Surgical Research Engagement and Communications Lead

Post Date : 12-Jun-2026
Close Date : 28-Jun-2026

Job Title: Surgical Research Engagement and Communications Lead

Reporting To: I-STAR National Clinical Director & Operations Director

Location: 121 St Stephens Green, Dublin

School (or department): Surgical Affairs

Contract type/duration: Temporary (2 years) - Full time

Closing date for applications: 23:45pm on Sunday 28th of June 2026

About the post:

RCSI is the national institution responsible for the delivery of surgical and emergency medicine specialist training. Surgical research is provided through the RCSI-National Surgical Research Support Centre (NSRSC). The NSRSC acts as a centralised surgical trials unit to provide guidance and support in coordination, management and delivery of innovative research and trials in Ireland. The unit also provides training in research methodology to support surgical researchers develop and conduct studies in their area of expertise while ensuring they adhere to ICH-GCP, and relevant legal and regulatory standards.

Leveraging the supports from the various departments within RCSI, national clinical trial centres, hospital sites, clinical trial networks and other academic universities, the NSRSC supports surgical trial investigators to open multi-site Randomised Controlled Trials. Partnering with International surgical trial units the NSRSC supports Surgical trial Investigators to open world class, high quality International surgical trials in hospitals nationwide.

The establishment and success of the NSRSC has developed the essential foundations, relationships and track record to move to the next phase which is to formally establish an all island, Irish Surgical Trials and Research (I-STAR) network.

The I-STAR network will provide the framework within which the surgeons will be encouraged to form specialty specific trial clusters and collaborative groups focused on a research area of interest. The network will also support the current Irish surgical trainee collaborative groups. The NSRSC will continue to provide the training and administrative infrastructural support for the I-STAR network, where-as the governance, research engagement, showcasing and strategic direction for surgical research in Ireland will now fall within the remit of the I-STAR network.

Role Purpose:

The Surgical Research Engagement & Communications Lead will play a central role in the launch, development and ongoing visibility of the new academic I-STAR clinical trial network.

The postholder will lead the network's digital presence, communications, stakeholder engagement and market intelligence, supporting the network's mission to strengthen clinical trial capacity, collaboration and impact.

This role requires a blend of clinical research understanding, digital and content expertise, and strong stakeholder engagement skills, working closely with academic, clinical, funding and policy partners.

What the Role Offers

• Opportunity to play a foundational role in establishing a new academic clinical trial network
• Exposure to national and international clinical research stakeholders
• A varied role combining strategy, delivery, digital innovation and engagement

Specific duties of the post

Clinical Trial Network Growth & Positioning

• Support the strategic launch of the clinical trial network, ensuring clear messaging, brand identity and value proposition
• Contribute to the development of the network's communications and engagement strategy
• Ensure consistent and professional representation of the network across all channels to a variety of audiences

Digital Presence & Website Management

• Lead the development, launch and ongoing management of the network website
• Ensure web content is accurate, current, accessible and aligned with academic and clinical standards
• Manage and update digital media channels (e.g. LinkedIn, email newsletters, digital campaigns)
• Monitor website and digital performance metrics to inform continuous improvement

Content Creation & Communications

• Develop high-'quality written and digital content highlighting new initiatives, programmes funding opportunities, Network achievements, outputs and impact
• Translate complex clinical research information into clear, engaging and audience-'appropriate communications
• Support dissemination of network information to national and international audiences

Stakeholder Engagement

• Identify, map and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including:
• Academic researchers and clinicians
• Clinical research facilities and trial units
• Funding agencies and policymakers
• Industry and international research partners
• Patients and public
• Support engagement activities that promote collaboration, awareness and participation in the network
• Act as a point of contact for external queries related to the network's activities

Events & Network Activities

• Support the planning, coordination and promotion of network events, including; Network launch, workshops, webinars, stakeholder meetings and forums
• Develop event materials, digital promotion and post-'event communications
• Support evaluation and reporting on event engagement and impact

Market Research & Intelligence

• Conduct market research and benchmarking to assess existing national and international clinical trial networks and best practices in network development, engagement and service offerings
• Produce briefings and insights to inform network strategy and development
• Monitor trends in clinical research, funding and stakeholder engagement

Candidate Experience and requirements:

Essential Criteria

• BSc, MSc Degree qualification in a relevant field (e.g. health sciences, research communications, marketing, digital media or related discipline)
• Demonstrated experience using digital engagement tools; LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and Design tools such as Canva, Adobe Photoshop
• Prior involvement in Research communications, clinical research, or a related environment
• Proven experience in website development, management, content creation for academic or professional audiences
• Experience supporting events, workshops or stakeholder forums
• Stakeholder engagement and relationship management
• Strong understanding of the clinical research or academic research landscape

Desirable Criteria

• Experience working with clinical trial networks, research infrastructures or collaborative research initiatives
• Knowledge of research funding landscapes and funding agencies
• Familiarity with digital analytics and performance reporting tools such as MS dynamics, Salesforce
• Experience working in a publicly funded, academic or healthcare setting

Skills & Competencies

• Communication Skills: Excellent communication skills and proven ability to communicate complex ideas to multi-disciplinary audiences
• Project Management Skills: Ability to ensure that project plans are communicated and that all timelines are met
• Self-starter with the ability to work as part of a team: Ability to operate effectively as part of a team - is cordial, tolerant and willing to help others, is co-operative and patient; shares work and information; establishes rapport
• I.T. skills: Proficient in MS Office Products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint). Ability to adapt and learn a variety of other systems and software.
• Conscientious: Have a pro-active approach to work, anticipating and resolving problems in advance; have keen attention to detail - from anticipating and addressing issues in advance to understanding requests and delivering quality work with minimal errors.
• Flexibility: Can operate flexibly within a busy environment; can shift focus when required.
• Time Management: effective time management and organisational skills
• Problem Solving: excellent problem identification and problem-solving skills with an ability to work independently and find solutions.

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.

Application Process

Please apply online through the RCSI careers portal on the closing date with your CV and cover letter.

Informal Enquiries:

Informal Enquiries can be directed to the Operations Director: Dr Anne-Marie Byrne: [email protected]

All applications for this post must be made through the career's webpage www.rcsi.com/careers.