6 Months, Fixed Term Full-Time Post Position Summary We are currently recruiting a Post Doctoral Researcher, with a background in Neuroscience, Physiology, or Systems Biology, to the microbiome-brain-gut axis research, the theme led by Prof. John F. Cryan and Prof. Gerard Clarke at APC Microbiome Ireland, which addresses the communication between the brain and the gut, and how it can be influenced by the gastrointestinal microbiome. We are looking for a candidate with experience in laboratory skills (biomarker analysis) and the analysis of questionnaire-based data (ideally mental health assessment tools). The Post Doctoral Researcher will be working in a PI research team led by Dr. Harriet Schellekens (anatomy & neuroscience), Prof. Ger Clarke (psychiatry) and Dr. Karen O'Connor (clinical psychiatrist). The term 'psychobiotic' was coined by Dinan et al. Biol Psychiatry in 2013 as a 'live organism that, when ingested in adequate amounts, produces a health benefit in patients suffering from a psychiatric illness. This project will focus on a novel probiotic approach to target weight gain in patients taking antipsychotic medications. Schizophrenia is a mental illness associated with psychosis and treated with antipsychotic medication. These medications are very effective; however, they are associated with significant weight gain and metabolic disturbances. Substantial body weight gain occurs in up to half of people during long-term antipsychotic treatment. People taking antipsychotics regard weight gain as one of the most distressing side-effects caused by their medication and this negatively impacts medication adherence and quality of life. The successful candidate will be expected to apply their experience in a patient-oriented research project to investigate if the effect of probiotic supplementation on anthropomorphic measurements and metabolic side-effects of antipsychotic treatment and analyse biological samples (blood, faecal samples) for microbiota-gut-brain axis readouts and cardiometabolic biomarkers in individuals taking these medications. The candidate is also expected to analyse the effect of the probiotic supplementation on treatment compliance and psychological wellness, in collaboration with the clinical lead. Ideally, they will be experienced in the application of good clinical practice to the design, conduct, performance, monitoring, auditing, recording, analyses and reporting of data from studies with human participants. The candidate should have previous experience working in clinical studies, and excellent communication skills, a good command of the English language and be highly motivated to work in a multidisciplinary team. Salary will be commensurate with the IUA experience and subject to Irish Public Sector guidelines. Qualifications/experience: The ideal candidate(s) must have human studies research experience, preferably in clinical psychiatry or psychology populations. An understanding of microbiota-host dialogue and human biomarker analysis is essential. Further experience with clinical psychiatry/psychology populations and in analysing data accrued from Mental Health Assessment Tools is desirable. Working knowledge of Word, Excel, SPSS, R. and/or Python would be an advantage. They will be self-motivated with ability to conduct independent research to a 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. Achievement of the expected progression within Post Doc and Senior Post Doc is transferable between the Irish HEI's. This can be reflected in the starting pay of a PD researcher. Similarly, as the PD scheme is an intergenerational training scheme completion of PD1 or PD 2 levels in one HEI will normally render that researcher ineligible for appointment at a similar level in another Irish HEI Researcher Career Development Framework | Irish Universities Association Project Title: Health Research Board (HRB) Investigator Led ProgrammeHRB ILP (ILP-POR-2022-066 R21426) Post Duration: 6 Months, Full-Time Post Salary: €46,306 - €52,863 (IUA PD1 Salary Scale) For an information package including further details of the post see Informal enquiries can be made in confidence to Dr. Harriet Schellekens, Lecturer Dept of Anatomy & Neuroscience, Email Applications must be submitted online via the University College Cork vacancy portal Queries relating to the online application process should be referred to quoting the job-title and project name. Candidates should apply, in confidence, before 12 noon (Irish Local Time) on Thursday 5th February 2026. Interviews will be held online the week after the closing date for application 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 / and initiatives at / 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 To be considered for this role you will be redirected to and must complete the application process on our careers page. To start the process, click the Apply button below to Login/Register.