진학프로석·박사 채용 접수 플랫폼

Job Title:

Postdoctoral Fellow

Department:

School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences

Reporting to:

Dr Jennifer Dowling

Location:

Brain Inflammation Group Ireland (BIGie), Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI), 123 St. Stephens Green,

Dublin 2, Ireland

Contract/Duration

3 years full time with possibility of extension

Remuneration:

Appointable at Post-doctoral researcher - PD2 Point 1 of the IUA

researcher salary scale (September, 2025 onwards)

Closing Date:

16th July 2025

RCSI is a community of academic, research, clinical and professional staff working collaboratively to lead the world to better health. Here, you will thrive in an innovative and inclusive atmosphere and your personal development and wellbeing will be supported. We invite you to join us to help deliver on our exciting mission “To educate, nurture and discover for the benefit of human health”. We seek candidates whose experience to date has prepared them to contribute to our commitment to the “Race Equality Action Plan 2025-2029” at RCSI. Our students come from all walks of life and so do we. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds. This makes our university stronger and ensures we hire the best talent.

Innovating for a Healthier Future 2023-2027 is RCSI’s new five-year strategic plan. Through it, RCSI will enhance human health by meeting the health workforce needs of society, creating the insights and inventions that drive health improvements, and working in partnership with patients and the public in support of better health and well-being for all. The strategy unites the RCSI community in supporting the UN Sustainable Development Goals – with a particular focus on Goal 3, which targets good health and well-being.

For each of the last six years, RCSI has been positioned in the Top 300 of universities worldwide in the Times Higher World University Rankings. We are proud that RCSI ranks fifth in the world for “Good Health and Well-being” in the Times Higher Education #SDG #SDG Impact Rankings 2024. This reflects our commitment to supporting people of all ages to live healthy lives and our work to promote the concepts of well-being and positive health. In 2024, RCSI was delighted to be named one of the Sunday Times Best Places to Work in Ireland.

At RCSI, our core values of Respect, Collaboration, Scholarship, and Innovation are at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to creating an inclusive and supportive environment where every colleague is valued and empowered to thrive. Our dedication to these values ensures that we foster a culture of mutual respect, open collaboration, continuous learning, and innovative thinking. Join us at RCSI, where your contributions will be recognised, and you will be part of a dynamic team making a real impact on global health.

About Our Research

RCSI recognises that excellence in research is critical to the quality of its educational activities, its credibility, and, overall, to its mission to enhance human health. RCSI’s research strategy aims to build upon its strength in translational biomedical and clinical research to deliver transformational, high impact changes in health care. Targeting both Irish national and EU funding, along with increased collaboration with industry, is a major part of the RCSI research strategy. Forging increased collaboration between RCSI PIs and industry is of critical importance to achieving success in this area. RCSI is also committed to provide its researchers with the supports and developmental opportunities to enable them to continuously grow and support their overall career development.

About FutureNeuro

FutureNeuro is a national research centre focused on chronic and rare neurological diseases, funded by Research Ireland and based at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. Led by Prof. David Henshall, FutureNeuro brings together multidisciplinary scientific teams with clinicians and industry to deliver advances in diagnostic medicine, personalized and network therapeutics, cross-linked by a national e-Health infrastructure platform that is disease-focused. The mission of FutureNeuro is to accelerate discoveries on genetic diagnosis and advanced molecular treatments supported by enabling e-health technology for chronic and rare neurological diseases. Building initially on internationally recognized strengths in epilepsy and motor neuron disease research, the Centre aims to develop additional research programmes in other chronic and rare neurological diseases. http://www.futureneurocentre.ie/

Project Summary

Epilepsy is a common neurological condition characterised by spontaneous recurrent seizures that affects people of all ages. Seizures result broadly from imbalances in excitatory and inhibitory transmission which enable synchronous firing of neuronal networks. Current anti-seizure medicines (ASMs) are heavily ‘neurocentric’, targeting ion channels and neurotransmitter systems. Importantly, current treatments fail to control seizures in about 30% of patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) and current ASMs are not disease-modifying and cannot prevent epilepsy developing in at-risk individuals. New approaches are urgently needed.

Aberrant cellular metabolism can be both cause and consequence of seizure activity. Disruptions in energy homeostasis and glutamate metabolism can lead to excitotoxicity, cell death, and seizure symptom. The eminent field of immunometabolism clearly demonstrates how cellular metabolism tightly regulates inflammation and immune cell function to impact disease. Work in our group has started to elucidate the pathways involved with regard to epilepsy. This project will investigate critical regulators of inflammation and metabolic pathways to gain mechanistic understanding of the epilepsies and yield new therapeutic targets.

Key Objectives and Methodology

*The list below comprises objectives and methodology of a four-year research program that the successful applicant for this role will work on in conjunction with a postgraduate student.

• Investigate the role of immunometabolism in epilepsy using an in vivo model of TLE, state-of-the-art spatial proteomic analysis, metabolic assays (Seahorse Flux Analyser), primary glia, neurons and co-cultures.
• Determine the role of neuroinflammation on neuronal function and hyperexcitability using imaging and neurophysiologic approaches to examine epileptiform and interictal discharges in mouse hippocampal brain slices
• Examine the role of neuroinflammation on the Astrocytic-Glutamate-Glutamine cycle and inhibitory interneurons by HPLC and immunohistochemistry.
• Evaluate a patented nucleic acid approach within the lab known as a target site blocker as a novel treatment for epilepsy
• Translational work will also be initiated employing human iPSC cultures.

Description of research group at RCSI: The Brain Inflammation Group Ireland (BIGie) is a highly dynamic team led by Dr Dowling that includes researchers from various scientific disciplines. The group integrates molecular and cell biology approaches with in vivo studies to understand the neuroimmune axis and its impact on neurological disorders. Specifically, the group delves into macrophage and glia biology, immunometabolism, neuroinflammation and targeting the same for the treatment of injury and disease in the brain. Current research interests include the molecular understanding of neuroimmune interactions in epilepsy, multiple sclerosis and brain tumors. In addition, the group is actively involved in working in partnership with clinical, academic, industry-based experts and patient advocacy groups. Dr Dowling is passionate about the groups research, the people she works with, teaching, mentorship and supporting the next generation of scientists. Dr Dowling is a council member of Neuroscience Ireland and the All Ireland Multiple Sclerosis Research Network.

Specifically, the duties of the post are:

• The successful candidate will be expected to be highly motivated and to perform with a high level of

  independence.

• The successful candidate will work with external collaborators (academic, clinical, industry and patient advocacy groups) and internally within RCSI
• The successful applicant will represent the labs work at national and international conferences
• The candidate would be expected to write scientific reports and reviews
• The candidate will work in the laboratory with researchers at various training levels and would be expected to provide training and supervision of students and other staff
• Undergo appropriate training for specialised technical procedures, career training and development both in Ireland and overseas as may be required from time to time
• Participate in other research programmes within the laboratories
• Ensure that all RCSI policies and procedures are adhered to
• Comply with statutory legislation and RCSI rules and requirements in furtherance of your own and general staff welfare and safety
• Represent the best interests of RCSI at all times

Qualifications – (Essential):

• Applicants should have a PhD in Neuroscience/Immunology or related biological subject

Knowledge & Experience – (Essential):

• Experience with an in vivo model of epilepsy OR other neurological disorder

• Ability to work successfully and engage positively with colleagues, collaborators, students and

  project stakeholders

• Strong research and scientific English writing skills
• Good scientific track record as demonstrated by authorship on research papers in relevant field

Knowledge & Experience – (Desirable):

• Experience in analysis of spatial transcriptomics, single cell sequencing, microarray OR omics data.
• Experience with induced (iPSC) cultures
• Self-motivated, hard-working and willing to contribute towards growing research in the area of Neuroimmunology and Immunometabolism
• Excellent communication style and proficient in report writing and presentation skills
• Experience in co-supervision of postgraduate candidates and/or undergraduate students.

Training and career development opportunities:

• This project involves collaborations with international partners. The role will therefore allow the post-doctoral researcher to interact and collaborate with these partners enabling them to enhance their skill sets while increasing their own collaborative network.
• Opportunity to contribute to ongoing projects beyond epilepsy within the group including multiple sclerosis, stoke and brain cancer enabling co-/senior authorship on high impact peer-review publications.
• Support from Dr. Dowling as well as the RCSI Office of Research & Innovation to apply for national and international competitive post-doctoral fellowships across both academic and industry sectors

• Support from the highly active post-doctoral society with RCSI that regularly organises career development and social events for post-doctoral staff

  • Opportunity to facilitate tutorials, lectures and practical’s for undergraduate and post-graduate degree programmes within the school of pharmacy & biomolecular sciences therefore enhancing teaching portfolio.

  
  

  We are all too aware that imposter syndrome and the confidence gap can sometimes stop fantastic candidates putting themselves forward, so please do submit an application — we’d love to hear from you.

  
  

Application Process

Please apply online through the RCSI careers portal on the closing date with your CV and cover letter.

Click here to read our Recruitment and Selection Policy for Researcher.

Informal Enquiries:

Informal enquiries are invited in the first instance through jenniferdowling@rcsi.com

All applications for this post must be made through the career's webpage www.rcsi/careers.

Please note we do not accept CVs directly.

Employee Benefits

At RCSI, we help care for our people so they can focus on our mission to Educate, nurture and discover for the benefit of human health. RCSI truly goes above and beyond to support its employees, ensuring they have everything they need to thrive both personally and professionally. Here's a glimpse of the fantastic benefit available:

Health and Wellbeing:

• Our Inspire Programme promotes the importance of taking care of both our general health and mental health. Inspire manages the Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) offered through SpectrumLife. Past events held by Inspire have included, workshops on mindfulness practices, yoga, nutritional advice, financial advice on mortgages, pensions & health insurance from leading experts, fitness challenges, baking competitions, weight loss programmes, annual flu vaccination campaign and many more.
• You can also enjoy access to an onsite gym for just €10 per month.

Work –Life Balance:

• Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is crucial for fostering employee well-being, productivity, and overall satisfaction. At RCSI, we offer flexible working arrangements, study leave, and career breaks. In addition to 20 days of annual leave, employees receive an extra 6.5 days of university privilege days, which occur annually around the Christmas and Easter breaks.

Family Benefits:

• RCSI offers enhanced family leave to our working parents with fully paid Maternity, Adoptive, Paternity and Surrogacy Leave. We also offer the first two weeks of Parents leave fully paid for, as well as the option to take Parental Leave until your child is 18 years old. We provide access to Platform 55, a new Parents Platform to support staff before, during, and after becoming a parent. We also offer flexible working, discounted Giraffe crèche services of up to 20% and a Parents and Carers’ Network.

Financial Security:

• Benefit from automatic enrolment in a pension scheme with Willis Towers Watson with the employer contributions increasing with your length of service, Death in Service of up to 4 times your salary, long-term illness and disability income replacement, and free advice on health, motor, and home insurance.

Discounted Services:

• Avail of discounted GP services, Taxsaver commuter tickets, the BiketoWork scheme, free eye tests at the National Optometry Centre, and discounted parking at St. Stephen's Green/RCSI car park.

Recognition:

• At RCSI, we value and recognise the contributions of our staff through various awards and events, such as Long Service recognition, the Vice Chancellor Staff Awards, and through Research Day.

Professional Growth:

• RCSI’s Staff Learning and Development is committed to providing colleagues with opportunities and support to help them reach their full potential and thrive at work. Offerings include a comprehensive programme of staff training, management and leadership development, mentoring, coaching and funding support for further study.

Staff Networks:

• Additionally, we support a range of staff networks, including the Women’s Network, Postdoctoral Staff Network, Parents & Carers’ Network, Project Manager’s Network, LGBTI+ Network, Age Friendly Network etc. These networks help RCSI to foster a sense of community and inclusivity.

Sports and Social Club:

• Engage in a variety of activities such as Yoga, Pilates and a variety of different Fitness classes. Enjoy social evenings, Book Clubs, Summer BBQs and one-off events like the Taste of Dublin, Bloom, Dublin Horse Show and Dublin Zoo. We also have a variety of discount tickets for shows and events through the year.

Note: This job description may be subject to change to reflect the evolving requirements of the Department and RCSI. Similar vacancies that arise in the next 6 months may be filled from the pool of applicants that apply for this position. RCSI is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their gender, civil status, family status, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability or race. RCSI is committed to embedding equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) across everything we do. This ensures we can all work and learn in an environment defined by dignity and respect. Eligibility to work in Ireland is a requirement of this role, Proof of eligibility documentation will be required at a later date. Under limited and specific circumstances (research/ specialist roles) RCSI may be in a position to seek a hosting agreement and/or work permits. Employees are required to undertake 6 months service in their current role before applying for other internal opportunities, unless agreed in advance by the SMT representative