RCSI - Royal College of Surgeons in IrelandOrganisation/Company RCSI - Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland Department Human Resources Research Field Neurosciences » Other Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Positions Postdoc Positions Application Deadline 21 May 2026 - 09:00 (Europe/Dublin) Country Ireland Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Other EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? NoOffer DescriptionJob Title: Postdoctoral researcher; in vivo gene therapy for epilepsy and rare neurodevelopmental disordersDepartment: Department of Physiology & Medical Physics and FutureNeuro Research CentreReporting to: Prof David HenshallLocation: FutureNeuro Research Centre RCSI118St Stephen’s GreenContract/Duration: Specific Purpose (up to 12 months) - Full timeRemuneration: Up to €44,000 of the Post Doctoral researcher's scale, depending on experienceClosing Date: 9:00 am on Thursday 21 February 2026About Our ResearchRCSI 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.Overview of the roleA Postdoctoral Researcher position is available in the laboratory of Prof David Henshall at the RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences in Ireland.We are seeking a self-motivated, creative and collaborative team member with a recent PhD in neuroscience or a related discipline. The successful candidate is expected to lead research on the effects of new gene therapy-based treatments for acquired and genetic epilepsies. The main role is to perform in vivo studies testing minimally-invasive methods to deliver gene therapies in preclinical mouse models. The research will include colony management and genotyping, deployment and evaluation of in vivo gene therapy treatments, EEG and behavioral assessments, histology and molecular studies.The researcher will join a team based at the RCSI campus and FutureNeuro Research Centre in Dublin city centre, a multi-disciplinary and inter-institutional research programme focused on developing new treatments and technologies for devastating brain diseases, with access to world‑class facilities and collaborative research teams (https://www.futureneurocentre.ie).Examples of recent and relevant publications from the labQuintana‑Sarti P et al. Attenuated single neuron and network hyperexcitability following microRNA‑134 inhibition in mice with drug-resistant temporal lobe epilepsy. J Neurosci 46, e1081252025 (2026)Heiland M et al. MicroRNA‑335 regulates brain excitability and is a target for seizure control in experimental epilepsy. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 120, e2216658120 (2023)Gerbatin R et al. Life‑span characterisation of epilepsy and comorbidities in Dravet syndrome mice carrying a targeted deletion of exon 1 of the Scn1a gene. Experimental Neurology 354, 114090 (2022)Specifically, the duties of the post are:Lead in vivo research projects to discover and test the effects of new gene therapy-based treatments for acquired and genetic epilepsies in mouse modelsPerform in vivo studies testing methods to deliver gene therapies in preclinical mouse modelsPerform EEG and behavioural assessments of the effects of experimental therapies in mouse modelsAssist with management and genotyping of mouse coloniesUse statistical methods and other research tools to evaluate the effects of in vivo gene therapy treatmentsPerform tissue processing, histology and molecular studies using samples from mouse modelsCollaborate and support epilepsy research with other members of the teamPerson SpecificationExpertise with in vivo models of brain injury, stereotaxic surgery, rodent behavioural assays, histology and neurochemical assaysPublication and/or funding record reflecting productivity commensurate with experienceCareful and organised and able to interact in a busy scientific environmentEffective communication styleProficiency in Computer/Presentation skillsAbility to make decisions and meet deadlinesAbility to work on one’s own initiative as well as in a team environmentQualifications – (Essential)A PhD in neuroscience, pharmacology or related discipline.Knowledge & Experience – (Essential)Broad understanding of causes, treatments and models of brain diseasesExpertise with in vivo models of brain injury, stereotaxic surgery, rodent behavioural assays, histology and neurochemical assaysPublished research and/or funding record on rodent models of brain injuryExperience working alone as well as part of a team in a busy scientific environmentProficiency in Computer/Presentation skillsEligibility to Work in IrelandVisa sponsorship is available for candidates who fully meet the essential criteria of the role. Candidates who require a work permit or hosting agreement are welcome to apply.Proof of eligibility documentation will be required at a later stage in the recruitment process. Please note that sponsorship is subject to approval by the relevant Irish authorities and role-specific eligibility.Employee BenefitsAt 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 benefits available:Health and Wellbeing:Our Inspire Programme promotes the importance of taking care of both our general health and mental health... (inspirational events description)You can also enjoy access to an onsite gym for just €10 per month.Maintaining a healthy work‑life balance is crucial for fostering employee wellbeing, 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. ... (family benefits description)Benefit from automatic enrolment in a pension scheme with Willis Towers Watson… etc.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: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.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.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
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