Research Officer - Behavioural Research Unit The Behavioural Research Unit at the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) wishes to appoint a Research Officer. This is a tenure-track post comparable to University Lecturer/Assistant Professor level. The Institute The ESRI, founded in 1960, is located in Dublin’s South Docklands area. Our role is to provide high-quality research evidence for policy. We have over 100 staff, including economists, sociologists and psychologists, in addition to support and technical staff. The Behavioural Research Unit (BRU) The Behavioural Research Unit (BRU) is a team of behavioural economists and experimental psychologists that carries out behavioural research for multiple government departments and agencies. The BRU deploys a broad range of research methods, but specialises in designing and conducting laboratory, online and field experiments to diagnose policy problems and test potential solutions. Much of the BRU’s work focuses on behaviours linked to environmental, health and financial outcomes. Candidates are strongly advised to visit www.esri.ie/bru. Role Description The Research Officer will join a team of approximately eight economists and psychologists. The job will be to design, conduct and oversee original experiments that investigate decisions and behaviours of relevance to policy. The post-holder will engage with the entire process required to generate experimental evidence for policy: seeking and negotiating funding; communicating with funding bodies; designing, programming and running experiments; analysing data; and writing reports and papers. Management of projects and staff will also be required. The BRU relies on strong teamwork and the successful candidate will reflect this. Skills, Qualifications and Experience Applicants should have a strong background in behavioural economics, economic psychology, judgement and decision-making, or a closely related area. The post requires advanced skills of experimental investigation and a broad knowledge of relevant literature, including recent developments in applied behavioural science. In addition to the above, the successful candidate will have: - A Ph.D. or equivalent in a relevant discipline - At least 2-3 years of additional experience or, if less, an exceptional research record - A track-record of relevant publications - Strong writing, presentation and communication skills - Scientific curiosity and enthusiasm Location: ESRI, Whitaker Square, Sir John Rogerson’s Quay, Dublin 2. Applicants should note that staff have the option of working remotely from their home in Ireland on a ‘blended’ basis with a minimum requirement of one day per week (or as business requires) based in the ESRI office. The arrangement will run on a pilot basis for up to a year. Full details will be provided at interview. Terms & Application Procedure Appointment will be at Research Officer grade. A mapping of ESRI grades to the corresponding grades in the Irish University system is set out below. Appointments at Research Officer are normally made on five-year, fixed-term contracts and basic starting salary for new entrants to the Irish public service will be €59,370, which is the first point of the salary scale. The successful candidate will be eligible for tenure, subject to assessment. The role is full-time (35 hours per week - standard working hours are 0930 - 1730, Monday – Friday; flexible working hours are supported). The appointee will also hold an adjunct position at Trinity College Dublin. Secondment arrangements may be considered for eligible candidates. Prospective candidates are encouraged to contact jobs at esri.ie for further information on the terms and conditions of this position. The closing date for applications is 5pm on 27 June 2023. All applications will be acknowledged. The selection process will consist of a preliminary interview and, for candidates successful at that stage, a final interview and presentation. The preliminary stage of the selection process will be held via videoconference and the final stage may be held in person. Late or incomplete applications will not be processed. The ESRI is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to accommodating the needs of people with disabilities to enable them to participate in the selection process. Please let us know if you have any requirements should you be invited for assessment/interview or that you wish us to take into account when considering your application.
