Research Support Officer APC Microbiome Ireland

3 Months, Specific Purpose, Whole-Time Post

Position Summary

We are currently recruiting a Research Support Officer to complete an exercise intervention study in the Microbiota-Brain-Gut Axis Theme (covering topics of Neuroscience, Physiology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Systems Biology) with APC Microbiome Ireland. The successful candidate will be part of a team led by Prof. John Cryan and Prof. Gerard Clarke in APC Microbiome Ireland, which addresses the communication between the brain and the gut, and how it can be influenced by the gastrointestinal microbiota (see Cryan et al., Physiol Rev 2019; Long-Smith et al., Annu Rev Pharmacol Toxicol 2020). We aim to assess the interface between exercise, microbiome and depression. The successful candidate will be expected to make an outstanding contribution to the clinical arm of the laboratory and to lead the successful delivery and objectives of the move for mood clinical study. The candidate should have excellent communication skills, a good command of the English language and be highly motivated to work in a multidisciplinary team. A proven track record of publication in peer reviewed journals is also expected. Salary will be commensurate with experience and subject to Irish Public Sector guidelines.

Required Research Qualifications and Experience;

The ideal candidate(s) should have experience with exercise physiology, gut microbiome analysis, Ecological Momentary Assessments and stress evaluations. Previous experience of gut-brain axis research is essential, and the successful candidate will be expected to lead the completion of this clinical study. They will be self-motivated with ability to conduct independent research to a very high level. The successful candidate will have a PhD, postdoctoral experience and a strong publication record in a relevant scientific discipline (eg. Neuroscience, Exercise Physiology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Systems Biology,) and should have experience of applying these skills and experience to the study of gut-brain axis interactions in the context of exercise, depression and the gut microbiome. They will be self-motivated with ability to guide and conduct independent research to a very high level.

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.

Research Support Experience

• Evidence of clinical project management skills
• Phlebotomy certificate
• Epigeum Research integrity course
• Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training
• Qualifications in Sport and Exercise Science
• Completed training in ICH-Good Clinical Practice (GCP)
• Evidence of working in multidisciplinary teams
• Experience with grant writing and report/manuscript writing

Project Title: Move for Mood Study: Exercise, Depression and the Gut Microbiome

Post Duration: 3 Months

Salary: €54,155 p.a.

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

Informal enquiries can be made in confidence to Professor Gerard Clarke, APC Microbiome Ireland and Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Science Tel: + 353 (0) 21 4901408; Email: g.clarke@ucc.ie

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 recruitment@ucc.ie quoting the job-title and project name.

Candidates should apply, in confidence, before 12 noon (Irish Local Time) on Friday 1st August 2025.

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

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