Applications are invited for a full-time, temporary post (12-18 months) of Post-Doctoral Researcher in the Office of the Independent COVID-19 Evaluation.
Reporting to the Chair of the Independent COVID-19 Evaluation Panel, the Post-Doctoral Researcher will provide high level research and research administrative support for the work of the independent Evaluation.
The successful candidate will:
• Work collaboratively as part of a small, tight-knit team, taking direction from the Chair of the Evaluation Panel.
• Liaise with the Secretariat and provide necessary support to Panel Members throughout the course of the work of the Panel.
• Source and review relevant literature and develop working drafts of literature reviews, information and briefing documents and reports.
• Assist the Secretariat with data collection relating to consultations.
• Assist with data analysis, interpretation and reporting.
Additional information is available in the below Job Specification.
Salary: €44,847 - €57, 332.
Application & Closing date:
Applicants should provide a covering note outlining interest and suitability for the post, along with their Curriculum Vitae, to
[email protected] by 12 noon, Monday, 24th February 2025.
Job Specifications: Post Doctoral Researcher:
Role Profile
Applications are invited from enthusiastic, suitably qualified individuals for this 12-18 month, fixed term contract as a postdoctoral researcher in the Office of the Independent COVID-19 Evaluation Panel. This position is available immediately. The post offers an exciting opportunity to support an interdisciplinary panel evaluating the national response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This is a unique opportunity to gain an objective understanding into the overall strategy for and handling of COVID-19 in Ireland, to identify lessons learned and make recommendations to guide future decision making and generate findings that will inform health and wider policy.
Specifically, the Panel are tasked with providing a factual account of the overall strategy and approach to planning for and handling of the pandemic including the structures and processes put in place to support whole-of-Government decision-making and response.
The Panel will identify lessons learned, taking account of the overall performance of the health and social care system; and the impacts of COVID-19 and response measures, on individuals, families, communities, society and the economy. There will be a specific focus on long-term residential care facilities for older persons.
The Panel will make recommendations on guiding principles and processes which can strengthen decision-making, assist in balancing trade-offs between competing priorities and challenges, and assist in safeguarding human rights and democratic processes.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities
Reporting to the Chair of the Independent COVID-19 Evaluation Panel, the duties and responsibilities of the position include, but are not restricted to, the following:
• Identify, analyse, summarise and synthesise relevant research from the Irish and International arenas, and present to the Chair and Evaluation Panel members.
• Take responsibility for conducting a specific schedule of research under the leadership of the Chair of the Evaluation Panel.
• Liaise with the Secretariat, Evaluation Panel Members, specialist experts and key stakeholders, as required.
• Support the public consultation process.
• Lead on conducting evidence synthesis, comprehensive and systematic reviews.
• Conduct secondary data analysis of relevant data and activity, interpreting data, comparing with existing literature, and reporting findings.
• Complete briefing reports and data write-up, including drafts for publication.
• Contribute to interim progress updates.
• Handle confidential information and data in an appropriate manner.
• Liaise with the Secretariat and carry out any other duties within scope and purpose of the position as requested by the Chair of the Evaluation Panel.
Minimum Criteria
Applicants must have a PhD in a health-related area or other relevant discipline (for example, social science, economics, psychology, bioethics, allied health, data science, health services research).
In addition, it is desirable that the individual has:
• 2/3 years postdoctoral research experience.
• Experience of research in health/healthcare or a relevant related area.
• Experience in secondary data analysis.
• Experience in a range of data analysis research skills.
• Understanding of operational requirements for successful project management.
• Evidence of a research profile and publication record.
• Ability to communicate well with team members and external stakeholders.
• Excellent teamwork and collaboration skills.
Candidates will be assessed on the following competencies:
Discipline knowledge and Research skills – Demonstrates knowledge of a research discipline and the ability to conduct a specific programme of research within that discipline.
Communicating Research – Demonstrates the ability to communicate their research with their peers and the wider community.
Managing & Leadership skills - Demonstrates the potential to manage research and evaluation projects.
Essential Training
The postholder will be required to undertake standard necessary compliance training, and broader training as/if required.
Salary Scale: IUA Postdoctoral Researcher Salary Scale €44,847 - €57, 332.
Appointment will be commensurate with qualifications and experience within the Postdoctoral Researcher Salary Scale. This is a full-time role, however, part-time or job share arrangements may be considered.
Closing date: 12 noon, 24th February 2025.
Informal Enquiries in relation to this role should be directed to:
Emily Whelton at:
[email protected]
