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Job Title: Postdoctoral Researcher on Mitigating Air Pollution (MAP) Impact Project
Department: Public Health and Epidemiology
Reporting to: Dr. Ross Brannigan, Lecturer in Public Health and Epidemiology
Location: RCSI, St. Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2
Contract/Duration: Specified Purpose, full- time (up to 16 months)
Remuneration: Post-Doctoral Researcher Salary Scale
Closing Date: 9th October 2026
School of Population Health
Established in 2022, the School builds upon the success of the Division of Population Health Sciences since 2006. The School comprises the Department of Public Health and Epidemiology, Department of Health Psychology, Data Science Centre, Healthcare Outcomes Research Centre, Institute of Global Surgery, Converge and SPHeRE, the national, inter-institutional, structured doctoral programme. It includes over 100 academic, research and professional staff, as well as 25 PhD scholars. Population health scientists and researchers at RCSI have an impressive, track record undertaking impactful multidisciplinary research and collaborating with an extensive network of international and national partners.
The aims of the School of Population Health are to undertake multidisciplinary research that guides, shapes and monitors the crucial decisions in population health; to deliver comprehensive educational programmes that meet the workforce needs of today and the innovative needs of the future; and to participate in synergistic networks and collaborations that strengthen infrastructure, capacity and financing for education and research.
Reflecting the breadth of population health science, we adopt a balanced, multi-disciplinary approach, connecting and contributing to developments in population health, nationally and internationally. The key enabler in delivering our ambitious programme of growth is the School’s multidisciplinary team of academics, researchers, scholars and support staff. Reflecting the people-first approach of RCSI, the School of Population Health provides a diverse, supportive, healthy work environment for its team.
Background to the research project:
The World Health Organization has identified air pollution as one of the greatest environmental risks to health. Reducing the impact of air pollution on health is therefore a global priority and it is vital that effective policy is implemented to address the health impacts, in order to reduce morbidity, healthcare costs and premature death. Compounding the need for immediate action is a recent EPA report, showing Ireland being considerably behind on all EU greenhouse gas targets, with the current trajectory suggesting we won’t meet the EU enforced targets by 2030.
The overall concept behind this project is underpinned by a public health approach to air pollution mitigation and adaptation. A public health approach enables consideration of equity, from a policy perspective. Disadvantaged communities are often the most exposed to air pollution, often living in travel corridors into and out of a city, and using more polluting forms of fuel for heating their homes. Reviewing policy in the light of equity considerations will not only ensure that risk is reduced for the most disadvantaged but will also be more likely to lead to engagement of these communities in subsequent behavior change, as well as help to inform the development of communication strategies.
The synthesis of best international evidence on air pollution mitigation and adaptation, will inform policy and practice in an Irish context and ensure that proposed policies and practices are based on the best available evidence. In addition, the link between air pollution and health is often overlooked since air pollution cannot be seen, and it is complex to measure and understand individual health risk. Making the relationship between air pollution and health tangible at a local level, by demonstrating impact on hospitalisations, is an effective means of emphasising the relationship between air pollution and health and will contribute to behaviour change at all levels as well as providing information on who is most at risk.
Our global evidence-informed and local data-driven approach will inform our collaborations with key stakeholders in Ireland. All main stakeholders, including Local Authorities, Government Departments, the Health Service Executive (HSE), the National Health Intelligence Unit (NIHU), Irish Doctors for the Environment, Asthma Society Ireland, the Irish Heart Foundation, and other NGOs, will be invited to contribute to a review of policy and practice through policy dialogue workshops. This will ensure that multiple perspectives are represented in the final project outcome.
Responsibilities of the Researcher:
We are seeking to recruit a post-doctoral researcher with experience in mixed-method approaches, with experience working on quantitative projects alongside policy and translational work. The post-holder will ideally be familiar with epidemiological research, working with retrospective cohort level data and using advanced statistical methods. Additionally, the post-holder will work alongside a secondary post-doctoral researcher, collaborating on translational work, with the aim to turn the projects research into suggestions for policy through engagement with interested parties. The post-holder will support the PI in undertaking all necessary activities, and will participate in data cleaning, analysis, write up and publication of findings. Additionally, the post-holder will write reports to be presented to stakeholders in lay terms forming the central points of two in person stakeholder workshops.
The post-holder will need to be self-motivated, demonstrate initiative, and have proven ability to work independently and lead on literature reviewing, and evidence synthesis with a focus on translation towards health policy. They will be educated to post-doctorate level, with significant experience of mixed-methods research and will be a member of a multi-disciplinary team, based at RCSI.
Specifically, the duties of the post are:
Undertake data analysis, including the production of advanced statistical models examining associations between air pollution and health
Policy focused translational research incorporating workshops with interested parties
Summarize population level health data for a community audience
Contribute to communications with partners and key stakeholders including preparation of reports and deliverables related to her/his responsibilities
Support the preparation for research team and steering group meetings
Contribute to writing high quality scientific papers
Represent the best interests of the SHCP and RCSI at all times
Perform such other duties as may be required.
Qualifications – (Essential):
PhD level qualification (social science, public health, statistics or related field)
First degree in a social science, public health, statistics or related field
Knowledge & Experience – (Essential):
Evidence of performing all aspects of data analysis including cleaning, linking and analysis to a publishable standard
Qualitative experience working on policy recommendations and translation of evidence.
Computer skills including use of packages including Excel and STATA
Strong scientific writing skills and experience, with track record of publications
Excellent communication skills and interpersonal skills – ability to build collaborative relationships
Strong organisational and administrative skills with the ability to prioritise objectives and work to deadlines
The ability to work on own initiative as well as in a team environment
Flexibility to work irregular hours on occasion
Ability to work in a multicultural environment
Knowledge & Experience – (Desirable):
We are all too aware that imposter syndrome and the confidence gap can sometimes stop fantastic candidates putting themselves forward, so please do submit an application — we’d love to hear from you.
At RCSI, people are at the heart of everything we do. Watch our short video to discover our culture, values, and shared commitment to making a meaningful impact on health worldwide. RCSI: Ensemble - Body Meets Mind.
Application Process
Please apply online through the RCSI careers portal on the closing date with your CV and cover letter.
Click here to read our Recruitment and Selection Policy for Researcher.
Informal Enquiries:
Informal enquiries can be directed to Associate Professor Ross Brannigan, email: branniganross@rcsi.ie
All applications for this post must be made through the career's webpage www.rcsi/careers. Please note we do not accept CVs directly.
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