Basic Function:

Applications are invited for the post of Social Science Research Officer. The Research Officer will manage a work programme on the European research project, ‘TWIN-IN’ (https://project-twinin.eu/). TWIN-IN aims to promote responsible TWIN transitions towards digitalization and sustainability in European agrifood systems through innovation and learning alliances. Teagasc is leading the implementation of responsible research and innovation principles within the project.

Background:

The Research Officer will be a member of the Rural Economy and Development Programme (REDP) in Teagasc, working within the Agri-food Business and Spatial Analysis (AFBSA) Department. The mission of REDP is to produce high quality social science research and policy advice to improve the competitiveness and sustainability of the Irish Agri-Food sector and to enhance the quality of life in rural Ireland. The AFBSA Department is a recognised centre of expertise for social- and behavioural-science based research and spatial analyses on socio-economic and environmental issues relating to innovation in agriculture, food and the bioeconomy.

• Assist in planning and facilitating qualitative research studies (workshops, focus groups, one-to-one semi-structured interviews).
• Support the delivery of responsible research and innovation training (short workshops) to consortium partners.
• Undertake analysis and writing up of collected qualitative data on social science research studies.
• Write peer review publications based on qualitative research studies.
• Attend national and European project meetings for the TWIN-IN Project.
• Manage day to day inquiries from project partners and external stakeholders related to project.
• Monitor and report on research project activities to Project Leaders and Research Funders through written reports or attending meetings.
• To assist Teagasc in meeting the commitments of the Quality Customer Service Charter and Action Plan.
• To actively participate in the annual business planning and Performance Management Development System (PMDS) processes.
• To fully co-operate with the provisions made for ensuring the health, safety and welfare of oneself, fellow staff and non-Teagasc staff and co-operate with management in enabling Teagasc to comply with legal obligations, including full compliance with the responsibilities outlined in the Safety Statement.
• To carry out other duties as may be assigned from time to time.

* This job specification is intended as a guide to the general range of duties and is intended to be neither definitive nor restrictive.  It will be reviewed from time to time with the post holder.

 Note:  The ‘essential’ qualifications, knowledge, skills and behavioural competencies outlined above are ‘must-have’ which will be used in the selection process.