay at the cutting edge of global best practices in translation of research and integrate emerging trends and technologies into Research Ireland initiatives.Build strong relationships with researchers, stakeholders and policymakers to enhance the reach and impact of Research Ireland initiatives.Support the design, execution, monitoring and evaluation of funding schemes and other Challenge Funding initiatives, ensuring alignment with organisational goals, requirements of partners and funders, and value for money.Manage budgets for programmes and initiatives, ensuring efficient use of resources and alignment with funding priorities.Act as spokesperson and representative for Research Ireland in national and international fora, as required.Essential criteria: Hold a third-level qualification (PhD, MBA, Masters) in a relevant discipline.At least 10 years of relevant experience, ideally in translational research, research commercialisation, entrepreneurship or a relevant related area.Proven experience in developing and implementing translational strategies within a relevant sector, such as research or technology.Demonstrated ability to work at a strategic level yet also drive daily execution.Have proven analytical, problem-solving and interpretive skills with an ability to think strategically and use sound judgement on complex issues.Be well-organised with the ability to multitask, prioritise, meet deadlines and manage competing and changing priorities in a dynamic environment.Proven experience in building and maintaining high-level relationships with diverse stakeholders, including researchers, policy-makers, investors, and entrepreneurs.Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present information in a confident, logical, and convincing manner.Experience in managing budgets.Ability to measure impact, evaluate interventions, and provide insights to inform strategic decision-making.Have a professional and positive attitude, aligned to delivering the objectives and goals of Research Ireland.Ability to work well under pressure, demonstrating integrity, energy, and resilience.Desirable criteria: Hands-on experience of research commercialisation.Experience in managing budgets.Experience working in an impact or solution-oriented environment.Understanding of the challenges and opportunities in translating research into practical applications.Experience in working within multi-/interdisciplinary research environments.Key Competencies: Ability to develop and articulate a long-term vision that aligns with organisational goals.Leadership in a dynamic environment, managing competing priorities.Management & Delivery of Results – Supporting Team Professional Development.Initiative and Creativity – Supporting novel and impactful approaches.Analysis & Decision Making.Ability to influence and advocate effectively within and beyond the organisation.Advanced Interpersonal & Communication Skills.Application Process: To apply for this post, applicants must submit a cover letter demonstrating how the applicant meets the requirement for this role (maximum of two pages) as set out in the job specification together with an up-to-date CV in one document.
Please note that the cover letter is essential. Applications must be submitted as one document online through the online applicant management system Occupop on or before 12 noon Irish Local Time on 22nd January 2025. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend for an interview, which may include a competency-based interview, a presentation on a topic of relevance to the role and/ or other such assessment methods as deemed appropriate.
Research Ireland reserves the right to invite candidates to a second-round interview and to undergo further assessment, including the use of psychometric assessment if so required.
Please note, interviews may take place over videoconference or other remote technology where appropriate.
Salary This role will be appointed at Level E. Minimum of €79,086 to €97,130 per annum plus contributory superannuation pension.
Consideration may be given to hiring an exceptional candidate, with the requisite experience, at Level F, Minimum of €102,913 to €119,661 per annum plus contributory superannuation pension.
Please note that Government policy continues to be that starting pay on recruitment from open competition for all posts within the public service should be at the minimum of the relevant salary scale and are not subject to negotiation.
Please note that new entrants to the public sector will be appointed at the minimum point of the salary scale. Remuneration may be adjusted from time to time in line with Government policy.
Benefits 30 days annual leave per annum, (+ 1 Organisation holiday day + 10 additional public holidays = 41 days).Defined Benefit Pension Scheme (Single Public Service Scheme).Favourable Hybrid / Blended working policy for employees.Subsidised canteen.Long term illness income protection.Additional information The role will be based in the Research Ireland office located in Three Park Place, Hatch Street Upper, Dublin 2, Ireland, D02 FX65.
Research Ireland currently operates a hybrid/flexible working model.
Research Ireland is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace which values and benefits from the diversity of our workforce.
We encourage you to reach out to us directly at ****** should you require assistance or reasonable accommodation during the recruitment process with Research Ireland.

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