Research Fellow and Postdoctoral Research Fellow (2-year contracts)

The University of Dublin

Trinity College Dublin

The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA)

Research Fellow and Postdoctoral Research Fellow (2-year contracts)

Economic Analysis of Ageing at TILDA

Applications are invited for two research positions in The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA) which is located at the main campus of Trinity College Dublin. (http://www.tcd.ie/tilda).  One position will be at Research Fellow level (minimum of 3 years post-graduate experience) and one at Post-Doctoral level.

TILDA is collecting detailed information on all aspects of the lives of people aged 50+ resident in Ireland, including the economic dimension (pensions, employment, living standards etc.), health aspects (physical, mental, service needs and usage etc.) and social aspects (contact with friends and kin, formal and informal care, social participation etc.)  Data from survey interviews as well as physical and biological measurements will be collected and compiled for research analysis purposes.  The sample size envisaged is approx. 8,000 persons and the project is currently being planned across a ten-year time horizon.  The study will be closely harmonised with leading international research. 

The first wave of the survey is now in the field.

Population ageing will pose a wide range of economic and financial challenges for policy makers, and the data being collected by TILDA will therefore embody a strong economic component.  Among the topics being investigated are labour market issues such as labour force participation, retirement and life long learning; incomes, earnings, pensions and asset holdings; intergenerational transfers and health care utilisation.   Applicants will have a keen interest in one or more of these fields, and possess relevant research skills including the capacity to formulate hypotheses and models. 

Experience in the statistical analysis of large and complex datasets using SAS, SPSS or STATA is essential, and preference will be given to candidates who have familiarity with longitudinal micro-data.  Given TILDA’s cross-disciplinary focus, we would particularly welcome candidates with an interest in linking the economic aspects with the other life domains under investigation, such as health and social integration.

Applicants will have a strong record of publication (relative to career stage) and be highly motivated and dynamic.  Good communication and interpersonal skills are required.  Candidates for the more senior position must have experience in supervising junior researchers and in producing cross-disciplinary, multi-author publications. They should also have sufficient research experience to contribute to future project planning decisions.

The positions will commence in January 2010 for two years, subject to satisfactory performance.

Salary will be competitive depending on experience, and the successful candidate will become a member of the College Pension Scheme.

To apply please e-mail a PDF copy of a brief cover letter and a CV including a publications list, description of research interests, and the names and contact information of two referees (email addresses if possible) to: jogradytcd.ie.  

Closing date for receipt of applications: Friday 4th December, 2009

Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed.

Trinity College Dublin is an equal opportunities employer.