The Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) invites applications from environmental economists for a position as Research Officer (equivalent to Assistant Professor in a university) to join the Behavioural and Attitudinal Change in respect of Ireland’s Water Resources Research programme.
The Institute
The Economic and Social Research Institute, founded in 1960, is located in Dublin’s South Docklands area. Its mission is to produce high quality research, relevant to Ireland’s economic and social development, with the aim of contributing to knowledge and informing policymaking and public debate. It has over 110 staff including economists, sociologists, psychologists, social scientists, support and technical staff.
Research on behavioural and attitudinal change in respect of Ireland’s water resources at the ESRI
This research programme was recently established and has two overarching research questions: are policy measures implemented under the River Basin Management Plan intended to change behaviours successful (i.e. do behaviours change) and what is the trend over time; and second, are the changes in behaviour having a non-negligible impact on the primary objective, in this case improving water quality?
The research is being undertaken in collaboration with Ireland’s Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government (DHPLG).
For further information on environmental research at the ESRI, please consult: https://www.esri.ie/research-areas/energy-environment-and-infrastructure.
Role Description
The Research Officer will be a new addition to the environment research team at the ESRI, extending the Institute’s capacity to do research related to achieving good quality water status. A new three-year joint programme has recently been agreed with DHPLG, providing funding, access to unique data and opportunities for collaboration with policymakers and regulators. Initial research topics include an evaluation of a suite of community engagements to activate community action; and an assessment of the dissemination of good practice within frontline public services. The Research Officer will have the opportunity to advise our partners on future research strands and data collection to support policy and regulatory goals.
There will also be opportunities to contribute to the development of new research projects and to other areas of Institute’s research, depending upon the candidate’s skills and on availability of funding. Moreover, the candidate is expected to guide and coach more junior researchers within the research area. Publication of the findings in academic journals is prioritised, and we also disseminate our work through non-technical research bulletins, conference presentations and policy-related fora. An important aspect of this role is working collaboratively with economists, policymakers and regulatory officials in DHPLG and other public bodies involved in river basin management planning.
We expect to make one appointment in 2020.
Skills, Qualifications and Experience
To be considered for appointment as Research Officer for this research programme, candidates must have:
- A Ph.D. in Economics;
- A minimum of 2-3 years’ postdoctoral experience or equivalent in applied microeconomics;
- Publications in leading international, peer-reviewed journals;
- Research experience in applied econometrics (e.g. econometrics, mathematical modelling, simulation skills)
- Background in environmental economics;
- Capacity to undertake independent research on policy-relevant issues including developing relevant research questions;
- Excellent writing skills;
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills;
- Excellent presentation skills with experience in presenting at seminars and conferences and to a non-academic audience
- Demonstrated ability to work successfully within a highly motivated team and on their own initiative;
- Proven ability to deliver high quality output to tight deadlines;
- Flexibility and capacity to contribute to other areas of ESRI research
- Proven experience in engaging with policy makers and other stakeholders
Research Officer is a tenure track post, comparable to University Lecturer/Assistant Professor level. The appointment will initially be for a five-year, fixed-term contract with a mid-term tenure evaluation. Salary will be in the range 53,773- 84,544 EUR, commensurate with experience. The appointee will also hold an adjunct position at Trinity College Dublin. Prospective candidates are encouraged to contact [email protected] for further information on the terms and conditions of this position. The successful candidate will be based in the ESRI offices in Dublin 2. Secondment arrangements may be considered for eligible candidates.
Application Procedure
To apply for this position please click on the link below. The closing date for applications is 5pm on 8th April 2020. The selection process may consist of a preliminary interview. The final stage of the selection process will be a seminar and an interview which will take place remotely subject to Government guidelines on the ongoing COVID-19 situation. All applications will be acknowledged. Late or incomplete applications will not be processed.
The ESRI is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to accommodating the needs of people with disabilities to enable them to participate in the selection process. Please let us know if you have any particular requirements should you be invited for assessment/ interview or that you wish us to take into account when considering your application.
