Job Title: Postdoctoral Researcher Department: Department of Psychiatry Reporting to: Professor David Cotter Location: RCSI Education & Research Centre, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9 Contract/Duration: Specified Purpose - up to 24 months, full-time Remuneration: PD2, IUA Salary Scale (point commensurate with experience) Interview Date: Wednesday 25th January Start Date: Immediately (March ****) About RCSI and FutureNeuro RCSI is a community of academic, research, clinical and professional staff working collaboratively to lead the world to better health.
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FutureNeuro is the Research Ireland Centre for Translational Brain Science.
Our Centre uniquely focuses on making discoveries and developing technologies that can solve the urgent, unmet needs of people living with neurological, psychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders and the health professionals who care for them, linked to Ireland's clinical care pathways.
We aim to change the patient journey through our research.
This includes developing rapid and accurate tools for diagnosis, the development of therapies to correct damaged brain networks, technologies to enable self-monitoring of health and well-being, and linking this to Ireland's national imaging, diagnostics and eHealth infrastructure based in our specialist care hospitals.
We are multi-disciplinary, inter- institutional and work with industry, patient organisations and the health service to transform the lives of patients in Ireland and worldwide.
Patient engagement, recruitment and involvement in our studies is core to the success of FutureNeuro.
Summary of Post This study, funded by a collaboration with an Industry partner, will be looking at proteins belonging to the complement and coagulation pathways that were found to be altered in early psychosis.
Recently we have uncovered exciting preliminary evidence that elevated levels of certain complement and coagulation proteins are associated with better response to treatment with one antipsychotic drug, amisulpiride, and improved outcomes among young people with first episode of psychosis.
These findings were based on analyses from the EU-funded OPTIMISE study) (ref PMID: ).
The project will extend these important findings to investigate prediction of response in large international cohorts of patients with psychosis.
We will use state-of-the-art proteomics methods to investigate baseline levels and changes in these proteins in relation to treatment response and clinical outcomes.
Since there are no current biomarkers of treatment response in routine clinical use, the study will advance the field of precision medicine in psychosis with the aim of facilitating earlier and more effective treatments and better outcomes for affected individuals.
The potential candidate should have strong statistical analysis experience (that can be applied to in protein quantitation methods in proteomic methods) and experience in the field of psychosis and disease modifying factors such as treatment in First episode psychosis.
Specifically, the duties of the post are: Manage and conduct in activities associated with the research group project to include contribute to experimental design and post study analysis.
Undertake statistical and bioinformatics analysis Review of study designs and statistical analysis plans as required.
Review of draft progress reports.
Support the preparation of scientific reports and grant review reports as required.
Writing peer-review publications and presentations.
Academic supervision of students and (technical) research staff, as required.
Other such duties that may be assigned from time to time.
Complying with statutory legislation and Department rules and requirements in furtherance of your own and general staff welfare and safety.
Undergoing programmes of training and development as may be required from time to time.
Representing the best interests of the Department/College at all times.
Experience and Qualifications Essential PhD in a relevant field, ideally psychosis, clinical neuroscience/psychiatric disorders/psychology Excellent biostatistical skills The ideal candidate will have a strong track record in biomarker work in psychosis and inflammation and novel inflammatory markers of outcome Some experimental experience in wet lab research, e.g., biochemical methods and proteomics, is ideal but not a requirement.
Desirable Strong research skills and a proven track record in publication of excellent research in this area.
A deep understanding of the field of early psychosis.
An understanding of computational analysis of large data sets and cohorts' studies.
Excellent interpersonal, communication and presentation skills Attention to detail and thoroughness in work practices and an ability to work to deadlines A capacity to work collaboratively as part of a team as well as independently, in a nonstructured environment An ability to win the confidence of stakeholders, researchers and research partner representatives An ability to foster and sustain academic relationships internally and externally Key Skills required for the role: Project Management Skills: Ability to ensure that project plans are communicated and that all timelines are met Self-starter with the ability to work as part of a team: Ability to operate effectively as part of a team - is cordial, tolerant and willing to help others, is co-operative and patient; shares work and information; establishes rapport, can influence and develop effective networks I.T. skills: Knowledge of MS Office suite and appropriate statistical software (e.g., Stata, R).
Conscientious: Have a pro-active approach to work, anticipating and resolving problems in advance; have keen attention to detail - from anticipating and addressing issues in advance to understanding requests and delivering quality work with minimal errors.
Flexibility: Can operate flexibly within a busy environment; can shift focus when required.
Customer Focus: Have strong customer service skills.
Be able to communicate with a high level of initiative, tact, diplomacy and confidentiality.
Motivated: Display a 'can-do' attitude, be committed to RCSI ORI and its development; demonstrate enthusiasm and passion for the role.
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 Prof David Cotter (email: ) All applications for this post must be made through the career's webpage Prof Cotter can arrange for relevant queries to be addressed by the hiring manager.
Please note that we do not accept CVs directly.
Click here to read our Recruitment and Selection Policy for Researcher.
Garda vetting and occupational health review may be required for this role, depending on the nature of the duties and responsibilities.
Further information will be provided during the recruitment process.
Eligibility to Work in Ireland Visa 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 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 benefits 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 crche 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