Programme Operations Lead - Research Grants (Hybrid)

Research Ireland; Leinster; On-site; EUR 53,000 - 78,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Defined progression through grade

Defined Benefit Pension Scheme

Blended Working Policy

Modern office facilities with subsided

Life Insurance

29 Days Annual Leave

Learning and development opportunities

Job summary

Research Ireland is seeking a Programme Officer to support the Centres team in delivering the full lifecycle of research funding programmes. You will coordinate calls, reviews and post-award tasks, ensuring timely, accurate processes and strong stakeholder engagement.

The role requires a PhD and at least three years in research funding or programme management, with a collaborative, meticulous approach to ensure high standards and impact across Ireland’s research portfolio.

Qualifications

• Experience communicating effectively through written, verbal and presentation-based formats.
• Ability to manage multiple competing priorities, deadlines and processes with accuracy.
• Demonstrated understanding of governance and compliance in research funding environments.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day operational activity for allocated calls and programme processes.
• Oversee peer review planning, documentation, and logistics.
• Coordinate post-award administration, deliverables, reporting and compliance checks.
• Maintain data quality in grant systems and provide audit-ready reporting.
• Draft and quality-check programme guidance, memos and communications.
• Identify risks and propose practical mitigations to improve delivery.
• Support stakeholder communications and ensure a positive applicant experience.
• Drive continuous improvement to reduce administrative burden and increase efficiency.
• Ensure operations align with Research Ireland policies and service standards.

Skills

Programme management

Stakeholder engagement

Written and verbal communication

Team collaboration

Education

PhD in a relevant discipline

Job description

Research Ireland is seeking a Programme Officer to support the Centres team in delivering the full lifecycle of research funding programmes. You will coordinate calls, reviews and post-award tasks, ensuring timely, accurate processes and strong stakeholder engagement.

The role requires a PhD and at least three years in research funding or programme management, with a collaborative, meticulous approach to ensure high standards and impact across Ireland’s research portfolio.