Policy Research Role 
(Part-time) - Fixed Term Contract

We have an exciting opportunity for a researcher to join our team.

Reporting To: Lucy Michael and Projects Coordinator.

Hours of Work: 3 days a week on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays.

Location: 2 fixed days in-person at our offices in Smithfield, Dublin 7. Choice to work 1 day from home after probation.

Start date: Mid-October 2025

Contract duration: 12 months

Remuneration: €37,000 - €43,000 pro rata, dependent on qualification and experience.

Probationary Period: 2 months

Benefits: 21 days annual leave pro rata (exclusive of public holidays).

About Us:

Lucy Michael Research, Training and Consultancy (LMRTC) is a consultancy research group with expertise on inclusion and equality, experienced in working with minoritized communities to produce effective policy outcomes. Our work addresses a range of equality and human rights concerns, from the workplace and education, to policing, including discrimination and violence, and the roles of statutory institutions and civil society in combating discrimination across multiple and intersecting equality grounds.

About the Role:

We are looking for a focused and detail-oriented researcher to support our research in the areas of equality, integration, human rights and justice. This is a short-term contract aligned with current research funding.

Researcher Responsibilities:

• Conducting desktop research.
• Conducting focus groups and interviews in person and online.
• Analysis of qualitative data.
• Development of policy recommendations.
• Writing up research and training documents as part of a writing team.
• Handle private data responsibly in line with both LMRTC and Client’s Data Protection policy, protecting confidential information at all times.
• Work to deadlines as required.
• Participate in group meetings with other staff and collaborators.
• Maintaining and protecting electronic databases and file management.
• Developing positive working relationships with internal and external contacts as required.
• Following the Code of Ethics of the British Sociological Association and relaying any ethical issues to your employer.

Requirements:

Minimum Qualifications for the role are either of:

• M.A. in sociology or cognate discipline plus 2 years’ experience
  Or
• P.H.D. degree in sociology or cognate discipline
• Qualifications and experience in the areas of Social Policy, Sociology, Law and Human Rights are preferred.

This role requires applicants to have the right to work in the Republic of Ireland. We are not currently eligible to employ a person on a general employment permit or critical skills permit (future positions may be eligible).

Researcher Requirements:

• Experience using qualitative research methods.
• Ability to communicate written content clearly and succinctly in English.
• Understanding of research ethics.
• Has a demonstrable commitment to the principles of anti-racism, social justice and equality, affected community leadership, solidarity and related principles and values.
• Strong I.T. and administration skills.
• Ability to work under pressure.
• Excellent time management skills.

Commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion:

Lucy Michael Research, Training & Consultancy is committed to fostering an inclusive and collaborative work environment that values all identities, perspectives and experiences, and provides opportunities for learning and growth. We particularly welcome applications from people from minority ethnic and migrant backgrounds, from women, nonbinary, LGBTQI+ and other traditionally marginalised backgrounds.

We are committed to creating an inclusive and supportive workplace where diversity is valued.

Data Protection:

All documentation received by Lucy Michael Research, Training & Consultancy will be processed in accordance with applicable data protection legislation. The information provided will be used solely for the purpose of processing job applications and for ongoing administrative purposes related to job candidates.

To apply:

Please email Sharon@lucymichael.ie with your CV and a cover letter detailing how you meet the above requirements together with details of 2 named referees. At least one referee should be from current or recent employer.

Please use subject ‘Policy Research Role’ in email. Closing date is 5pm on Wednesday 3rd September 2025.

Applicants will be shortlisted for interview based only on the information supplied in the CV and cover letter, and on the requirements of the post.

Interviews

Short-listed candidates will be invited to interview on Thursday 18th September 2025.

Please visit our website at https://lucymichael.ie/contact/vacancies/policyresearchrole/