Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Economics @Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI)

Researchers and early-career academics specializing in economics, social policy, taxation, welfare, and public policy have an exciting opportunity to join the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) in Ireland.

The institute is currently recruiting a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Economics (Taxation, Welfare and Pensions) on a three-year fixed-term contract.

Based in Dublin, Ireland, the position offers a hybrid working arrangement and provides an excellent platform for researchers seeking to contribute to evidence-based policymaking while advancing their academic careers.

About the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI)

Founded in 1960, the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) is one of Ireland’s leading independent research organizations. The institute conducts high-quality research aimed at informing public debate, shaping policy decisions, and contributing to Ireland’s economic and social development.

With a multidisciplinary team of economists, sociologists, psychologists, epidemiologists, statisticians, and other social scientists, the ESRI plays a vital role in producing research that addresses some of the most pressing social and economic challenges facing Ireland and Europe.

The institute’s work is widely respected for its academic rigor and commitment to delivering research with a strong public-good focus.

About the Postdoctoral Research Fellow Position

The successful candidate will join the Taxation, Welfare and Pensions (TWP) Team, a research group dedicated to examining how tax, welfare, and pension systems influence income distribution, social protection, and labour market participation.

The team’s recent research has explored several important policy areas, including:

• Childcare affordability
• Carbon taxation
• Tax and welfare indexation
• Pension auto-enrolment
• Retirement income adequacy
• Homecare support services
• Gender inequality
• Labour market incentives

A significant component of the team’s work involves maintaining and developing sophisticated tax-benefit microsimulation models, including the ESRI’s SWITCH model and Ireland’s contribution to the European Commission’s EUROMOD model.

Key Responsibilities

The Postdoctoral Research Fellow will play a central role in ongoing research and policy analysis projects.

Responsibilities include:

• Supporting the maintenance and development of ESRI and European Commission tax-benefit microsimulation models.
• Conducting quantitative economic and social policy research.
• Leading and contributing to academic journal articles and policy reports.
• Providing modelling support and technical assistance to government departments and external stakeholders.
• Collaborating with funding partners on research priorities and project objectives.
• Presenting research findings at national and international conferences and seminars.

The role offers extensive opportunities for professional development, mentorship, and academic publication.

Required Qualifications and Skills

ESRI is seeking a highly motivated researcher with strong quantitative and analytical capabilities.

Applicants should possess:

• A PhD in Economics, Social Policy, or a closely related discipline (or be near completion).
• Strong quantitative and econometric skills.
• Demonstrated experience using Stata.
• Interest in taxation, welfare, pensions, and social policy.
• Knowledge of labour economics and public economics.
• Excellent academic writing and communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Proven capacity to meet deadlines and manage multiple tasks.

Additional advantages include:

• Programming experience.
• Knowledge of Python.
• Experience with microsimulation modelling.
• Familiarity with policy-focused research environments.

Hybrid Working Arrangement and Location

The position is based at the ESRI headquarters in Dublin, Ireland.

Staff members currently benefit from a blended working model that allows remote work from within Ireland while maintaining regular engagement with colleagues in the office. Under the current arrangement, employees are generally required to attend the office at least one day per week, depending on business requirements.

This flexible approach supports collaboration while promoting work-life balance.

Salary and Benefits

The appointment is offered on a full-time basis with a standard working week of 35 hours.

Key benefits include:

• Starting salary of €50,821 per year.
• Three-year fixed-term contract.
• Flexible working hours.
• Hybrid work opportunities.
• Professional development and training programs.
• Dedicated research supervision and mentoring.
• Opportunities to publish in leading academic journals.
• Participation in national and international conferences.
• Access to a collaborative and multidisciplinary research environment.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

The ESRI is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. The institute actively encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, nationality, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, family status, or socio-economic background.

The organization particularly welcomes applications from underrepresented groups and provides reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment process.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit their applications through the official recruitment platform before the application deadline.

Position: Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Economics (Taxation, Welfare and Pensions)

Organization: Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI)

Location: Dublin, Ireland (Hybrid)

Contract Type: Three-Year Fixed-Term Contract

Salary: €50,821 per annum

Application Deadline: 24 June 2026 (5:00 PM)

Candidates should ensure that all application materials are submitted before the closing date, as late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

Final Thoughts

This opportunity offers an excellent pathway for researchers interested in taxation, welfare policy, public economics, and social policy research. Working at the ESRI provides access to world-class research infrastructure, opportunities to influence policymaking, and the chance to collaborate with leading experts across multiple disciplines.

For early-career economists seeking to make a meaningful impact through evidence-based research, this Postdoctoral Research Fellow position represents a valuable opportunity to advance both academic and professional ambitions.

APPLY HERE

Submit your application through the official ESRI recruitment portal before 24 June 2026 at 5:00 PM.

For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel

Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding