Research Fellow - Engaged Research Manager, 1 FTE, Rinn Advanced Therapies, School of Medicine, 011965

Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for a full-time, specific purpose position as a Research Fellow - Engaged research manager with Rinn Advanced Therapies at University of Galway.

This post is offered on a specific purpose basis for the newly established Research Ireland Centre - Rinn Advanced Therapies. Engaged Research Manager post is required for the duration of the center’s activities.

This newly established centre is one of seven Rinn centres nationally funded by Research Ireland 2026-2034.

This position is funded by Research Ireland and is available immediately.

Organisation: Rinn Advanced Therapies is coordinated by Trinity College Dublin (TCD) in collaboration with several other research organisation (University of Galway, Maynooth University, University College Dublin, TU Dublin, University College Cork and National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training) and has been approved for eight years of funding by Research Ireland starting on 1st July 2026. Rinn Advanced Therapies has an ambitious vision to enable patients in Ireland to access novel, effective and affordable personalised immune cellular therapies. To achieve this, Rinn Advanced Therapies will act as a national focal point for translation of advanced cell immunotherapies, accelerating the progression of innovation to scalable clinical and commercial application. By aligning regulatory, manufacturing, clinical and health-economics expertise across the consortium, Rinn Advanced Therapies will de-risk development pathways and strengthen Ireland’s position as a global leader in personalised immune cell therapies.

Salary: Research Fellow salary scale €67,214 - €87,743 per annum, (subject to the project’s funding limitations), and pro rata for shorter and/or part-time contracts.

The default position for all new public sector appointments is the 1st point of the salary scale. This may be reviewed, and consideration afforded to appointment at a higher point on the payscale (subject to the project’s funding limitations), where evidence of prior years’ equivalent experience is accepted in determining placement on the scale above point 1, subject to the maximum of the scale.

(Research Salary Scales - University of Galway)

NB: Garda Clearance will be a requirement for this post.

Closing date for receipt of applications is 17:00 (Irish Time) on 27th October 2026. It will not be possible to consider applications received after the closing date.

*Please review full job description for further details and essential requirements.

Research Fellow - Engaged Research Manager Rinn Advanced Therapies School of Medicine Ref. No. 011965 JOB ADVERTISEMENT Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for a full-time, specific purpose position as a Research Fellow - Engaged research manager with Rinn Advanced Therapies at University of Galway. This post is offered on a specific purpose basis for the newly established Research Ireland Centre - Rinn Advanced Therapies. Engaged Research Manager post is required for the duration of the center’s activities. This newly established centre is one of seven Rinn centres nationally funded by Research Ireland 2026-2034. This position is funded by Research Ireland and is available immediately. Organisation: Rinn Advanced Therapies is coordinated by Trinity College Dublin (TCD) in collaboration with several other research organisation (University of Galway, Maynooth University, University College Dublin, TU Dublin, University College Cork and National Institut e for Bioprocessing Research and Training) and has been approved for eight years of funding by Research Ireland starting on 1st July 2026. Rinn Advanced Therapies has an ambitious vision to enable patients in Ireland to access novel, effective and affordable personalised immune cellular therapies. To achieve this, Rinn Advanced Therapies will act as a national focal point for translation of advanced cell immunotherapies, accelerating the progression of innovation to scalable clinical and commercial application. By aligning regulatory, manufacturing, clinical and health -economics expertise across the consortium, Rinn Advanced Therapies will de-risk development pathways and strengthen Ireland’s position as a global leader in personalised immune cell therapies. Salary: Research Fellow salary scale €67,214 - €87,743 per annum, (subject to the project’s funding limitations), and pro rata for shorter and/or part-time contracts. The default position for all new public sector appointments is the 1st point of the salary scale. This may be reviewed, and consideration afforded to appointment at a higher point on the payscale (subject to the project’s funding limitations), where evidence of prior years’ equivalent experience is accepted in determining placement on the scale above point 1, subject to the maximum of the scale. (Research Salary Scales - University of Galway)

NB: Garda Clearance will be a requirement for this post. Closing date for receipt of applications is 17:00 (Irish Time) on 27th October 2026. It will not be possible to consider applications received after the closing date. *Please review full job description for further details and essential requirements. JOB DESCRIPTION Job Description: The successful candidat e wil l pl ay a key role in t he management, development and implementation of the Rinn Advanced Therapies Engaged Research Programme. The candidate will be based in Universit y of Galw ay. Working wit h Engag ed Researc h Director Professor Aidee n Ryan (Universit y of Galway), and Deputy Director, Professor Aisling McMahon (Maynoot h University), t he candidat e will work across interdisciplinary teams , embedded PP I communities an d broader stakeholders (industr y, regulatory etc) to lead and embed a patient centered vision in all aspects of ACIT development, delivery and design within the Centre’s activities. They wil l support Centr e researchers in t he development an d deliver y of engaged research programmes. They will also work with Centre Principal Investigators to lead a strategy around the development and delivery of methodologies designed according to current international best research practices for the evaluation of the scientific and social impact of these engaged research programmes and be responsible for data gathering and reporting. In additio n, they will engage with Rinn Advanc ed Therapies Principal Investigators , collaborators and other external partners to researc h, develop and deliver effect ive public engagement programmes that highlight the intersection between advanced therapies researc h, art, science, technology, law/public policy and design. They will also contribute to and be responsibl e for working with centre principal investigators in leading the strategic delivery of engaged research activities where appropriate for the centre. They will also contribute to Centr e publications including for exampl e, engaged research publications, reports, academic publications etc. Duties: • Working with relevant stakeholders, PPI communities and Centre researchers, industry partners, policy, manufacturing and regulatory experts they will lead the co-design and creation of an engaged research strategy for the centre, to include public engagement and engaged research methodologies which ensure these programmes are directly informed and shaped by relevant stakeholder communities, and address historically under-represented group’s needs; • As part of that strategy, they will: o manage a stakeholder mapping exercise, which is regularly reviewed and updated to ensure holistic engagement with key actors within the Advanced Therapy space nationally and internationally; o Work with the Centre’s Engaged Research Director , Prof Aideen Ryan, and Deputy Director Prof Aisling McMahon and Centre researchers to identify key milestones and deliverables, informed by stakeholder mapping exercise and comprehensive research mapping exercise which examines best international/national practice in this field. o Develop and co-ordinate the establishment of the Centre’s PPI panel(s), and embed a culture of PPI engagement and engaged research across all elements of the Centres activities; o Work with the Rinn Advanced Therapies research pillar teams and relevant stakeholders to co-develop public engagement and engaged research opportunities arising out of the Centre’s research programme • Research and develop an evaluation methodology, systems and/or tools to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness and impact of Rinn Advanced Therapies public engagement and engaged research

activities, including Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), funder reporting, and evidence collection aligned with international standards. • Work with Centre Theme Leads/researchers and relevant stakeholders to facilitate the delivery of core training for Rinn Advance d Therapies researchers at all levels related to engaged research , that includes training on PPI engagement, engaged research training and communication skills for the public dissemination of research findings and consequent impact. • Report on the impact of the Centre’s engaged research activities and researcher involvement with stakeholder groups to funding agencies and the Centre’s advisory boards. • Build and maintain strong positive relationships with Rinn Advanced Therapies stakeholders including community partners, charity partners, educational institutes, Government partners and agencies, industry and cultural partners. • Develop, coordinate and submit competitive research grant bids, both nationally and internationally with a focus on public engagement, and implementation methodology • Disseminate programme outcomes through publications, talks, toolkits, and participation in conferences and workshops. • Champion PPI informed culture and participation in the Centre governance and evaluation by ensuring stakeholder voices are represented in strategic decision -making and embedded across programme activities.

General • Report to the Centre’s Engaged Research Director on day-to-day activities • Work with the Operations Team and report to the Executive Director • Work with the Executive Management Team and ultimately report to the Academic Director as required on any reporting requirements that arise as part of the Centre’s work. • Work with the Centre’s finance team to support the deliver reports which meet the Centre’s reporting obligations including Research Ireland annual reporting, progress reporting and site reviews. • Any other duties assigned commensurate to this level of post.

Qualifications/Skills required:

Essential Requirements:

• A level 10 postgraduate qualification in communications and public engagement, advanced therapies, PPI related areas, related policy field, or the equivalent experience or • An undergraduate qualification in a relevant field broadly related to the centres work, such as for example, a relevant degree in science, social sciences or communications with 6 years’ experience working in engaged research within the science/policy context, science communications or PPI related fields • At least 5 years’ experience working in engaged research within the science/policy context, science communications or PPI related fields; • Experience in financial management budgetary reporting requirements of engaged research programmes and activities; • Experience in the strategic development of research methodologies for the delivery, assessment and evaluation of public research engagement programmes; • A proven track record in communicating health related research to a range of audiences, including academic, industry and public audiences; • Track record of developing and delivering cutting edge public engagement programmes applicable to the STEAM public engagement field; • Experience in developing and nurturing relationships with key stakeholders, developing partnerships and expanding networks;

• Experience of implementing alignment of engaged research activities with national engagement and engaged research policies.

Desirable Requirements: • Experience in engaging PPI communities, setting up PPI panels and embedding PPI and engaged research within research projects. • Excellent report writing skills, with an emphasis on reporting to research funding and Governmental agencies. • Proven ability to secure and report on funding/partnership opportunities for engaged research, with a strong record of strategic stakeholder engagement e.g. foundations, individuals, private public engagement bodies etc. • Strategic and project management experience. • Knowledge of Theory of Change practices.

Personal Attributes • Strong alignment with Rinn Advanced Therapies’ vision and values. • Collaborative and team-oriented approach, with a commitment to respect and dignity for all. • Highly motivated, organised, adaptable and resourceful. • Ability to work flexibly and respond effectively to changing priorities. • Commitment to delivering agreed outcomes, including working to tight deadlines where required.

The role may involve occasional national travel for meetings or consortium events.

CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Continuing Professional Development/Training: Researchers at University of Galway are encouraged to avail of a range of training and development opportunities designed to support their personal career development plans. University of Galway provides continuing professional development supports for all researchers seeking to build their own career pathways either within or beyond academia. Researchers are encouraged to engage with our Researcher Development Centre (RDC) upon commencing employment - see HERE for further information.

NB: Work permit restrictions apply to this post.

FURTHER INFORMATION/LINKS

• TO APPLY: Search Current University of Galway vacancies. Applications must be submitted online. o How to apply guide

• For informal enquiries, please contact the co-directors of engaged research Prof Aideen Ryan ([email protected]) or Prof Aisling McMahon ([email protected])

• University's Strategic Plan

• Working in Research at University of Galway

• Moving to Ireland (Euraxess)

• Applicant Information

• We reserve the right to re-advertise or extend the closing date for this post.

• University of Galway is an equal opportunities employer.

• All positions are recruited in line with Open, Transparent, Merit (OTM) and Competency based recruitment.