Purpose of Position:

The ProBrain Research Laboratory at National College of Ireland are seeking to recruit a Research Assistant to support a study entitled: Facilitators and Barriers to implementing Cognitive Stimulation Therapy groups for people with dementia in Ireland (FAB-CST). This project is funded by the Irish Research Council under the New Foundations Scheme and is running from December 2022-September 2023. The project aims to gather information about the delivery of Cognitive Stimulation Therapy in Ireland, and barriers to its implementation, through an online survey and a series of focus groups with relevant stakeholders including healthcare professionals, policy makers, and people living with and impacted by dementia.

Reporting to:              

Dr Michelle Kelly, Associate Professor of Psychology at National College of Ireland (Principal Investigator for the FAB-CST project.

The successful candidate will be recruited to support the research activities for this project. This fixed-term part-time contract is on a per-hour basis and offers flexible working hours.

Cognitive stimulation therapy (CST) is the only evidence-based intervention that improves cognition and quality of life for people with mild-moderate dementia. CST offers an ideal solution to the demand for early interventions for those with dementia in Ireland. Although approximately 320 people are trained to deliver CST here, an ‘implementation gap’ has emerged where those trained often do not run CST, so CST is not routinely available.  This research aims to gather information on when/where CST is being offered and to explore barriers to its implementation, with a view to providing recommendations to facilitate greater availability of CST in Ireland.  

Key Relationships:

  • ProBrain Research Laboratory
  • Psychology Department NCI
  • School of Business at National College of Ireland

Key Responsibilities:

  • Support for quantitative data collection using online survey methods
  • Management and analysis of quantitative data sets
  • Participant recruitment for qualitative focus groups
  • Facilitation of qualitative focus groups
  • Transcription of qualitative data
  • General administrative duties as required
  • Travel to meet the needs of the post (in the Greater Dublin Area, all travel expenses will be reimbursed)
  • Ensure research resources are used in an effective and efficient manner.

Key Attributes:

Knowledge and Experience (Essential)

  • Previous practical experience working with participants in research projects including participant recruitment and quantitative and/or qualitative data collection
  • Computer skills including experience in use of Microsoft Office programmes
  • A primary degree in psychology or other relevant discipline
  • A postgraduate qualification in Psychology, Research Methods, or other relevant discipline
  • Experience of quantitative data analysis and familiarity with quantitative data analysis software (e.g. SPSS)

Knowledge and Experience (Desirable)

  • Previous experience working with older adults or vulnerable populations
  • Previous experience with qualitative analysis and familiarity with qualitative analysis software (e.g. NVivo, MAXQDA)
  • Experience of working with multiple stakeholders such as healthcare professionals, caregivers or patient groups
  • Prior project management or administrative experience

Skills and Competencies

  • Excellent organisational and administrative skills – ability to plan and coordinate tasks to meet deadlines
  • Excellent interpersonal skills – ability to establish rapport with research participants
  • Excellent analytical skills, accuracy, and attention to detail
  • Project management and time management
  • Understanding of research ethics and ability to maintain confidentiality at all times
  • Highly motivated and capable of working independently as well as within a team
  • Excellent problem-solving skills and an ability to take initiative, along with good judgment and decision-making skills
  • Ability to organise and plan own work schedule within the framework of the agreed research programme

Person specification

Qualifications (Essential)

  • A primary degree in psychology or other relevant discipline

Qualifications (Desirable)

  • A postgraduate qualification in Psychology, Research Methods, or other relevant discipline.

Salary:  

€20.42 per hour. Salary is commensurate with experience equivalent to Point 5-6 of the Research Assistant IUA Researcher Salary Scale.

Annual Leave: 

8% of hours worked

Contract: 

Fixed-term 

Hours:

Part - time, Flexible 

Location: National College of Ireland, Mayor Square, IFSC, Dublin 1

National College of Ireland’s mission is to widen participation in higher education and unlock each student's potential. The College offers students the opportunity to acquire the skills and self-confidence to change their lives, contribute to a knowledge based economy and become responsible, active citizens. 

Application Process:

To apply please e-mail your cover letter and CV both in PDF format ONLY, quoting reference number NCI 1036 and title of the position - Research Assistant Pro-Brain Lab (IRC) to: recruitment@ncirl.ie by 5:00 pm, 10th of May 2023.

Note: The functions and responsibilities assigned to the ELI Research Intern are based on the current stated role and objectives of the ABC/ELI/National Centre Programmes and the College. These functions and responsibilities may alter in line with any change in the role and objectives of the ABC/ELI/National Centre Programme and NCI.

The successful applicant will be subject to Garda Vetting and must not have any convictions under the Sex Offenders Act 2001.

National College of Ireland is an equal opportunities employer.

The Importance of Confidentiality

We would like to assure you that protecting confidentiality is our number one priority. You can expect that all enquires, applications and all aspects of the proceedings are treated as strictly confidential and are not disclosed to anyone, outside those directly involved in that aspect of the process. 

Candidates' Obligations

In submitting a completed Curriculum Vitae and supporting documentation, candidates are declaring:

  • That all the particulars furnished in their application are true and correct without omission and that they are aware of the qualifications and particulars for this position.
  • That to the best of their knowledge that there is nothing in relation to their conduct, character or personal background of any nature that would adversely affect the position of trust in which they would be placed by virtue of this appointment.
  • Their irrevocable consent to NCI making such enquiries as deemed necessary in respect of their suitability for the post in respect of which their application is made.
  • Their acceptance and confirmation of the entitlement of NCI, as appropriate to, reject their application, or to terminate their employment (in the event of a contract of employment having been entered into on foot of this competition) if they have omitted to furnish NCI with any information relevant to their application or their continued employment or where they have made any false statement or misrepresentation relevant to this application or their continuing employment with the College. #

Candidates should note that they may be required to submit documentary evidence in support of any particulars given by them in their application for the post.

Data Protection Acts 1988 to 2018 and the Freedom of Information Acts 1997 to 2014 as amended

Data collected for the purposes of recruitment activities

NCI conducts recruitment processes to fill vacancies within the college. When applying for these competitions applicants are asked to submit a range of documents, e.g., a completed application form, CV and/or a personal statement or cover letter. For the purposes of recruitment activities, we will not collect any personal data that we do not need to assess your candidature for a role with us.

Legal Basis for Processing

NCI ’s legal basis for the processing of this data is a combination of individual consent, contractual necessity and legal obligations.

Withdrawal of Consent

Applicants can withdraw their consent for the processing of their personal data at any time by notifying the College. It is important to note that withdrawal of consent prior to the completion of the process will be considered as a withdrawal of the application.

What we do with your data

People who are directly employed by NCI and are based in Ireland process all the personal data collected for both recruitment and HR purposes.

Shortlisting

HR draft up the shortlisting documents and provide the initial screening to determine if a person meets the essential criteria of the competition. A shortlisting panel is generally made up of two senior grade staff members from the relevant department for which the role is being recruited.

Sharing of your data

Where you have been successfully shortlisted for a post, each interview panel member will be furnished with a copy of the relevant information of those who will be attending interview in order that they can review applications in advance of the interview process. All such information will be returned to NCI and shredded following the competition process. Some of the interview panel will be external interviewers, who are not employees of NCI but are engaged for the purpose and are strictly subject to the rules and policies of the College.

Access

Applicants can request and receive access to their data at any time and can request and receive a copy of this data, in electronic/transferable format.

Erasure

Applicants can request the data held be erased. In this case, the application for a position is considered withdrawn.

Rectification

Applicants can have any incorrect information corrected.

Objection / Withdraw

Applications can object to this information being processed and/or can request to withdraw from the application process

Complain

Applicants can make a complaint to our internal Information Governance and Data Protection Officer

NCI Information Governance and Data Protection Officer

National College of Ireland, Mayor Street, IFSC, Dublin 1

Tel (Direct): + 353 1 4498 523 ; Tel (Reception): + 353 1 4498 500

And/or make a complaint to the relevant authority

Data Protection Commission, 21 Fitzwilliam Square South, Dublin 2, D02 RD28

Tel: +353 (0) 761 104 800

National College of Ireland is an equal opportunities employer and is a Member of the Athena SWAN Charter. NCI is committed to serving our diverse community and welcomes applications from underrepresented groups.

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