Current Vacancies
Post Doctoral Researcher in the Discipline of Applied Social Studies-UNESCO Child and Family Research Centre 011533
Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for a part-time (3 days per week) fixed term position as a post-doctoral researcher with the UNESCO Child and Family Research Centre at the University of Galway, Ireland.
This position is funded by the Department of Children, Disability and Equality (DCDE) and is available from 23/02/2026-17/06/2026.
Project Title: Knowledge synthesis to inform a review of Children First: Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children 2017
This project is commissioned by the Department of Children, Disability and Equality. It will involve a knowledge synthesis to inform a review of Children First: Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children 2017. Children's First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children which was published in 2017 outlines the Irish statutory obligations for the protection and welfare of children and sets out best practice procedures that should be followed by all organisations involved with children. The Guidance is intended to raise awareness of child abuse and neglect, make clear the responsibilities of mandated professionals and organisations and to contribute to overall improvement of safeguarding and protection of children. In 2019, an addendum update was added to Children First in relation to Online Safety. In 2025, a further addendum was added in relation to Adult Retrospective Disclosures of Childhood Abuse. This project will provide a report to the DCDE to inform the update of the Children First Guidance. During the project, there will be regular meetings and communications with the DCDE.
This report will provide:
- Updated knowledge and understanding to inform the main considerations in Children First including definitions of abuse and neglect, public responsibilities, mandatory reporting, organisational leadership and co-operation and procedures for working with the Gardai.
- a more general review of trends and issues relating to new ways of thinking and developing child protection and practice nationally and internationally that can inform how the updated Guidance is framed.
The results will include:
A complete environmental scan of existing knowledge to inform a review of Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children 2017
An executive summary of the scan
A 25–30-minute presentation summarising the report for the Department at an agreed date.
**Salary: **Postdoctoral Researcher scale €46,305-59,063 per annum, (subject to the project’s funding limitations), and pro rata for shorter and/or part-time contracts.
The default position for all new public sector appointments is the 1st point of the salary scale. This may be reviewed, and consideration afforded to appointment at a higher point on the PayScale (subject to the project’s funding limitations), where evidence of prior years’ equivalent experience is accepted in determining placement on the scale above point 1, subject to the maximum of the scale.
(Research Salary Scales - University of Galway)
Employment permit restrictions apply for this category of post
Closing date for receipt of applications is 17:00 (Irish Time) on 29th January 2026. It will not be possible to consider applications received after the closing date.
TO APPLY:
Search Current University of Galway vacancies. Applications must be submitted online.
For informal enquiries, please contact Professor Caroline McGregor, School of Political Science and Sociology
Email: Caroline.mcgregor@universityofgalway.ie
