Reporting to: CEO
Direct Reports: None
Nature of role: Full-time, permanent
Location: Dublin and hybrid

Role Overview
This role is a key function within the organisation and is responsible for delivering and coordinating all research activities. This is a standalone role, working closely with the CEO and supported by colleagues across the organisation. The postholder will manage a well-defined and achievable portfolio of responsibilities, ensuring continuity of our research programme and maintaining strong relationships with key partners and stakeholders. The post-holder will represent Fighting Blindness at meetings, conferences, and events, including occasional international travel where required.

Key Priorities

• Research Strategy & Impact: Work with the CEO to monitor and advance research goals, ensuring alignment with the strategic objectives of Fighting Blindness.
• Research Portfolio Management: Oversee and track Fighting Blindness’ research grants and awards across laboratory, clinical, and social research projects. Support the identification and administration of future funding opportunities.
• Governance & Reporting: Prepare clear and timely research updates and reports for the Board of Directors. Liaise with the Research Advisory Group and Medical and Scientific Advisory Board in advising on funded projects and strategic direction.
• Research Engagement & Public Involvement: Lead and support research engagement activities that strengthen connections between the scientific, clinical, and patient communities. This includes events, workshops, public and patient Involvement initiatives, and collaborative opportunities that promote awareness, knowledge exchange, and the impact of Fighting Blindness-funded research.

Core Responsibilities

• Organisational Contribution: 
  • Participate as a member of the management team, contributing research insight to organisational strategy and planning. 
  • Maintain awareness of developments in vision research, policy, and issues relevant to people living with sight loss.
• Budget & Funding: 
  • Work with the CEO and Head of Finance to set and monitor research budgets.
  • Contribute to fundraising efforts related to research programmes, with workload managed proportionately.
• Research Administration: 
  • Manage all aspects of pre- and post-award grant processes, including funding calls, grant review, grant monitoring and reporting, financial administration, and evaluation of funded project progress.
  • Liaise with funding bodies, grant holders, and collaborative partners.
• Stakeholder Engagement: 
  • Develop and maintain productive relationships with key partners, including patient organisations, industry, academic and clinical collaborators. 
  • Lead the coordination and development of support and events for Retina Network Ireland and the V.I.P Network. 
  • Engage with organisations such as Retina International, Health Research Charities Ireland, the Irish Platform for Patient Organisations, Science and Industry, and other aligned groups.
• Public and Patient Involvement: 
  • Embed meaningful patient and public involvement across research activities and initiatives.  
  • Support advocacy on national research policy, medicine reimbursement, and access to clinical trials.
• Research Helpline: 
  • Provide accurate, accessible responses to research-related queries from members and the public, with support from the wider team as needed.
• Research Communications: 
  • Develop and deliver research communications in collaboration with colleagues, generating content for website articles, newsletters, and social media, within a manageable and agreed scope.

Essential Experience & Skills

• A postgraduate qualification (Masters or PhD) in a relevant health, scientific or related discipline.
• Experience in project management with a proven track record of delivering on objectives.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Attention to detail and strong organisational skills.
• Excellent IT skills, including MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc. 
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work as part of a team.
• Ability to manage a complex workload and work to tight deadlines.
• Ability to inspire commitment and support from a diverse range of stakeholders.

Desirable 

• Understanding of the Irish and/or international health research funding environment.
• Experience supporting or facilitating Public and Patient Involvement (PPI) and engagement activities.