Research Assistant

at  University College Cork

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.

Position Summary
Applications are invited for the role of Research Assistant within APC Microbiome Ireland.
APC Microbiome Ireland (formerly Alimentary Pharmabiotic Centre) was formed in 2003 funded by Taighde Éireann – Research Ireland and in conjunction with key industry partners, it represents a seamless collaboration between UCC, Teagasc and CIT.
It is widely recognised that the gut microbiota 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 APC Microbiome Ireland has established itself as one of the leading global centres in gut microbiota research.
APC Microbiome Ireland has made several landmark discoveries and has published over 3,500 research articles in peer-reviewed journals, generating many journal covers and associated editorials. APC Microbiome Ireland collaborates with over 20 industry partners and employs over 300 individuals including the scientific PI’s funded by the partner Institutions, the management team, and a dedicated group of research scientists, research assistants and postgraduate students.
We are currently recruiting a research assistant to work on programme of work interrogating the effects of Industry partner compounds/ samples on gut hormone (e.g. ghrelin and glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1)) signalling and release (sweeteners) as well as effects on intestinal ion transport (hydration), creating a strategic partnership to accelerate the development and testing of ingredients and products that beneficially impact human metabolic health and hydration. The programme is highly interdisciplinary, utilising molecular and cellular biology, biochemistry, pharmacology, and preclinical gut tissue.
The successful candidate will be expected to contribute to, collate, and submit grant applications. The candidate should have 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 experience and subject to Irish Public Sector guidelines.
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.
Project Title: Assessing compounds to support development for sweeteners and hydration.
Post Duration: 24 Months, Whole-Time Post
Salary: €31,962 - €41,943 per annum, (IUA Research Assistant 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 Harriët Schellekens, Senior Lecturer Dept Anatomy & Neuroscience, Tel: + 353 (0) 21 420 5429, Email: H.Schellekens@ucc.ie
Dr Niall Hyland, Senior Lecturer Dept Physiology, Tel: + 353 (0) 21 420 5876, Email: n.hyland@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, 7th of February 2025.