Research Assistant, APC Microbiome Ireland

12 Months, 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 two decadesAPC 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.

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.

We are currently recruiting for a research assistant in the Microbiota-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. We aim to investigate the role of psychobiotics in gut-brain interactions, physiology, and behaviour in animal models. The successful candidate will be expected to contribute to the preclinical arm of the laboratory and to work towards successfully meeting the goals and objectives of the project, and will be managed in accordance under the conditions of Directive 2010/63/EU and S.I. No. 543 of 2012. Salary will be commensurate with experience and subject to Irish Public Sector guidelines. 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. Preferably the candidate will have an HPRA-IA (individual authorisation); experience hands-on working with behavioural and surgical models. Will be familiar with the current preclinical European legislation. 

Project Title: To elucidate the role of microbiota-gut-brain signalling in preclinical models 

Post Duration: 12 Months

Salary: €30,025 - €39,908 (IUA Research Assistant 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 Prof John F. Cryan, Professor, 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 Thursday 19th April 2023 

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