Researcher

RCPI group; Dublin; Hybrid; EUR 47,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

The Royal College of Physicians of Ireland (RCPI) is offering a 2-year fixed-term position for a Researcher in the Research department, reporting to the Research Manager. The role focuses on designing and delivering research initiatives, data collection, and cross-functional collaboration within RCPI’s educational programs.

Candidates should have at least an MSc (ideally PhD) in social sciences or related field, with 2+ years of research experience and strong quantitative/qualitative skills.

Qualifications

• MSc or PhD in social science, psychology, education or related field.
• 2+ years of relevant research experience.
• Understanding of operational requirements for a successful research project.
• Excellent quantitative analytics with SPSS or GraphPad Prism.
• Good knowledge of qualitative research methods.
• Excellent organisation and attention to detail.
• Strong spoken and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Deliver research initiatives aligned to RCPI strategy with emphasis on medical education.
• Design studies with appropriate data collection methods.
• Analyze data (qualitative and quantitative) and inform project decisions.
• Coordinate surveys; report findings for leadership and partners.
• Support research activity within the college and cross-functional initiatives.
• Assist trainees with research skills through clinics and days.

Skills

Quantitative analysis

Qualitative analysis

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Organization

Self-management

Education

MSc in social science / psychology / education or related

PhD preferred

Tools

SPSS

GraphPad Prism

Data management tools

Job description

The Royal College of Physicians of Ireland is a postgraduate medical training college dedicatedto ensuring that doctors have the skills toprovide patients with the best possible care. Founded in 1654, the college supports doctors to enhance their skills, competencies, and professionalism throughout their working lives.
Through its Faculties and Institutes, The Royal College of Physicians of Ireland, offers medical training programmes, examinations, diplomas, and educational courses to equip doctors with the skills and knowledge they need to care for patients and run safe and efficient healthcare systems. It also offers a range of educational diplomas and courses for learners in the wider healthcare sector

Job Description

Role:Researcher
Department:Research
Reporting to: Research Manager
Duration:2-year Fixed Term
Closing date: 17 September 2026 at 16:00
Salary:€47,273 – €55,399 Depending on experience and in line with IUA Researcher Salary Scales.
Research Design and Delivery

• Deliver research initiatives under the RCPI's strategic Initiatives, with an emphasis, but not limited to, medical education, aligned to the RCPI strategy.
• Study design demonstrating appropriate methodological data collection skills.
• Data analysis and information to support key research projects, both qualitative and quantitative.
• Co-ordinate, implement, analyse and report on departmental surveys.
• Support research activity within the college.
• Engage cross-functionally in initiatives and collaborative research projects, both internally and externally.
• Support Trainees with research skills through HST Research Clinics and the HST Research Day.
• Support preparation of structured reports and presentations for senior leadership, Council, and external partners where required.

Research Ethics Committee

• Coordination of the daily operations of the RCPI Research Ethics Committee (REC), including engaging with the Chair, organisation of quarterly meetings, engagement with and providing guidance to applicants, tracking application status, minutes taking, meeting follow up and delivery of decision letters.
• Maintain records of submissions and committee decisions/submission status.
• Manage the review, tracking and submissions of applications.
• Maintain knowledge of applicable regulations, such as GDPR guidelines, Data Protection Impact Assessment, Consent Declaration, and HSE guidance, etc.
• Conduct pre-submission review of applications, advise applicants of requirements.

Communications

• Communication with both internal and external stakeholders regarding research initiatives
• Dissemination of findings internally and externally at national and international meetings where appropriate.
• Publish findings in peer-reviewed journals, as applicable
• Keep up-to-date in new and innovative research practices and communicate these to colleagues.
• Engage in regular one-to-one meetings and performance reviews.

Requirements

• Qualification up to a minimum MSc, but ideally PhD, in social science, psychology, education or related discipline on a topic relevant to medical education evaluation
• 2 + years relevant research experience
• An understanding of the operational requirements for a successful research project
• Excellent quantitative analytic skills and use of statistical packages such as SPSS, or GraphPad Prism
• Good knowledge of qualitative research methods
• Excellent organisational and administrative skills with strong attention to detail
• Excellent spoken and written communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills combined with a multi-disciplinary approach
• High personal motivation and self-management
• Good qualitative and quantitative analysis and data management skills
• Strong IT skills, with good knowledge of analytic programmes, etc.
• Experience in medical education research/work in healthcare
• Research outputs in form of peer reviewed publications
• Research Design and Delivery
• Communication
• Stakeholder Engagement and Collaboration

Why us?

Leave: We offer 21 days annual leave with an additional 3-4 college days as well as long service leave to all employees. We also provide support for staff with Maternity, Sick, Parents, and Parental leave.
Wellbeing: An Employee Assistance Programme with Spectrum Life is available to all staff members as well as annual flu vaccine.
Flexible Hybrid working model: The RCPI offer a flexible 35-hour-a-week hybrid working model for all employees from their start date, giving staff the autonomy to work from home combined with time spent onsite.
Pension: A defined contribution pension scheme of 1.5% Employee contribution and RCPI contribution from commencement date, with an increase after 18 months
Flexible Benefit: Pro-rata €1,500 annual flexible benefit upon completion of a successful probationary period.
Life Assurance: 4 times your annual salary.
Learning & Development: We offer CPD options including study leave and unlimited access to LinkedIn Learning.
Diversity and Inclusion : RCPI recognises the importance of equality, diversity, and inclusion. We were recently awarded a Silver accreditation from Investors in Diversity. We are an open and inclusive organisation that celebrates and welcomes diversity. We lead initiatives that support, promote and demonstrate a culture of mutual respect, inclusivity, and diversity, as outlined in our Diversity and Inclusion policy.

Accommodations

The Royal College of Physicians of Ireland is an inclusive employer and in line with our policies you are invited to disclose any reasonable accommodations you require for applying, interviewing or working with RCPI. Please be assured this information will be treated as confidential and not used for the purpose of selection. If you have any queries, please contact Suzann Donnelly at [e-mail] .

About us

The Royal College of Physicians of Ireland is a postgraduate medical training college dedicated to ensuring that doctors have the skills to provide patients with the best possible care. Founded in 1654, the college supports doctors to enhance their skills, competencies, and professionalism throughout their working lives.

Through its Faculties and Institutes, The Royal College of Physicians of Ireland, offers medical training programmes, examinations, diplomas, and educational courses to equip doctors with the skills and knowledge they need to care for patients and run safe and efficient healthcare systems. It also offers a range of educational diplomas and courses for learners in the wider healthcare sector.