Senior Qualitative Researcher (Semi-State)
We are hiring a passionate qualitative researcher to make a real impact on Ireland's energy and sustainability challenges. You will join a high-performing behavioural insights team and bring human-centred thinking to national policy.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead and manage qualitative research projects focused on sustainable energy behaviours, ensuring rigour, relevance, and timely delivery.
* Design and execute research using interviews, focus groups, discourse analysis and ethnographic approaches where applicable.
* Mentor and support colleagues, building internal capacity and best practice in qualitative methods across multidisciplinary teams.
* Translate behavioural insights into practical recommendations that inform public policy, communication strategies, and programme design.
* Deliver clear, compelling research outputs including reports, presentations, briefing notes, and stakeholder communications.
* Liaise with internal and external stakeholders to ensure alignment of research objectives with strategic goals.
* Collaborate with national and international bodies, academic institutions, and research consultants to stay at the forefront of behavioural and energy policy research.
* Support evaluation frameworks, combining qualitative insights with other data sources to measure and improve programme effectiveness.
* Contribute to the organisation's strategic planning and innovation agenda, advocating for behavioural approaches in energy transition.
* Actively participate in working groups, panels and conferences to disseminate findings and represent the organisation's research capacity.
Requirements
Essential:
* Minimum Level 9 postgraduate qualification (e.g. Psychology, Sociology, Behavioural Science, Economics).
* At least 4 years of relevant research experience.
* Proven track record of designing and leading qualitative research in a public policy context.
* Working knowledge of quantitative methods and behavioural science.
* Excellent communication, writing and presentation skills.
* Strong project management capabilities and ability to work independently.
Desirable:
* PhD qualification in a related field.
* Experience using tools like R or similar for analysis.
* Previous mentoring or teaching experience in qualitative methods.
* Understanding of ethical considerations in behavioural research.
* Familiarity with energy or climate-related policy areas.