Job Title: Research Assistant: Med-SMART Study
Department: Graduate School of Healthcare Management
Reporting to: Dr Siobhán McCarthy
Location: Hybrid Working/118 St Stephens Green, RCSI, Dublin 2
Contract/Duration: Specified purpose contract (up to 2-year contract) - Full time
Remuneration: Post will be appointed on the Research Assistant Salary Scale (Level 1), commensurate with experience (Between €33,791 to €43,872)
Closing Date: Sunday 1st of February 2026
Summary of Post
Following a successful application to the Health Research Board (HRB) and Department of Health "Evidence for Policy" programme, a Research Assistant position has become available in the Graduate School of Healthcare Management (GSM) based in the RCSI University of Medicine & Health Sciences. The successful applicant will work with the study research team a collaboration of the RCSI GSM, School of Medicine, School of Population Health, the National Doctor Training Programme (NTDP) and Patient and Public representative.
The research project concerns the "Development of Medical Workforce Management Framework for Staffing and Skills Mix Assessment for Resilient Teams in Ireland (Med-SMART): a mixed-methods design". The Med-SMART study aims to co-create a comprehensive, context-specific framework for medical workforce planning in Ireland, focusing on consultants, non-consultant hospital doctors (NCHDs), and interns (medical graduates awaiting registration). The overall study purpose is to inform future policy on medical workforce planning and configuration in Ireland.
The Med-SMART study will be conducted using three work packages (WKP).
1. Medical Workforce Planning Enablers and Barriers & Baseline Assessment
Comprises a Scoping Review (WKP1a) and Baseline Case Study (WKP1b). A scoping review and stakeholder workshop (WKP1a) will identify national and international best practices for medical workforce planning and development, and identify behaviour change theory-informed enablers and barriers to implementation. A baseline case study at hospital sites (WKP1b) will analyse current staffing levels and configurations and explore lived experiences of enablers and barriers to medical workforce staffing and skills mix best practices.
2. Framework Co-Design and Desk-Based Case Study Application
Comprises a series of participatory co-design workshops (WKP2a) and desk-based application of a finalised modifiable framework (WKP2b). Stakeholders will be invited to a series of co-design workshops to iteratively design the framework. The framework will be assessed at hospital case study sites for acceptability, feasibility, cost and appropriateness.
3. Integration, Policy Recommendation, Co-Design and Dissemination
The final work package will involve data integration, framework finalisation, and policy recommendations.
Duties of the Post
* Collaborating closely with the Principal Investigator (PI) and Research Team to ensure successful delivery of all project objectives.
* To construct literature reviews.
* Collect, manage, and analyse data from stakeholders.
* Support the PI and Research Team in the design, delivery and analysis of co-design workshops.
* Assist in integrating findings across study work-packages and develop policy recommendations and implementation guidance.
* Contribute to dissemination of research findings including conference presentations, peer reviewed articles, and policy briefs.
* Co-ordinate and liaise with key stakeholders on project milestones and final outcomes.
Qualifications (Essential)
* An MSc or equivalent in health services research, social science, data science or related disciplines.
Knowledge & Experience (Essential)
* Research experience in health services research and qualitative methodologies.
* Willingness and experience of working in multi-disciplinary teams.
* Ability to work independently and efficiently.
* Excellent organisational, interpersonal, report writing and IT skills.
Knowledge & Experience (Desirable)
* Research experience with literature review, data collection, implementation science and behaviour change theory, development of policy recommendations.
* Experience with quality improvement data, and quantitative real-time data analysis e.g. use of run charts.
* Excellent written, oral, and presentation skills.
* Attention to detail and deadlines.
* Project management experience.
We are all too aware that imposter syndrome and the confidence gap can sometimes stop fantastic candidates putting themselves forward, so please do submit an application - we'd love to hear from you.
Application Process
Please apply online through the RCSI careers portal on the closing date with your CV and cover letter.
Click here to read our Recruitment and Selection Policy for Researcher.
Informal Enquiries
Informal Enquiries can be directed to Dr Siobhán McCarthy, email .
All applications for this post must be made through the career's webpage. Please note that we do not accept CVs directly.
Garda vetting and occupational health review may be required for this role, depending on the nature of the duties and responsibilities. Further information will be provided during the recruitment process.
Eligibility to Work in Ireland
Visa sponsorship is available for candidates who fully meet the essential criteria of the role. Candidates who require a work permit or hosting agreement are welcome to apply.
Proof of eligibility documentation will be required at a later stage in the recruitment process. Please note that sponsorship is subject to approval by the relevant Irish authorities and role-specific eligibility.
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