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 2021-2025, Health research – making an impact, (https://www.hrb.ie/strategy-2025/).

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 organised site visits

·         Travelling to Coroners’ offices around the country

·         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 or a suitable professional qualification in a relevant field.

  • They must have a minimum of three years’ appropriate professional experience.

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.
  • Proven experience in making meaningful contribution to a high-performing professional team.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
  • 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. The complete list of core competencies  for the Medical Researcher (NHIS) role is listed in Appendix A.

 

 

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)   €56,757 – 69,3412.

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 Thursday 07 August 2025

Interviews for this position are expected to take place on Tuesday 26 August 2025. Please note, the interviews will be conducted in person at our HRB offices.

If you require further information, please contact Karen O’Donnell, HR Officer 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.

 

 

 

 

Appendix A:       Core competencies: – Medical Researcher (NHIS)

Leadership Potential

  • Is flexible and willing to adapt, positively contributing to the implementation of change
  • Contributes to the development of policies in own area and the broader Department / Organisation
  • Seeks to understand the implications of taking a particular position on issues and how interdependencies need to be addressed in a logical and consistent way
  • Maximises the contribution of the team, encouraging ownership, providing support and working effectively with others
  • Formulates a perspective on issues considered important and actively contributes across a range of settings

 

Analysis & Decision Making

  • Quickly gets up to speed in a complex situation, rapidly absorbing all relevant information/data (written and oral)
  • Uses numerical data skilfully to understand and evaluate business issues
  • Identifies key themes and patterns in and across different sources of information, drawing sound and balanced conclusions
  • Sees the logical implications of taking a particular position on an issue
  • Is resourceful and creative, generating original approaches when solving problems and making decisions

 

Delivery of Results

  • Assumes personal responsibility for and delivers on agreed objectives/ goals
  • Manages and progresses multiple projects and work activities successfully
  • Accurately estimates time parameters for projects and manages own time efficiently, anticipating obstacles and making contingencies for overcoming these
  • Maintains a strong focus on meeting the needs of customers at all times
  • Ensures all outputs are delivered to a high standard and in an efficient manner
  • Use resources effectively, at all times challenging processes to improve efficiencies

 

Interpersonal & Communication Skills

  • Communicates in a fluent, logical, clear and convincing manner verbally and in writing
  • Is able to listen effectively and develop a two-way dialogue quickly
  • Maintains a strong focus on meeting the needs of internal and external customers
  • Effectively influences others to take action
  • Works to establish mutual understanding to allow for collaborative working
  • Works effectively with a broad range of stakeholders to achieve objectives

 

Drive and Commitment to Public Service Values

  • Consistently strives to perform at a high level
  • Maintains consistent effort under pressure and is resilient to criticism or setbacks at work
  • Demonstrates high levels of initiative, taking ownership for projects and demonstrating self sufficiency
  • Is personally trustworthy and can be relied upon
  • Places the citizen at the heart of all process and systems
  • Upholds the highest standards of honesty, ethics and integrity

 

Specialist Knowledge, Expertise and Self Development

  • Clearly understands the role, objectives and targets and how they fit into the work of the unit and Organisation
  • Develops the expertise necessary to carry out the role to a high standard and shares this with others
  • Is proactive in keeping up to date on issues and key developments that may impact on own area, the Department and/ or wider public service
  • Consistently reviews own performance and sets self-challenging goals and targets
  • Has significant expertise in his/her field that is recognised and utilised by colleagues