Senior Research Officer - Statistics and Modelling

Senior Research Officer - Research and Development Division

Inland Fisheries Ireland has a vacancy for a Senior Research Officer to join the Research and Development division.

This role is a strategic senior research post with overall responsibility for supporting the Research Division in statistical analysis and modelling, interpretation and dissemination of data to deliver fisheries, environmental and habitat models, fish stock assessment tools and support or lead the production of peer reviewed scientific papers, policy briefs, reports and presentations to inform policy and guide management decisions.

Responsibilities

• Support the Research Division in statistical analysis and modelling, interpretation and dissemination of data to deliver fisheries, environmental and habitat models, fish stock assessment tools, and support or lead the production of peer reviewed scientific papers, reports, policy briefs and presentations to inform policy and guide management decisions.
• Conduct research that will contribute to the formulation and implementation of appropriate policies, strategies and initiatives; deliver against business plans for both core and externally funded programmes.
• Develop and implement a science communications plan for the Division.
• Deliver against the Brown Trout research strategy.
• Seek and administer EU and other funding as appropriate and ensure all funded projects are managed in line with best project and financial practice.
• Work with the Head of Research, Policy and Risk to position the inland and recreational fisheries research sector nationally and internationally, and create project opportunities.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic

• Have a vision for the development of environmental and climate research in the Research and Development Division and deliver accordingly.
• Ensure delivery of strategic and business plans and provide regular updates on progress to the Head of Research Policy and Risk.
• Input into the Divisional business planning and budgeting process and the Board's strategic planning process.

Leadership

• Lead, direct and manage the development of research related to fisheries environmental issues with special emphasis on Water Framework Directive (including long term monitoring) and Climate Change.
• Provide effective leadership, direction, mentoring and management to the fisheries environmental research (including climate change) and monitoring team.
• Provide advice to the Head of Research, Policy and Risk on the viability of project proposals.

Relationships & Communication

• Liaise with IFI management and other relevant organisations including government departments, agencies, local authorities, research institutes, universities, private industry and international organisations to further the fisheries research and environmental agenda of IFI.
• Provide representation for IFI on official bodies and at meetings, as required.
• Liaise with funding agencies (national and international) to secure additional funds for projects.
• Participate on relevant national and international fora, including expert working groups as required.
• Manage the preparation and publication of peer reviewed papers, scientific reports and popular articles on fisheries environmental issues and related matters.

Service

• Ensure the output of research is of the highest standard and oversee the application of quality assurance procedures.

Technological

• Keep abreast of technological and research developments.
• Have a good working knowledge and understanding of fish and aquatic research processes and procedures.

Legal

• Have a good understanding and, ideally, working knowledge of relevant legislation including but not limited to the Fisheries Acts, water pollution statutes and relevant EU Directives (e.g. Water Framework Directive).

Management

• Work with the Head of Research, Policy and Risk to implement project, staff management and standard operating protocols in operation in the Division.
• Report on all project budgets on a monthly basis and report any variances.

Other

• Carry out such duties as may be assigned from time to time by the Head of Research, Policy and Risk, or nominee.

Key Experience & Qualifications

Essential

• A relevant Honours degree NFQ Level 8 in a fisheries related area, with appropriate post graduate experience (or equivalent experience).
• A full, clean Category B driving licence that is valid in Ireland.
• A minimum of five years' experience in fisheries research and development.
• A proven track record in applied statistics and modelling.
• A developing publication record consistent with level of experience.
• A minimum of five years project management experience.
• Considerable experience using statistical packages (e.g., R, MATLAB).
• Demonstrated ability to use GIS software.

Desirable

• A postgraduate degree (MSc or PhD) is desirable.
• Demonstrable experience and good knowledge of at least one of the following: Water Framework Directive, implications of climate change on inland fisheries, use of remote environmental monitoring equipment and data collection technology.
• Published scientific papers in a relevant area (fisheries and environment including climate change).

Key Skills & Attributes

Essential

• Strong leadership and management skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with particular emphasis on motivation and leadership.
• Meticulous attention to detail.
• High level of theoretical and analytical skills.
• Excellent verbal and communication and presentation skills.
• Strong IT skills.

Remuneration

Salary Scale

• Point 1 €76,331.73
• Point 2 €79,732.61
• Point 3 €83,191.57
• Point 4 €85,258.42
• Point 5 €88,694.68
• Point 6 €92,139.38
• Point 7 €95,571.44
• Point 8 €99,528.31
• Point 9 (LSI 1) €103,164.02
• Point 10 (LSI 2) €106,803.95

Candidates should note that salary will not be subject to negotiation and the rate of remuneration may be adjusted from time to time in line with Government pay policy. New entrants to the public sector will start on Point 1 subject to Haddington Road Agreement and subsequent Government Agreements.

Tenure

This post is offered on a permanent contract basis.

Equal Opportunities

Inland Fisheries Ireland is an equal opportunities employer.