Post-Doctoral Researcher

at  University College Cork

POSITION SUMMARY:

Applications are invited for a highly motivated Post-Doctoral Researcher with specific mucosal immunology and molecular microbiology skills to work on a research project studying regulation of the intestinal mucosal barrier and pathogenesis of inflammation, in particular the influence of the gut microbiome on this process. Of interest to this project, host microRNAs (miRNAs), small non-coding RNAs have been identified as fine tuners of innate immunity. Recent evidence suggests a novel role for miRNAs as important facilitators of host-microbiome interactions, with the composition of the microbiome being impacted by miRNA expression, while the expression of miRNAs is dependent on colonisation. In the case of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), it is a lifelong debilitating disorder for which there is no known cure, affecting over 2 million people in Europe and approximately 20,000 people in Ireland. IBD is a complex multifactorial disease of unknown aetiology, however it is accepted that abnormal interaction of the gut microbiome with the underlying mucosal immune system leads to an aberrant immune activation and chronic inflammation.
The primary focus of the Microbiome and Mucosal Immunity research group led by Dr Corr is the host-microbiome interface within the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. This research uses molecular based approaches combined with animal models and clinical samples to understand the mechanisms influence the relationship between the gut microbiome, external environment including diet, and the intestinal epithelial barrier, and the consequence of this relationship on health, with the aim of identifying therapeutic strategies to boost gut health and reducing the severity of intestinal infectious and inflammatory diseases.
APC Microbiome Ireland (APC) was formed in 2003 with funding from Taighde Éireann – Research Ireland and in conjunction with key industry partners. It represents a seamless collaboration between UCC, Teagasc, Moorepark and MTU. It is widely recognised that our microbiome (community of bacteria/viruses and fungi that live in and on our bodies) plays an important role in human health and has become one of the most dynamic, complex and exciting areas of research in both food and pharmaceutical arenas. Over the last two decades the APC has established itself as one of the leading global centres in gut microbiota research. The APC has made several landmark discoveries and has published over 3500 research articles in peer-reviewed journals, generating many journal covers and associated editorials. The APC comprises over 300 individuals, comprising the scientific PI’s (the APC Faculty) funded by the partner Institutions, the management team, and a dedicated group of research scientists, research assistants and postgraduate’s students.
Project Title: Exploring molecular mechanisms underpinning microbiome-gut mucosal immunity interactions.
Post Duration: Up to 22 Months
Salary: €44,347 - €50,805 per annum (IUA PD1 Salary Scale)
For an information package including further details of the post see https://ore.ucc.ie/.
Informal enquiries can be made in confidence to Dr Sinéad Corr, Senior Lecturer, School of Microbiology and APC Microbiome Ireland, Tel: + 353 (0) 21 490 1395. Email: scorr@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, 20th September 2024

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.

Please refer the Job description for details