Post-Doctoral Researcher, APC Microbiome Ireland

1 Year, Fixed-Term, Whole-time Post

Position Summary

APC Microbiome Ireland (formerly Alimentary Pharmabiotic Centre) was formed in 2003 with funding from Science Foundation Ireland and in conjunction with key industry partners, it represents a seamless collaboration between UCC, Teagasc and MTU. It is widely recognised that the gut microbiota plays an important role in human health and has become one of the most dynamic, complex and exciting areas of research in both food and pharmaceutical arenas. Over the last decade APC Microbiome Ireland has established itself as one of the leading global centres in gut microbiota research. APC Microbiome Ireland has made several landmark discoveries and has published over 3,500 research articles in peer-reviewed journals, generating many journal covers and associated editorials. APC Microbiome Ireland collaborates with over 20 industry partners and employs over 300 individuals, from the scientific PI’s funded by the partner Institutions, the management team, and a dedicated group of research scientists, research assistants and postgraduate students.

We are currently recruiting for a Post-Doctoral Researcher for maternity cover in the Brain-Gut Axis Spoke led by Prof. John Cryan, with APC Microbiome Ireland, which addresses the communication between the brain and the gut, and how it can be influenced by the gastrointestinal microbiota. The program is highly interdisciplinary, utilizing molecular and cellular biology, biochemistry, pharmacology, and brain circuit determination coupled with immunological, metabolomic & microbiome analysis. The successful candidate will be expected to support the research and make an outstanding contribution to the clinical arm of the laboratory and to work towards successfully meeting the goals and objectives of the project. The candidate should have excellent communication skills, a good command of the English language and be highly motivated to work in a multidisciplinary team. Salary will be commensurate with experience and subject to Irish Public Sector guidelines.

UCC is an accredited research organisation and as such can form hosting agreements with third country nationals (and non-EEA nationals) for the purpose of conducting research in the University.

Qualifications/experience: The ideal candidate(s) must have clinical research experience. An understanding of microbiota-host dialogue, EEG analysis and further experience with exercise physiology would be an advantage. Working knowledge of Word, Excel, SPSS , R. and Python would be an advantage. They will be self-motivated with ability to conduct independent research to a very high level.

Project Title: To elucidate the role of microbiota-gut-brain signalling in psychiatric disorders and acute stress

Post Duration: 1 year

Salary: €42,781 - €49,177 p.a. (IUA PD1 Salary Scale)

For an information package including further details of the post see https://ore.ucc.ie/.

Informal enquiries can be made in confidence to Professor John F. Cryan, Dept Anatomy & Neuroscience and Principal Investigator APC Microbiome Ireland, Tel: + 353 (0) 21 4205426; Email: [email protected]

Applications must be submitted online via the University College Cork vacancy portal (https://ore.ucc.ie/). Queries relating to the online application process should be referred to [email protected], quoting the job-title and project name.

Candidates should apply, in confidence, before 12 noon (Irish Local Time) on Friday, 9th February 2024.

No late applications will be accepted.

Please note that an appointment to posts advertised will be dependent on University approval, together with the terms of the employment control framework for the higher education sector.

UCC is committed to creating and fully embracing an inclusive environment where diversity is celebrated.  As a University we strive to create a workplace that reflects the diversity of our student population where people from a wide variety of backgrounds learn from one another, share ideas, and work collaboratively. UCC is committed to being an employer that recognises the value of diversity amongst its staff.  We encourage applicants to consult our policies at https://www.ucc.ie/en/edi/policies/ and initiatives at https://www.ucc.ie/en/edi/implementation/ and we welcome applications from everyone, including those who are underrepresented in the protected characteristics set out in our Equal Opportunities & Diversity Policy.

UNIVERSITY COLLEGE CORK IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES EMPLOYER