Head Research Director jobs

Executive Director Education and Training, Innovation and AI.

This role is accountable for the operational delivery of a variety of regulatory activities within the Medical Council including Accreditation and Quality Assurance and Improvement activities relating to education and professional competence. In addition it will consider the development & regulation of Artificial Intelligence in Medical Education and advise on the use of AI within the Medical Council. This role will also lead the Liaison services, with a focus on enhancing customer experience. This role will also hold responsibility for research activity on behalf of the Medical Council. The role reports to the Chief Executive Officer.

As a member of the Executive Leadership Team, play a key role in modelling and supporting the Executive Leadership Team to build a values-based culture to support our vision and mission to deliver for Doctors/Patients and the Public by placing them at the heart of what we deliver day to day.

The role is enabled by the principles of Right Touch Regulation. Activities within remit will include:

Accreditation within Education, Training & Prof. Competence, Assurance / inspection of Education & Training sites, Intervention / escalation of issues where necessary

Liaison services

Research

Artificial intelligence and Educational Innovation

Key Accountabilities

ELT

Participate as a member of the Medical Council Executive Leadership Team (ELT), working together to lead, motivate, empower and develop colleagues across the organisation, helping to cultivate the desired organisational culture and achieve the strategic vision.

Lead the Directorate in building engagement and capability within the team and ensuring strong alignment and relationships across the organisation to maximise collaboration and effectiveness between functions.

Develop and execute the strategy & short-, medium- and long-term business planning for the Directorate aligned with the overarching Medical Council business strategy and plan.

Contribute to the Medical Council's organisational change programme with the aim to build a future-proof, fit-for-purpose regulatory organisation

Build and maintain effective relationships with key relevant external stakeholders and professional bodies to inform the work of the Medical Council and to contribute to the wider Health landscape.

Professional Development

Oversee all activities to uphold the Medical Council's standards and guidelines across the lifecycle of the Doctor including accreditation within Education, Training & Professional Competence, assurance of Education & Training sites and intervention / escalation of issues where necessary.

Support and encourage a culture of quality assurance & improvement, ensuring that systematic review and continuous improvement are integral to processes within this function and across the Medical Council.

Ensure compliance with regulatory frameworks and foster a culture of continuous improvement among registered medical professionals.

Collaborate with educational institutions, training bodies, and healthcare organizations to strengthen professional development pathways

Liaison

Drive the continued establishment of Liaison services within the Medical Council to support Doctors and Patients through the Council's complaints and inquiry process.

Provide strategic leadership and direction to the Liaison Team, ensuring effective engagement with key stakeholders, including healthcare professionals, government agencies, and the public.

Work with Head of Liaison to continue to develop and deliver a best-in-class Liaison service for those who require further support and information when navigating the Medical Council's services.

(The liaison function and associated responsibilities may be subject to change over time, depending on the evolving needs and structure of the organisation)

Research

Oversee the development of research strategy of the Medical Council, including original research, collaborative research and support of all areas of Council activities from a research perspective

Provide strategic leadership and oversight of the research team, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities and regulatory objectives.

Oversee the design, execution, and dissemination of high-quality research projects

Ensure the integration of research findings into council operations, policy development, and stakeholder engagement.

AI Sections, Artificial intelligence and Educational Innovation

Lead the development of a strategic approach to the use of Artificial Intelligence across the Medical Council, particularly in Medical Education and Professional Development, ensuring alignment with the Medical Council's mission to protect patients and support doctors throughout their careers.

Provide oversight of research and policy on AI-enabled tools in undergraduate and postgraduate medical education, including curriculum design, assessment, simulation, and continuous professional development.

Establish principles and guidance for the safe, ethical and evidence-based adoption of AI, supporting innovation while safeguarding educational standards, data protection and patient safety.

Act as a thought leader on AI across the Medical Council, particularly in healthcare education, ensuring the regulator's position is ethical, well-informed, future-focused and compassionate.

Foster collaboration with medical schools, training bodies, healthcare providers and technology partners to explore the opportunities and manage the risks of AI in professional development

Provide regular, written timetabled updates to ELT on the progression of AI globally and within the Medical Council.

Essential Criteria

Experienced Leader (min 5+ years senior leadership experience), with a strategic mindset and deep understanding of the Medical Regulatory environment, together with demonstrable Operations Management expertise to deliver a suite of customer-focused and operational services.

Experience of operational effectiveness, delivering efficiencies and improvements across an organisation of similar complexity and scale.

Demonstrates the ability to:

Craft the future Vision and Purpose

• Enable Change
• Drive Excellence & Execution
• Deliver Results
• Empowers and Develop others
• Build and nurture relationships
• Influence others

Relevant third level professional/business qualification,

Proven experience of collaborating at a senior leadership level, managing multiple stakeholders and delivering on their expectations.

Recognised people leader and expert in their field, with a broad network that can be leveraged for gaining critical insights to add value to the Irish Medical Council.

Proven business acumen, decision making and problem-solving ability with experience of holding self-accountable for the results of a professional multi-disciplinary team.

Decisive, energetic and enthusiastic with excellent people, interpersonal and communication skills.

Team player and talent developer with the ability to lead and inspire a team to success

Desirable Criteria

A strong understanding of Ireland's regulatory and public sector frameworks.

Masters level desirable.

Details of Appointment

Position Type: This appointment will be offered on a full-time permanent contract basis. A 6-Month probationary period applies to this appointment.

Salary: Starting salary will be at €108,152, which is the first point of the Principal Officer PayScale.

If you are currently a serving civil or public servant, your entry point to the PayScale may be higher based on your current salary.

There will be salary increment each year in line with the Principal Officer Grade PayScale and subject to satisfactory performance, until the maximum point on the scale has been reached. The rate of remuneration will not be subject to negotiation and may be adjusted from time to time in line with Government pay policy.

€108,152 €112,741 €117,294 €121,883 €125,753

€129,7681 (LS1 After 3 years satisfactory service at the maximum)

€133,7752 (After 6 years satisfactory service at the maximum)

Annual Leave: 30 working days plus public holidays

Hours: 35 hours per week, Mon-Fri.

Location: The Medical Council's offices are located at Kingram House, Kingram Place, Dublin 2.

We operate a hybrid working model with both remote working and a current requirement for on-site attendance of two days per week.

Pension: The Medical Council offers a pension through the Public Sector Scheme. Contributions to the scheme will commence on joining the organisation. Candidates currently working in the Public or Civil Service may transfer their pension.

Rewards/ Benefits:

Dedicated Wellbeing Group and Wellbeing Initiatives, Employee Assistance Programme, Training and Development, Public Service Sick Leave Scheme, TaxSaver Travel Tickets, Bike to Work Scheme, Subsidised Flu Jabs, Paid Exam Leave & Study Leave, Income Continuance Scheme, Civil Service Credit Union, Annual Salary Increment.

Recruitment Process

The selection process may include one or more of the following stages:

Shortlisting of applications

Competency-based interview

Presentation exercise

Reference checks

Pre-employment screening

The Medical Council reserves the right to shortlist candidates based on the information provided in their application.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

The Medical Council is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where diversity is valued and respected. We welcome applications from suitably qualified candidates from all backgrounds and are committed to providing reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment process.

Apply By: 6th November 2026

Expected Interview Date: To Be Confirmed