Scientific Programme Manager

Scientific Programme Manager  12-Month Fixed Term About Taighde Éireann – Research Ireland Taighde Éireann - Research Ireland is the national research and innovation funding agency which was established on 1 August 2024; it amalgamates the activities of the Irish Research Council and Science Foundation Ireland. Research Ireland will drive world class research and innovation in Ireland, funding research and innovation excellence in all disciplines across the spectrum of Arts, Engineering, Humanities, Mathematics, Science, Social Sciences, Technology and others. We are now recruiting for a Scientific Programme Manager (SPM) to join ‘Research for the Economy’ on a 12-month Fixed Term basis. This represents an exciting career opportunity for a suitably qualified individual to be part of, and to influence, highly ambitious, innovative and potentially high impact research programmes. As a Scientific Programme Manager, you will play a critical role in the delivery of Research Ireland’s mission. About the RoleIn addition to managing pre-and post-award programme delivery activities, Scientific Programme Managers actively contribute to policy and strategy development. Excellent scientific, analytical, programme management and leadership skills are essential for Research Ireland to deliver an ambitious programme which funds excellent research with high impact. SPMs will have responsibility for managing funding programmes and a portfolio of awards, depending on current and future business needs.  Research for the Economy has overall responsibility for coordinating an ambitious suite of competitive funding programmes that seed and scale research collaborations between industry and academia. A key priority is to evolve the Research Centres and other enterprise-facing funding programmes, to maximise their impact on society, economy and the environment through multi-stakeholder partnerships and enhanced researcher mobility. It also aims to drive regional innovation and entrepreneurial training through accelerating research to commercialisation within ARC Hubs.  The successful candidate will join the Research Centres team within Research for the Economy and will have responsibility for managing funding programmes and a portfolio of awards while also contributing to cross-cutting functions across other teams. Key responsibilities: ·        Development and management of new and existing programme calls aligned to Research Ireland and national research strategies to enhance research and innovation capability in Ireland.·        Management of programme review processes including the review of proposals, preparation of review documentation, conducting internal and panel reviews and evaluations.·        Development of the post-award management and evaluation process for awards.·        Management and monitoring of awards; organising and conducting site reviews and preparing associated reports, annual/final report evaluation, analysis and follow-up on issues.·        Conducting regular engagement with funded researchers and research teams to assess progress.·        Management of direct reports and mentorship of trainees.·        External stakeholder engagement, including representing the agency on national and international fora.·        Development of innovative strategic initiatives and partnerships with external stakeholders, including those in the public and private sectors.·        Provision of technical consultancy to government agencies, departments, and external stakeholders.·        Work closely with the Corporate Communications team on programme calls and strategic initiatives.Essential criteria:·        Hold a PhD in a STEM discipline.·        Have significant relevant experience, with a minimum of 5 years professional experience post PhD, relevant to the activities of Research for the Economy.·        Demonstrable strong research track record and knowledge of good research practice.·        Demonstrable excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with experience in diverse stakeholder management.·        Possess excellent planning and programme delivery skills, including proven project management experience, with an ability to work at a strategic level yet also drive daily execution, with strong attention to detail.·        Experience in managing team members.·        Have a professional and positive attitude, aligned to delivering the objectives and goals of Research Ireland ·        Be well-organised with the ability to multitask, prioritise, meet deadlines and manage competing and changing priorities in a dynamic environment.·        Proven ability to deal with ambiguity through analytical and problem-solving capabilities.·        Have excellent collaboration skills and enjoy working in teams.·        Willingness to travel in order to deliver effectively on your role. Desirable criteria:·        Expertise in physics (e.g., quantum science, photonics, materials), engineering (e.g., manufacturing), sustainability or computer science would be desirable. Prior experience of developing industry-academic partnerships and designing funding programmes.·        Experience in working within multi-/interdisciplinary research environments.·        Additional experience in one or more of the following areas would be very beneficial: knowledge valorisation (including but not limited to knowledge transfer and commercialisation), innovation and entrepreneurship, engaged research or impact evaluation. Key Competencies:Specialist Knowledge and ExpertiseProject ManagementProblem Analysis and ResolutionInterpersonal, Communication Skills and teamworkStakeholder EngagementTeam ManagementApplication Process:To apply for this post, applicants must submit a cover letter demonstrating how the applicant meets the requirement for this role (maximum of two pages) as set out in the job specification together with an up-to-date CV. Please note that the cover letter is an essential and applications without a Cover Letter will be declined.Applications must be submitted as one document online through the online applicant management system on or before 12 noon Irish Local Time on Tuesday, 27th May.Salary  The salary scale for the position will be Level E. Minimum of €80,668 to €93,073  per annum plus contributory superannuation pension. Please note that Government policy continues to be that starting pay on recruitment from open competition for all posts within the public service should be at the minimum of the relevant salary scale and are not subject to negotiation. Please note that new entrants to the public sector will be appointed at the minimum point of the salary scale. Remuneration may be adjusted from time to time in line with Government policy. Benefits  30 days annual leave per annum, (+ 1 Organisation holiday day + 10 additional public holidays = 41 days). Defined Benefit Pension Scheme (Single Public Service Scheme) A favourable Hybrid / Blended Working policy for employees. Subsidised canteen onsite.Long term Illness Income Protection.Modern office environment with excellent amenities including Quiet Room, Bike Parking, Showers, etc. Additional information  Shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend for an interview, which may include a competency-based interview, a presentation on a topic of relevance to the role and/ or other such assessment methods as deemed appropriate. Research Ireland reserves the right to invite candidates to a second-round interview and to undergo further assessment, including the use of psychometric assessment if so required.  Please note, interviews may take place over videoconference (Zoom) or other remote technology where appropriate.  A panel of successful candidates may be formed following the final interview stage. The Panel will be in place for a maximum period of 12 months and may be used to either fill similar posts at the same grade that arise, or to progress panel candidates to an automatic final interview staged for less similar, same level roles, but placement on a panel is not a guarantee of appointment to a position. The role will be based in the Research Ireland office located in Three Park Place, Hatch Street Upper, Dublin 2, Ireland, D02 FX65. Research Ireland currently operates a hybrid/flexible working model. Research Ireland is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace which values and benefits from the diversity of our workforce. We encourage you to reach out to us directly at recruitment@researchireland.ie should you require assistance or reasonable accommodation during the recruitment process with Research Ireland.