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 – Healthy people through excellent research and applied knowledge. Our mission is to improve people’s health and enhance healthcare delivery. 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 National Health Information System Unit (NHIS) within the HRB currently manages four national health information systems in the areas of drugs and alcohol, disability and mental health.  All of these aim to generate timely and accurate data at a national level to assist with service planning and monitoring of key policies in the areas identified as well as reporting at national, EU and international levels.  A key aspect of the HRB’s work in this area in this current strategic planning phase is to implement the HRB LINK system which is an initiative designed to redevelop the functionality of the existing systems.

 

Key responsibilities of the post of Senior Researcher (NHIS)

The HRB is seeking to recruit a Senior Researcher in the NHIS Unit.    The key responsibilities of the post are set out below.

 Implement strategy and policy

  • Contribute, through the Head of Unit, to policy, strategy formulation and implementation of change for the Unit.
  • Monitor, evaluate and keep the Head of Unit informed of progress in implementing the corporate strategy asit relates to the health information systems.
  • Assist with the preparation of the health information systems’ input to HRB business plans and to quarterly and annual reports.
  • Support a co-ordinated approach across the Unit on key policies, processes and issues.

Build a high-performance team

  • Manage a number of teams working on the HRB’s drugs and alcohol information systems in accordance with the HRB’s performance management and development system.
  • Ensure professional development of staff working on the information systems through training and mentoring.
  • Support the internal communications strategy and employee relations processes of the HRB.

Network with and influence stakeholders

  • Promote the value of the HRB’s information systems with relevant government departments, the Health Service Executive, and other agencies.
  • Represent the HRB on expert groups at national, EU and international levels as required.
  • Undertake public promotion of the findings and policy implications of the health information systems’ work 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 information systems.

Secure and manage resources

  • Negotiate for and secure the resources (finance and staff) from national bodies to implement the objectives of the business plan relating to the national health information systems.
  • Manage the annual budgets in conjunction with the Head of Unit.
  • Oversee the operating effectiveness and costs of the information systems and take action to improve effectiveness.
  • Make recommendations to the Head of Unit on the staffing levels for the information systems teams and implement when agreed.
  • Contribute to senior management resources meetings on a regular basis.

Manage and improve information systems

  • Develop the services and activities of the information systems in line with the objectives of the HRB Corporate Strategy and other relevant strategic plans.
  • Continuously improve data management processes in accordance with HRB policies and national and EU guidelines.
  • Prepare and implement a data quality improvement plan for the information systems.
  • Prepare and provide reports to the Head of Unit on the evaluation and continuous improvement activities of the information systems.
  • Ensure compliance with all legislative requirements.
  • Monitor the quality of the team’s information and research outputs and ensure that they comply with international best practice.

Support research using the health information systems

  • Contribute to the development of research opportunities associated with the HRB’s information systems.
  • Write and supervise writing of publications using data from the information systems.
  • Contribute to peer review articles using the HRB’s health information as required.

Support the work of the Irish National Focal Point to the European Union Drugs Agency (EUDA)

  • Contribute to the work of the Irish Focal Point for the EUDA.
  • Prepare and produce assigned EUDA Workbooks.
  • Ensure EUDA standard tables are submitted on time.
  • Write Drugnet articles as required.

 

 

Essential knowledge and experience

This role profile reflects the grade/responsibilities appropriate to Senior Researcher (Grade VIII) in the HRB and maps approximately to a Civil Service role at Assistant Principal Officer level.  Competencies incorporated into the role profile reflect the competency framework issued in conjunction with the Civil Service PMDS for 2013 which has been adapted by the HRB.

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

Formal requirements include:

  • The successful candidate must have at a minimum, achieved a NFQ Level 9 Qualification (Master’s Degree). Note, qualification must be a Research-based post graduate degree in a relevant area to this role.
  • A background in epidemiology or public health would be an advantage.
  • They must have a minimum of five years’ research experience, with at least two at a senior level.

Desirable criteria:

The successful applicant will ideally have the following skills and experience:

  • Knowledge of the addiction area.
  • Project and team management experience.
  • A track record in publications, preferably in peer-reviewed journals.
  • Experience of working with national and international agencies.
  • Expertise in quantitative and qualitative research methods.
  • Expertise in using statistical package(s) (such as SPSS).
  • Experience in analysing surveillance systems or large datasets.

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 this post is in Appendix A.

 

Reporting relationship

The Senior Researcher will report to the Head of Unit, NHIS.

Salary scale                     

Senior Researcher           €82,258 – 99,213

Note:  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

Please submit a cover letter and curriculum vitae by email to recruitment@hrb.ie. You must include the name of the post that you are applying for in the email subject line.

 

 

Closing Date for applications is 26 September 2025 at 12:00 NOON

NOTE:  Interviews will take place on 14 October 2025.

 

If you require further information, please contact Karen O’Donnell, HR Officer at recruitment@hrb.ie or please refer to the Recruitment page on the HRB website at http://www.hrb.ie/about/recruitment/ 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.

 

 Please note:      

Applicants must be legally entitled to work in Ireland at the time of appointment. Proof of entitlement may be requested during the recruitment process.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Appendix A:       Core competencies – Senior Researcher (NHIS)

Teamwork and Leadership

  • Works with the team to facilitate high performance, developing clear and realistic objectives and addressing any performance issues should they arise.
  • Provides clear information and advice as to what is required of the team.
  • Strives to develop and implement new ways of working effectively to meet objectives.
  • Leads and participates in the team by example, coaching and supporting individuals as required.
  • Places high importance on people development, training and maximising the skills and capacity of the team.
  • Is flexible and willing to adapt, positively contributing to the implementation of change.

Analysis and Decision-Making

  • Gathers and analyses information from relevant sources, weighing up a range of critical factors.
  • Takes account of any broader issues and related implications when making decisions.
  • Uses previous knowledge and experience in order to guide decisions.
  • Makes sound decisions with a well-reasoned rationale and stands by these.
  • Puts forward solutions to address problems.
  • Judgement and decision-making.
  • Identifies key stakeholders in work processes and ensure that they are involved in communications and decision-making.
  • Ensures that identified tasks meet the goals and objectives set out in annual business plans.

Management and Delivery of Results

  • Takes responsibility and is accountable for the delivery of agreed objectives.
  • Successfully manages a range of different projects and work activities at the same time.
  • Is logical and pragmatic in approach, delivering the best possible results with the resources available.
  • Completes and delegates work effectively, providing clear information and evidence as to what is required.
  • Applies appropriate systems/ processes to enable quality checking of all activities and outputs.
  • Practices and promotes a strong focus on delivering high quality customer service, for internal and external customers.

Interpersonal & Communication Skills

  • Builds and maintains contact with colleagues and other stakeholders to assist in performing own role.
  • Acts as an effective link between staff and senior management.
  • Encourages open and constructive discussions around work issues.
  • Projects conviction, gaining buy-in by outlining relevant information and selling the benefits.
  • Treats others with diplomacy, tact, courtesy and respect, even in challenging circumstances.
  • Presents information clearly, concisely and confidently when speaking and in writing.

Drive and Commitment

  • Strives to perform at a high level, investing significant energy to achieve agreed objectives.
  • Demonstrates resilience in the face of challenging circumstances and high demands.
  • Is personally trustworthy and can be relied upon.
  • Ensures that customers are at the heart of all services provided.
  • Upholds high standards of honesty, ethics and integrity.

Specialist Knowledge, Expertise and Self Development

  • Has a clear understanding of the roles, objectives and targets of self and team and how they fit into the work of the unit and organisation and effectively communicates this to others.
  • Has high levels of expertise and broad Public Sector knowledge relevant to his/her area of work.
  • Focuses on self-development, striving to improve performance.

 

For further information, please visit HRB Grade VIII Competency Framework