The HRB seeks to recruit 2 Senior Researchers in the HRB Evidence Centre. HRB Grade 8 Job Family (consisting of R&I V, Services V and Senior Researcher 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 – for better health through excellent research, data and evidence. The HRB’s 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 HRB Evidence Centre was formed in 2011 and conducts evidence syntheses to inform health policy and decision-making. Our evidence supports the formulation of recommendations, which is the role of policy-makers at the Department of Health. The Centre also contributes to the HRB’s key role in research on alcohol and other drugs.

 

Key responsibilities of the post of Senior Researcher (Evidence)

Build a high-performance team to deliver on a programme of evidence products each year

  • Manage team of research officers, agency staff and/or contractors working on evidence products in accordance with the HRB’s performance management and development system.
  • Ensure professional development of staff working on evidence products through training, mentoring and giving varying experiences.
  • Liaise with senior information officer on evidence products.
  • Induct and mentor new research officers.
  • Support the internal communications strategy and employee relations processes of the HRB.

Develop and implement strategy and policy

  • Contribute, through the Head of HRB Evidence Centre, to policy, strategy formulation and implementation of strategic change in the HRB and the HRB Evidence Centre.
  • Monitor, evaluate and keep the Head of HRB Evidence Centre informed of the progress of the corporate strategy implementation plan as applied to Centre.
  • Assist with the preparation of the HRB Evidence Centre’s input to HRB business plans and to quarterly and annual service reports.
  • Support a co-ordinated approach across the Centre on key policies, processes and issues.
  • Contribute to the development of new evidence product methodologies and approaches (including the use of AI)

Network with and influence stakeholders

  • Promote the value of the HRB Evidence Centre with the Department of Health, the Health Service Executive, and other agencies.
  • Represent the HRB on expert working groups at national and international level as required.
  • Undertake public promotion of the findings and policy implications of the HRB Evidence Centre’s work (alongside the lead research officer for each project) with government agencies, media, interest groups, and the international research community.
  • Deal with communications, public relations and stakeholder management activities and work with the Communications Team of the HRB to ensure that the HRB is represented positively and accurately to media, the public and stakeholders in relation to the HRB Evidence Centre.

Secure and manage resources

  • Manage the annual budgets in conjunction with the Head of HRB Evidence Centre.
  • Oversee the operating effectiveness and costs of the HRB Evidence Centre’s and take action to improve effectiveness.
  • Commission evidence products through the HRB procurement process where necessary
  • Make recommendations to the Head of the HRB Evidence Centre on the staffing levels for the Evidence Team and implement them when agreed.
  • Contribute to senior management resources meetings on a regular basis

Manage and improve HRB Evidence Centre’s work and processes

  • Develop the services and activities of the HRB Evidence Centre in line with good practice research guidelines, the objectives of the HRB Corporate Strategy and other relevant strategic plans.
  • Continuously improve research and management practices in accordance with HRB policies and procedures.
  • Prepare and implement a continuous improvement plan for HRB Evidence Centre work and work processes.
  • Prepare and provide reports to the Head of the HRB Evidence Centre on the evaluation and continuous improvement activities of the Evidence team and its annual programme of work, such reports to include output, timeliness, and use of products.
  • Develop and manage systems to gather information from policy makers on the effectiveness of the evidence products.
  • Monitor the quality of the team’s information and research outputs and ensure that they comply with international best practice.
  • Employ updated and new evidence product methodologies and approaches (including the use of AI)

Support research using evidence products

  • Write and supervise the writing of publications using data from evidence products.
  • Provide research advice to staff working in the HRB Evidence Centre.
  • Write sections of HRB corporate publications, HRB Annual Reports, and peer review articles as required.

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

 

Essential requirements

The successful candidate must have at a minimum, achieved a  NFQ Level 9 Qualification (Master’s Degree) and ideally at NFQ Level 10 (PhD Doctoral degree). Note, qualification must be a Research-based post graduate degree in a relevant area to this role.

The successful candidate must have at a minimum:

  • Background in at least two of the following: biostatistics/epidemiology, health economics, psychology, public health, and/or sociology would be an advantage (see above)
  • A minimum of five years’ research experience, with at least two at a senior level (research project lead with completed research outputs preferably systematic reviews)
  • Project management training and experience
  • A track record in publishing systematic review type publications, preferably in peer-reviewed journals, and
  • Experience of working with Government departments and national agencies to turn policy questions to research questions.

Desirable requirements include

  • Ability to work on multiple projects to tight deadlines is essential.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Demonstrate an ability to deliver a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
  • Confidentiality and discretion will be important attributes for this role.

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.

In general, the competencies for this role include the following:

  • Demonstrates a clear understanding of the roles, objectives and targets of self and team and how they fit into the work of the HRB Evidence Centre and organisation and effectively communicates this to others.
  • Has high levels of expertise and broad Public Sector knowledge relevant to evidence for policy.
  • Focuses on self-development, striving to improve performance.

The complete list of core competencies for this post is in Appendix A.

Reporting relationship

The Senior Researcher will report to the Head of the HRB Evidence Centre.

Salary scale

Salary Range for Senior Researcher (Grade VII)  € 81,444 – € 98,231

This post is a permanent, full-time position

Appointment will be made in accordance with the Department of Health guidelines. New entrants 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 30 May 2025

Interviews for this position are expected to take place during the week of the 23 June to 27 June 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

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 – Senior Researcher (HRB Evidence Centre)

Leadership

  • Actively contributes to the development of the strategies and policies of the Department/ Organisation
  • Brings a focus and drive to building and sustaining high levels of performance, addressing any performance issues as they arise
  • Leads and maximises the contribution of the team as a whole
  • Considers the effectiveness of outcomes in terms wider than own immediate area
  • Clearly defines objectives/ goals & delegates effectively, encouraging ownership and responsibility for tasks
  • Develops capability of others through feedback, coaching & creating opportunities for skills development
  • Identifies and takes opportunities to exploit new and innovative service delivery channels

Judgement, Analysis & Decision Making

  • Researches issues thoroughly, consulting appropriately to gather all information needed on an issue
  • Understands complex issues quickly, accurately absorbing and evaluating data (including numerical data)
  • Integrates diverse strands of information, identifying inter-relationships and linkages
  • Uses judgement to make clear, timely and well grounded decisions on important issues
  • Considers the wider implications, agendas and sensitivities within decisions and the impact on a range of stakeholders
  • Takes a firm position on issues s/he considers important

Management & Delivery of Results

  • Takes responsibility for challenging tasks and delivers on time and to a high standard
  • Plans and prioritises work in terms of importance, timescales and other resource constraints, re-prioritising in light of changing circumstances
  • Ensures quality and efficient customer service is central to the work of the division
  • Looks critically at issues to see how things can be done better
  • Is open to new ideas initiatives and creative solutions to problems
  • Ensures controls and performance measures are in place to deliver efficient and high value services
  • Effectively manages multiple projects

Interpersonal & Communication Skills

  • Presents information in a confident, logical and convincing manner, verbally and in writing
  • Encourages open and constructive discussions around work issues
  • Promotes teamwork within the section, but also works effectively on projects across Departments/ Sectors
  • Maintains poise and control when working to influence others
  • Instills a strong focus on Customer Service in his/her area
  • Develops and maintains a network of contacts to facilitate problem solving or information sharing
  • Engages effectively with a range of stakeholders, including members of the public, Public Service Colleagues and the political system

Specialist Knowledge, Expertise and Self Development

  • Has a clear understanding of the roles objectives and targets of self and the team and how they fit into the work of the unit and Department/ Organisation
  • Has a breadth and depth of knowledge of Department and Governmental issues and is sensitive to wider political and organisational priorities
  • Is considered an expert by stakeholders in own field/ area
  • Is focused on self development, seeking feedback and opportunities for growth to help carry out the specific requirements of the role

Drive & Commitment to Public Service Values

  • Is self motivated and shows a desire to continuously perform at a high level
  • Is personally honest and trustworthy and can be relied upon
  • Ensures the citizen is at the heart of all services provided
  • Through leading by example, fosters the highest standards of ethics and integrity