12 Months, Specific Purpose, Full-Time Post
Position Summary
We are currently recruiting a Research Support Officer to oversee a number of industry‑funded research projects in the Microbiota‑Brain‑Gut Axis Theme. The successful candidate will be part of a team led by Professor John Cryan and Professor 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. We aim to assess predicted in silico properties of gut microbes, with in vitro, ex‑vivo and in‑vivo activities in immune, stress, neuroendocrine and neurotransmitter systems relevant to gut‑brain axis signalling pathways. Cell‑based assays will be used to investigate the role of candidate microbial strains in gut‑brain interactions, physiology and behaviour in animal models. The program is highly interdisciplinary, utilizing in vitro screening models, behaviour, molecular and cellular biology, biochemistry, pharmacology, and brain circuit determination coupled with metabolomics & microbiome analysis. The successful candidate will be expected to make an outstanding contribution to the preclinical, clinical and translational arms of the laboratory and to lead the successful delivery and objectives of a variety of research projects.
Required Research Qualifications and Experience
The ideal candidate should have a PhD and a strong publication record in a relevant scientific discipline (e.g., Neuroscience, Physiology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Systems Biology). Experience with in silico bioinformatics, in vitro cell‑based assays, ex‑vivo tissue assays and in‑vivo behavioural assays—including HPLC, gut physiology and function, immune assays, ELISA, PCR and molecular analyses—is required. Previous experience of gut‑brain axis research is desirable, and the candidate will be expected to support animal behavioural studies and clinical studies. The successful applicant should be self‑motivated, capable of conducting independent research to a very high level, and able to guide and conduct independent projects within the team.
Research Support Experience
* Evidence of project management skills.
* Familiarity with Agresso online ordering system or equivalent.
* Evidence of working in multidisciplinary teams.
* Evidence of budget management skills.
* Experience with grant writing and report writing.
UCC is an accredited research organisation and can form hosting agreements with third‑country nationals (and non‑EEA nationals) for the purpose of conducting research in the University.
Project Title
Microbiota‑Gut‑Brain Axis – Industry Project Research Support Officer
Post Duration
12 Months
Salary
€46,000 p.a. (personal rate)
Application Deadline
Applications must be submitted online via the University College Cork vacancy portal. Candidatures must be received before 12 noon (Irish Local Time) on Friday 21st of November 2025. No late applications will be accepted.
Equal Opportunities
UNIVERSITY COLLEGE CORK IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES EMPLOYER. UCC is committed to creating and fully embracing an inclusive environment where diversity is celebrated. We encourage applicants to consult our policies and welcome applications from everyone, including those who are under‑represented in the protected characteristics set out in our Equal Opportunities & Diversity Policy.
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