Principal Investigator

Key Responsibilities:

• Supporting recruitment of participants networking with CCC and other ECEC networks.
  
• Supporting participant recruitment for qualitative interviews with key stakeholder groups.
• Collection, management, and analysis of data on key performance indicators related to the implementation model.
• Quantitative data collection using assessments and scales.
• Qualitative data collection using semi-structured and focus group interviews with key stakeholders.
• Management and analysis of quantitative data sets.
• Management and analysis of qualitative data using thematic analysis methods.
• Preparation, in consultation with the wider research team, material for publication in peer-reviewed journals and for presentation at national and international conferences.
• Contribute to regular meetings of the core project team and project steering group.
• Support for project management activities as specified in the Project Management Plan.
• General administrative duties as required.
• Travel to meet the needs of the research.
• Ensure research resources are used in an effective and efficient manner.

Key Requirements: 

Qualifications (Essential)

• A primary degree in Early Childhood Education and Care/Psychology/Sociology/Nursing or other related social care/science disciplines.
• A postgraduate qualification (e.g., MA) in Early Childhood, Research Methods, or other relevant social science disciplines.

Knowledge and Experience (Essential)

• Previous practical experience working with participants in research projects, for example, participant recruitment and quantitative and/or qualitative data collection
  
• Computer skills including experience in use of Microsoft Office programmes
• Some experience of quantitative data analysis and some familiarity with quantitative and qualitative data analysis software 

Knowledge and Experience (Desirable)

• Previous experience working with Early Childhood Educators
• Some familiarity with qualitative analysis software (e.g. NVivo, MAXQDA)
• Experience of qualitative data analysis
• Prior project management or administrative experience

Skills and Competencies

• Excellent organisational and administrative skills – ability to plan and coordinate tasks to meet deadlines.
• Excellent interpersonal skills – ability to establish rapport with research participants and team.
• Excellent analytical skills, accuracy, and attention to detail.
• Project management and time management. 
• Understanding of research ethics and ability to maintain confidentiality at all times.
• Highly motivated and capable of working independently as well as within a team.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and an ability to take initiative, along with good judgment and decision-making skills.
• Ability to organise and plan own work schedule within the framework of the agreed research programme.

Contract: 

8 Month Fixed Term Contract 

Salary: 

(Research Assistant Band) €24,847 - €37,273

Annual Leave: 

24 days per annum pro rata 

Hours:

Full-time, 35 hours per week  

Application Process:

To apply, please e-mail your cover letter and CV both in PDF format ONLY, quoting reference number: NCI 1092 to: recruitment-cdolan@ncirl.ie by 5:00 pm, 20th April 2025.

Note: The functions and responsibilities assigned to a Research Assistant  are based on the current stated role and objectives of the College. These functions and responsibilities may alter in line with any change in the role and objectives of the College.

The successful applicant will be subject to Garda Vetting and must not have any convictions under the Sex Offenders Act 2001.

The Importance of Confidentiality

We would like to assure you that protecting confidentiality is our number one priority. You can expect that all enquires, applications and all aspects of the proceedings are treated as strictly confidential and are not disclosed to anyone, outside those directly involved in that aspect of the process.

Candidates' Obligations

In submitting a completed Curriculum Vitae and supporting documentation, candidates are declaring:

• That all the particulars furnished in their application are true and correct without omission and that they are aware of the qualifications and particulars for this position.
• That to the best of their knowledge that there is nothing in relation to their conduct, character or personal background of any nature that would adversely affect the position of trust in which they would be placed by virtue of this appointment.
• Their irrevocable consent to NCI making such enquiries as deemed necessary in respect of their suitability for the post in respect of which their application is made.
• Their acceptance and confirmation of the entitlement of NCI, as appropriate to, reject their application, or to terminate their employment (in the event of a contract of employment having been entered into on foot of this competition) if they have omitted to furnish NCI with any information relevant to their application or their continued employment or where they have made any false statement or misrepresentation relevant to this application or their continuing employment with the College. #

Candidates should note that they may be required to submit documentary evidence in support of any particulars given by them in their application for the post.

Data Protection Acts 1988 to 2018 and the Freedom of Information Acts 1997 to 2014 as amended

Data collected for the purposes of recruitment activities

NCI conducts recruitment processes to fill vacancies within the college. When applying for these competitions applicants are asked to submit a range of documents, e.g., a completed application form, CV and/or a personal statement or cover letter. For the purposes of recruitment activities, we will not collect any personal data that we do not need to assess your candidature for a role with us.

Legal Basis for Processing

NCI ’s legal basis for the processing of this data is a combination of individual consent, contractual necessity and legal obligations.

Withdrawal of Consent

Applicants can withdraw their consent for the processing of their personal data at any time by notifying the College. It is important to note that withdrawal of consent prior to the completion of the process will be considered as a withdrawal of the application.

What we do with your data

People who are directly employed by NCI and are based in Ireland process all the personal data collected for both recruitment and HR purposes.

Shortlisting

HR draft up the shortlisting documents and provide the initial screening to determine if a person meets the essential criteria of the competition. A shortlisting panel is generally made up of two senior grade staff members from the relevant department for which the role is being recruited.

Sharing of your data

Where you have been successfully shortlisted for a post, each interview panel member will be furnished with a copy of the relevant information of those who will be attending interview in order that they can review applications in advance of the interview process. All such information will be returned to NCI and shredded following the competition process. Some of the interview panel will be external interviewers, who are not employees of NCI but are engaged for the purpose and are strictly subject to the rules and policies of the College.

Access

Applicants can request and receive access to their data at any time and can request and receive a copy of this data, in electronic/transferable format.

Erasure

Applicants can request the data held be erased. In this case, the application for a position is considered withdrawn.

Rectification

Applicants can have any incorrect information corrected.

Objection / Withdraw

Applications can object to this information being processed and/or can request to withdraw from the application process

Complain

Applicants can make a complaint to our internal Information Governance and Data Protection Officer

NCI Information Governance and Data Protection Officer

National College of Ireland, Mayor Street, IFSC, Dublin 1

Tel (Direct): + 353 1 4498 523 ; Tel (Reception): + 353 1 4498 500

And/or make a complaint to the relevant authority

Data Protection Commission, 21 Fitzwilliam Square South, Dublin 2, D02 RD28

Tel: +353 (0) 761 104 800

National College of Ireland is an equal opportunities employer and is a Member of the Athena SWAN Charter. NCI is committed to serving our diverse community and welcomes applications from underrepresented groups.