Working at the ESRI

Every member of ESRI staff contributes to our mission to be a world‑class research institute supporting a more inclusive, prosperous, sustainable and decarbonised Ireland. Our Statement of Strategy 2024–2028 sets out four core goals that guide our work: delivering research excellence, communicating effectively, maintaining a comprehensive research agenda and engaging ethically and with impact.

We maintain a strong and open dialogue with policymakers. In 2024, ESRI researchers were invited to address eight Oireachtas Committees, sharing evidence that informs national decision‑making. We also hosted 32 conferences, webinars and workshops, providing spaces for discussion, collaboration and knowledge exchange.

ESRI research plays an active role in Ireland’s public debate. Each year, our work is cited around 300 times in Oireachtas proceedings. In recent years, ESRI colleagues have also chaired and served as rapporteurs for the National Economic Dialogue, an annual event attended by An Taoiseach, government ministers and representatives from across Irish society.

At the ESRI, you will work as part of multidisciplinary teams applying the highest standards of academic research to real‑world policy challenges. Our researchers combine expertise from economics, sociology, psychology and related disciplines to deliver evidence that informs national decision‑making.

Innovation is central to our work. In recent years, ESRI teams have developed major analytical models to support long‑term policy planning, including:

• COSMO, which projects population and economic growth
• HIPPOCRATES, which forecasts Ireland’s future health and social care needs
• I3E, which analyses how economic policy interacts with energy use and climate change

Our researchers publish widely and contribute to international scholarship. In 2024, ESRI staff published 61 papers in peer‑reviewed journals, reflecting the Institute’s strong academic output and commitment to research excellence.

Working as a researcher at the ESRI means joining a community of leading experts in economics, sociology and psychology. Our researchers contribute to national and international policy by serving on advisory and expert groups in organisations such as government departments, the CSO, the OECD, the International Labour Organization and the European Central Bank.

ESRI researchers regularly brief Oireachtas committees, speak at international conferences and contribute to public debate through radio, television and national media. In 2024 alone, ESRI research was referenced more than 1,600 times in the Irish media. Researchers took part in over 80 broadcast interviews and delivered more than 200 seminar and conference presentations, reflecting the Institute’s strong public impact and commitment to evidence‑based policymaking.

We are committed to supporting the professional growth and development of our people. Staff have access to a wide range of learning opportunities — from short training courses and longer programmes of study to attending and presenting at national and international conferences. Researchers can also develop their own independent research projects as part of their career pathway.

Early‑career researchers benefit from our mentoring programme, and staff at all levels regularly share their work through lunchtime seminars and internal conference days. Public seminars bring leading international experts to the Institute, giving staff exposure to new research, methods, and perspectives.

Professional services and technical staff play a vital role in supporting the Institute’s work. Career opportunities arise across functions including Finance, Funding, IT, HR, Event Management, Projects and Procurement, Membership, and Communications.

The ESRI alumni community now includes more than 320 former staff who have gone on to work in government departments, state agencies, universities, and research institutes around the world.

The ESRI is committed to supporting the wellbeing of everyone who works here. We offer a free and confidential Employee Assistance Programme to staff and their immediate family members. This service provides counselling and guidance, as well as signposting to additional sources of support.

We take part in National Workplace Wellbeing Day each year, joining organisations across Ireland to promote healthy lifestyles and positive work–life balance.

Our active Sports & Social Committee organises a wide range of events and activities throughout the year. These include our annual summer barbecue and Christmas party, as well as quiz nights, fun runs, a language tandem, book and film clubs and other social events.

The Institute operates a blended working model alongside other flexible working arrangements. These options help staff balance their professional and personal commitments in a way that works for them.