About Taighde Eireann - Research IrelandTaighde Eireann - 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 Strategic Insights Lead to join the Strategy and Transformation Department on a 12 months specified purpose contract 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 Strategic Insights Lead, you will play a critical role in the delivery of Research Ireland's mission. Successful candidates will initially be assigned to one of the teams on the basis of current business needs.About the RoleThe Strategic Insights Lead helps set the strategic direction of Research Ireland, and supports demonstrating the impact of Research Ireland-funded research. The selected candidate will play a key role in informing the strategy of Ireland's largest competitive research funder. The role holder will deliver insights, conclusions, and recommendations supporting Research Ireland's strategic decision making. This position will enable Research Ireland to deliver the best possible value to the Irish taxpayer.The role also tracks the organisation's progress against its organisational strategy, providing the information and insights necessary for the organisation to take strategic decisions and set its future direction. The role should also support Research Ireland's efforts to maximise the impact and benefit accruing to the state, respectful of the taxpayer's trust and investment.The Strategy Team is responsible for the development and implementation of Research Ireland's organisational strategy as well as overseeing and monitoring Research Ireland's progress against its strategy. This includes reporting against Key Performance Indicators and metrics (and the data analytics to generate these) as well as evaluating the effectiveness of programmes and policy. The Strategy Team input (on behalf of Research Ireland) into national and departmental policy and strategy in areas of relevance. Finally, we derive insights on the Irish research system, which inform Research Ireland's future direction. These insights include, for example, benchmarking Ireland internationally, assessing the impact of research, analysing the national research community, and considering research investment levels.Key responsibilities:Delivering analysis-based, strategic recommendations which form compelling evidence informing Research Ireland's decision-making process and informing national policy. These recommendations will support Research Ireland leadership and its Board of Directors.Supporting Research Ireland's proactive initiatives by understanding the national research system and identifying the funding mechanisms which will deliver most benefit for Ireland.Underpinning Research Ireland's and the Department's work on demonstrating the academic, economic, and societal impacts of the research funded by Research Ireland, as detailed in the national research and innovation strategy Impact 2030.Developing new learnings and performance improvement policy recommendations for Research Ireland and Ireland, by conceptualising and designing new analytical projects. The role will achieve this by creating rigorous methodologies and resolving data sourcing and data quality challenges.Utilising Research Ireland's many datasets in combination with external data to deliver the above new learnings.Supporting a strategic progress and decision support dashboard for the organisation, illustrating current performance on KPIs, and modelling the effects of programme and portfolio mix decision making on those KPIs.Essential criteria:Masters or PhD in a related discipline.Proven track record ideally with 5 years post qualification experience in a relevant role.Experience of leading projects that inform and influence organisational strategic directionExcellent ability to acquire and evaluate information i.e. data analysis, interpretation and report writingProven ability to build and maintain a network of contacts, with intellectual and interpersonal skills that gain the respect and cooperation of the industrial and academic research community, and also within the public sector.Ability to work independently and deal with ambiguityExcellent oral and written communication skillsExcellent interpersonal skillsApplication 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 essential.Applications must be submitted as one document online through the online applicant management system Occupop on or before 12 noon Irish Local Time on 19th December 2025.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 or other remote technology where appropriate.SalaryThe starting salary for this post will be €81,475 per annum for new entrants to the Public Sector. This salary will rise over time, as per the salary scale detailed below.Salary scale: €81,475- €106,220 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 policyPlease 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.Benefits30 days annual leave per annumDefined Benefit Pension Scheme (Single Public Service Scheme)Favourable Hybrid / Blended working policy for employees.Subsidised canteen.Long term illness income protection.Additional informationNote: 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 should you require assistance or reasonable accommodation during the recruitment process with Research Ireland