Circularity Innovation Fund Senior Researcher

Who we are:

Irish Manufacturing Research (IMR) is a leading Research and Technology Organisation providing a portfolio of operations research, training, and consultancy services to Industry across the following four thematic pillars: Digitisation, Sustainable Manufacturing, Design for Manufacturing, and Robotics and Automation. As a leading manufacturing Research & Technology Organisation (RTO) with labs and industrial pilot lines in Dublin and Mullingar, IMR works with leading global and indigenous brands to demystify and derisk new and emerging technologies and to deliver high-impact collaborative research and services to enable advanced manufacturing for a broad range of clients across Ireland’s manufacturing network.

What IMR offers:

• An opportunity to contribute to the national economic growth agenda
• A competitive salary and pension
• A friendly and flexible working environment with State-of-the-art Innovation Centres
• Lots of diversity in terms of people, technology, projects and ideas
• The opportunity to join a dynamic and committed team
• Interaction with a diverse range of industrial clients and state partners
• 5 weeks holidays

The Role:

Irish Manufacturing Research (IMR) is seeking a Circularity Innovation Fund Senior Researcher on a 23-month contract to join the Circular Economy Innovation team. Working collaboratively with, and under the guidance of, the Circularity Innovation Fund Specialist, the successful candidate will help design, document and operate IMR's circular innovation fund(s) – from fund design and operating model development to call operations, applicant support and impact tracking.

Cascade funding support makes up 70–80% of the role with the remaining 20–30% covering a diverse range of RD&I support activities from circular cascade fund landscape analysis and benchmarking, competitive funding proposal development or sectoral road-mapping and anything in between. This role is likely to be of interest to candidates who want to build their working knowledge needed to provide continuity across the full competitive grant-funding lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities:

• Cascade Fund Design Support– co-design and execute gap analyses and options appraisals on current fund architecture, providing evidence-based recommendations to the Circularity Innovation Fund Specialist to inform structural enhancements.
• Cascade Fund Operating Model Documentation– co-develop and maintain assessment templates, decision pathway records, governance workflows and playbooks, and the fund knowledge repository so that processes are consistent and version-controlled.
• Impact and Performance Tracking Support– co-design and run data collection on funded pilot projects, analyse awardee financial and impact reporting, and produce regular performance and impact reports.
• Cascade Fund Operations Support– under the guidance of the Circularity Innovation Fund Specialist coordinate funding call logistics, including evaluation processes, assessor briefings and accurate records of decisions and outcomes.
• Applicant, Consortium and Awardee Support– support applicants and awardees through application, pilot delivery and reporting requirements as required.
• Circular RD&I Support Activities– support as required, circular cascade fund landscape analysis and benchmarking, competitive funding proposal development or sectoral road-mapping and anything in between.
• CEI Project Administration- included but not limited to supporting the development of standard operating procedures, creating purchase orders, contributing to monthly, quarterly and annual reporting and workflow administration associated with the role.

Required Skills and Experience:

• Master’s degree or PhD in Circular Economy, Environmental Science, Engineering, Economics, Innovation Management, Business or a related field.
• Minimum 3 years’ relevant experience in applied research, innovation or research project support, ideally with a sustainability or circular economy focus.
• Working knowledge of national and EU RD&I funding programmes; experience preparing or supporting funding proposals would be an advantage.
• Confidence working with data – building structured datasets, defining impact metrics and producing clear reporting.
• Highly organised and detail-oriented, able to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines in a fast-paced, multi-stakeholder environment.
• Demonstrable written communication, with a track record of producing high-quality reports, briefs and process documentation.
• Strong research skills, including desk research, qualitative and quantitative analysis, and synthesising complex information into clear, evidence-based recommendations.
• Experience engaging with industry, academic and public-sector stakeholders, including conducting interviews and workshops.
• Collaborative and open to guidance, with interdisciplinary curiosity and a clear motivation to develop towards fund and innovation management.
• Fluent English.

Location:

Candidates will be required to be resident in Ireland. IMR offices are situated in Rathcoole, Co. Dublin and Mullingar, Co. Westmeath. This role will be based in our Rathcoole office. We offer a hybrid working model with onsite presence in the office required at least one day per week. Travel between offices and client sites will be required from time to time.

Salary & Benefits:  

This position will command a package consisting of basic salary (€47,273 - €49,890 depending on qualifications and experience), employer pension contribution and 5 weeks holidays.

Closing Date:

All applicants must include an up-to-date version of their CV with their application. Electronic applicants only via LinkedIn or to careers@imr.ie

Closing date for receipt of all applications is noon Friday, 20th November 2026. We reserve the right to close the vacancy early should we receive sufficient applications. Early application is encouraged.

Interviews are expected to take place week commencing 30th November 2026.

IMR is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We actively promote equity and equal opportunity in all aspects of employment and welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, experiences, and identities. We do not discriminate based on age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristic. We strive to ensure our recruitment processes are fair, accessible, and free from bias.