Scientific Project Officer

Scientific Project Officer12 Month Fixed Term Contract through AgencyScience for the Economy About Science Foundation Ireland  Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) is a dynamic and innovative organisation which plays a key role in the implementation of the government’s new Research and Innovation strategy, Impact 2030.  SFI is the national foundation for investment in research in the areas of STEM, which assists in the development and competitiveness of industry, enterprise, and employment in Ireland. We also promote and support STEM education and engagement to improve awareness and understanding of the value of research to society and to support the careers pipeline. Our Vision is that “Ireland will be a global innovation leader in scientific and engineering research for the advancement of Ireland's economy and society.”  Our Mission is that “Science Foundation Ireland funds excellent and impactful research and talent and shapes the future of Ireland through anticipating what's next and widening engagement and collaboration.” Our Strategy, Shaping Our Future, has been developed to unlock the potential of Irish research to meet current challenges and seize future opportunities, with two core ambitions: Delivering Today and Preparing for Tomorrow. About the Roles SFI is currently seeking to fill a full-time, fixed-term (12 months) Scientific Project Officer role through Agency. Scientific Project Officers play a critical role in the delivery of SFI's mission. This role offers an exciting career opportunity for a suitable qualified individual to be part of ambitious, innovative and potentially high impact research programmes. Excellent scientific, analytical, project management and leadership skills are essential for SFI to deliver an ambitious programme which funds excellent research with high impact.  The Science for the Economy Directorate leads on programmes that facilitate collaboration between industry and academia including the SFI Research Centres, SFI Strategic Partnerships and SFI Spokes, as well as the SFI Industry RD&I Fellowship programme and the ARC Hubs programme. The forging of strategic alliances in research and development and engagement with industry is a key objective of SFI as an important part of the State’s enterprise ecosystem, and feature strongly within the duties of the Directorate, in addition to close collaboration with government agencies, Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland.  Job Description Working under the direction of a Scientific Programme Manager, the Scientific Project Officer will:·       Support the development and management of new and existing programme calls aligned to SFI and national research strategy to enhance research and innovation capability in Ireland.·       Support the management of programme review processes including the review of proposals, preparation of review documentation, conducting internal and panel reviews and evaluations.·       Contribute to the development of the post-award management and evaluation process for the awards.·       Assist in the management and monitoring of awards (including budget management), organising and conducting progress reviews and preparing associated reports.·       Conduct programme reviews and prepare reports for management on outputs and achievements.·       Plan and execute programme activities in a timely and accurate manner.·       Partner with SFI’s Corporate Communications team on programme calls and strategic initiatives.·       Participate in public and scientific fora.·       Liaise with industry partners, project sponsors and key stakeholders, facilitating cross divisional alignment on specific project targets and goals. Essential criteria:·       Hold a PhD in a STEM or AHSS discipline or a Masters in a STEM or AHSS discipline with a minimum of 3 years’ relevant experience.·       Demonstrate a solid research track record and knowledge of good research practice.·       Have a professional and positive attitude, aligned to delivering the objectives and goals of SFI.·       Be well-organised with the ability to multitask, prioritise, meet deadlines and manage competing and changing priorities in a dynamic environment.·       Have excellent collaboration skills and enjoy working in teams.·       Have proven project management experience.·       Be result-oriented and possess excellent organisational/administrative skills.·       Be an influential communicator with excellent writing and interpersonal skills.·       Demonstrate an ability to deal with competing priorities, demands and timelines through analytical and problem-solving capabilities.·       Be persuasive, encouraging, and motivating with the ability to elicit cooperation from a wide variety of stakeholders, including senior management, clients, and other departments.·       A willingness to undertake occasional travel. Key Competencies·       Project Management·       Specialist Knowledge and Expertise·       Analysis and Decision Making·       Interpersonal, Team-working and Communication Skills ·       Stakeholder Engagement/ Management·       Planning and organising  APPLICATION PROCESSTo apply for this post, applicants must submit a cover letter (maximum of two pages) demonstrating how they meet the requirements for this role as set out in the job specification, in addition to an up-to-date CV. Both the cover letter and CV must be submitted as one document online.  Please note that the cover letter is essential. Candidates must apply on or before 12 noon (Irish Local Time) on 9th July 2024. Applications must be submitted through the online applicant management system, Occupop. Please see Careers Page - SFI Website. No late applications will be accepted.  SalaryThiese position will be full-time, fixed-term (12 month) position at Level D through Agency. The starting salary for this post will be €50,001 per annum for new entrants to the Public Sector. This salary will rise over time, as per the salary scale detailed below.Level D salary scale: €50,001 to €71,816 per annum with contributory superannuation (pension).  Government policy continues to be that starting pay on recruitment from open competition for all posts within the public sector should be at the minimum of the relevant salary scale and are not subject to negotiation. Remuneration may be adjusted from time to time in line with Government policy.   BenefitsCompetitive salary with defined progression through the grade, excellent blended working policy, 29 days annual leave, learning and development opportunities.SFI operates a favourable blended/flexible working model.  ADDITIONAL INFORMATIONShortlisted 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. SFI 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.Note: 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 fill similar posts at the same grade that arise, applicable to this recruitment campaign, based on order of merit. Placement on a panel is not a guarantee of appointment to a position. The role will be based in the SFI office located in Three Park Place, Hatch Street Upper, Dublin 2, Ireland, D02 FX65. Science Foundation 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@sfi.ie should you require assistance or reasonable accommodation during the recruitment process with Science Foundation Ireland.