Open Call for Early Career Researchers: Short Desk-Based Policy Projects


Are you an early career researcher looking to gain experience 
in policy-focused research? 
We are building our database of researchers interested in 
short desk-based projects in:
•	
o	human rights law 
o	social sciences on any of the equality grounds
See our website for full details

Are you an early career researcher looking to gain experience in policy-focused contract research?

We are creating a database of researchers interested in short desk-based projects.

Our projects focus on impactful work in policy and human rights. We believe that our process of contracting researchers also has the potential to impact the research sector.

Why an Open Call?

Project start dates often come with short notice, making it difficult to advertise opportunities effectively and give enough time for applications. We are a small and busy organisation, and we do not use outside recruiting agents or AI to identify or select candidates. This database will allow us to connect with interested researchers and build project teams quickly as required.

We particularly welcome applications from candidates who come from backgrounds and communities that are traditionally underrepresented in the research sector. 

Minimum Criteria

  • Completed Master’s Degree in social sciences or law, or another relevant field
  • A passion for research that drives change and informs policy
  • Experience in social science research on any of the equality grounds recognised in Irish law, or in human rights law in any area  
  • Familiarity with using research databases, standard academic citation practice and excellent written English.

Benefits

  • Gain experience in policy-focused research
  • Will suit recent graduates from PhD study, PhD students, or MA graduates
  • Flexible working days within project deadlines
  • Remote work with some on-site meetings
  • Good rate of pay per project
  • Author credits
  • Opportunities for progression to larger research projects

About these opportunities

  • The number of days and expected outputs will be specified in any offer you receive.
  • The number of induction and progress meetings expected will be indicated with the offer.
  • Offers will be based on applicants’ skills and experience as well as prior knowledge in the specific topic area. Lived experience is included in this assessment.

How to Apply

Send your CV, a sample of your writing and a paragraph about your research interests and experience to enquiries@lucymichael.ie with the subject line: “Open Call”

If you require accessibility accommodations for your submission, let us know, and we’ll be happy to assist.

Additional Opportunities

We will continue to advertise part-time and full-time employee roles through the usual channels as they arise. We hope this database will help us reach a broad range of candidates for those positions too.

Deadline

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, but we encourage you to submit early to be considered for upcoming projects.

Feel free to share this call with other early career researchers who might be interested!