HRB Grade VI Job Family (consisting of R&I III, Researcher II, Services III grades)

Background

The Health Research Board (HRB) is a statutory agency under the aegis of the Department of Health. As the lead agency in Ireland responsible for supporting and funding health research, generating health information and promoting the use of evidence in policy and practice, we are motivated and inspired by our vision – better health through excellent research, data and evidence. The Health Research Board’s (HRB) mission is to support research that improves people’s health, promotes evidence-informed care and creates solutions to societal challenges. An overview of the HRB’s objectives and activities may be found in The HRB Strategy 2026-2030, Bringing research to life (https://www.hrb.ie/hrb-strategy-2026-2030/).

The NHIS Unit in the HRB manages four national health information systems on behalf of the Department of Health.  These systems 1) produce data and information to assist the Department with policy and planning 2) enable the HSE to report on its service planning processes and 3) generate research that is relevant to both policy and practice.  Small teams of researchers and analysts work to generate reports from the data collected.

 

Key responsibilities of the post of Medical Researcher (NHIS)

The HRB is now seeking to recruit a full time, permanent Medical Researcher to work on the HRB’s National Drug-related Deaths Index (NDRDI) within the NHIS Unit.

Duties will include (but are not limited to):

The main tasks associated with the post are to review closed coronial files and collate the data on the NDRDI database according to an agreed protocol, working with other members of the NDRDI data collection team as directed.

The core tasks undertaken as part of the work include:

Collecting data (including):

  • Liaising with Coroners to organise site visits
  • Travelling to Coroners’ offices throughout Ireland
  • Reviewing files in Coroners’ offices
  • Recording the relevant data onto LINK (the HRB’s on-line database)
  • Matching coronial data with other data sources as required

Entering, coding and validating data (including):

  • Entering data as required (on or off site) in line with the data entry protocol
  • Coding the data in line with data coding protocol
  • Ensuring the completeness and accuracy of the data by:
    • Processing a suite of routine validations for data cleaning
    • Reviewing outputs of data cleaning files and updating data where required
    • Developing additional cleaning processes where required
    • Liaising with the team and other project partners in relation to feedback on the data cleaning processes.

Updating and maintaining NHIS protocols (including):

  • Updating the data collection and other protocols
  • Updating Coronial contact information on LINK
  • Updating as required the files/templates for cleaning, coding and analysing data

Assisting with analysis and dissemination of data (including):

  • Assisting with production of annual publications
  • Assisting with other reports, research papers, journal articles, as appropriate
  • Contributing to steering committee and other governance group meetings as appropriate
  • Presenting papers at meetings or conferences as appropriate
  • Completing and/or assisting with annual reporting requirements for EU/international organisations, as required.

Assisting with LINK system management (including):

  • Checking/testing database functionality
  • Contributing to the enhancement/redevelopment of the LINK data collection system.

Other duties may be assigned from time to time depending on need. This is a team-based role, and teamwork and coordination with others are crucial. 

 

Essential knowledge and experience

Essential requirements include:

The successful candidates must have a minimum of an NFQ Level 8 qualification (Honours level Degree) and a medical, nursing or allied health professional background.

  • They must have a minimum of three years’ appropriate professional experience.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Proven experience in making meaningful contribution to a high-performing professional team.
  • Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.

The successful candidate must be able to demonstrate a consistently high level of attention to detail and accuracy.

Desirable requirements include:

  • Previous research experience collecting and coding large scale datasets.
  • Proficient in MS Office, Outlook and SharePoint.
  • Experience with SPSS or other similar statistical packages.
  • Previous experience with report writing.

 

 

Competencies

Competencies incorporated into this role profile reflect the competency framework issued in conjunction with the Civil Service Competency Framework which has been adopted by the HRB.  A comprehensive list of expected competencies can be found here.

 

Reporting relationship

The Medical Researcher will report to the NDRDI’s Research Officer or designate.

 

Salary scale:

Salary Range for Medical Researcher – NHIS (Grade VI   €58,477- €71,442 (Scale @ 01 June 2026)

Note:  this post is a permanent, full-time position.

Appointment will be made in accordance with the Department of Health guidelines. New entrants to the public service will be appointed at the first point of the scale.

 

 

How to apply

To apply, please submit a cover letter and curriculum vitae by email to recruitment@hrb.ie

Closing date for applications is 12.00 Noon on 14 October 2026

Interviews for this position are expected to take place on 2 November 2026. Please note, the interviews will be conducted in person at our HRB offices.

 

If you require further information, please contact Ruth Bourke HR Generalist at recruitment@hrb.ie or refer to the recruitment page on the HRB website at https://www.hrb.ie/hrb_career/ for full details on this campaign.

 

The Health Research Board is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. We do not discriminate based on gender, age, race, religion, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, membership of the Travelling community or family status. If you have a disability and require accommodations to be made during the recruitment process, please contact HR in advance and we would be happy to assist.