Research Project Lead

4 Years, Part time (2.5 Days Per Week)

Salary: 9-point salary scale: €32,074 – €41,656 full time per annum (pro rata for part-time)

Hours: 17.5 hrs per week (2.5 days per week)

Leave & Benefits: 28 days annual leave (pro rata); Employer pension contribution; Employee education assistance scheme.

Reporting To: Head of Services

Term: 4 years

Structure: Hybrid working, remote and flexible hours available; some national and international travel also required

Application Deadline: Monday 3 March 2025 @ 5pm

Interview Date: Week of 10 March 2025

LGBT Ireland is a national organisation which provides quality support services to Lesbian, Gay, Bi, Trans and Intersex (LGBTI+) people across the country. Informed by the issues and experiences raised through our frontline services we also provide training and advocacy supports to enhance the visibility, inclusion and rights of LGBT people in Irish society.

LGBT Ireland recently became a consortium partner in the EU Horizons funded EQUICARES programme which aims to develop EU mental health supports for people living in vulnerable or marginalised communities through a blend of research, co-creation and policy solutions.

To support this 4-year project, LGBT Ireland is inviting applications for a part time Research Project Lead.

Purpose of this Post

We are looking for a highly motivated individual with previous research experience to coordinate the implementation and operation of this EU project. This is an exciting opportunity to work within LGBT Ireland’s dynamic staff team in a role focused on the enhancement of mental health wellbeing for the LGBTQI+ community. The organisation puts a strong emphasis on supporting and developing all team members and the successful candidate will be provided with opportunities to enhance their skills through training and to contribute to the overall strategic development of the organisation.

Structure of this Post:

This is a part-time (17.5 hours per week) post on a fixed term contract.

The post holder will report directly to the Head of Services of LGBT Ireland.

The key roles and responsibilities of the Research Project Lead will include:

Research

• Liaising with consortium partners as the voice of LGBT Ireland in developing research project structures.
• Identifying and communicating potential barriers for LGBTQI+ people in Ireland in accessing mental health services and supports.
• With support of Head of Services, obtaining relevant ethical approval from a recognised Irish Research Ethics Committee (REC).
• Liaising with consortium partners to undertake research on the ground through surveys (online and paper-based), semi-structured interviews and workshops.
• Identifying existing innovative mental health and care solutions in Ireland for inclusion in an online Atlas of mental health supports.
• Supported by Head of Services and consortium partners, creating a pilot Smart Health Lab for LGBTQI+ people.
• Working with partners to co-design and implement a small-scale Citizen Science project on mental health care.
• Working with partners to identify potential opportunities to duplicate and sustain identified solutions.

Community Engagement

• Supporting community members to engage with the project.
• Raising awareness of the project and in particular the Smart Health Labs.
• Liaising with community organisations to ensure varied representation from across the community.
• Working with LGBT Ireland staff team to provide compassionate support for attendees in Smart Health Labs.

Technology

• In conjunction with consortium partners, co-creating online courses and workshops to enhance health and digital literacy of community members and relevant service providers.
• Using Shared Drives and EU Portal to communicate with consortium partners and provide continuous reporting information.
• Working with IT partners to understand and implement an AI Chatbot Assistant.

Project Coordination

• Liaising with the Head of Services and CEO to plan, implement and document all relevant project activities.
• Regular engagement with consortium partners through online meetings, document review and continuous reporting.
• Communicating clearly and constructively with community members, LGBT Ireland representatives and external stakeholders.

Person Specification

The ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate a proven track record in the following essential requirements for the role:

• A background in healthcare research.
• At least 2 years work experience in a similar role.
• A Third Level Degree or equivalent.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with an ability to support those in vulnerable situations in a compassionate and caring manner.
• Knowledge and proven understanding of the needs and issues facing the LGBTQI+ community.
• Strong organisational skills with a problem-solving attitude.
• Ability to work on one’s own initiative and to meet deadlines.
• Ability to take direction and work collaboratively.

The ideal candidate is likely to also have the following desirable qualities:

• Psychology / social work or other mental health background
• Familiarity with EU projects
• Knowledge of Irish Healthcare systems

The salary scale for this post ranges from €32,076 to €41,656 full time per annum (pro rata for part-time). The salary offered will be subject to experience.

How to Apply

To apply please email a covering letter and CV to jobs@lgbt.ie

Closing date for applications is 5pm on Monday 3 March 2025.

Interviews will take place on week of 10 March 2025.

For more information about this role or to find out more about LGBT Ireland please email adam@lgbt.ie