Research Assistants (2 posts) – Neuroscience/Neuropharmacology, Neuroscience, Centre and Centre for Pain Research, College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, National University of Ireland, Galway

Ref. No. NUIG 056-15

Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for two (2) fixed-term contract Research Assistant positions in Neuroscience/Neuropharmacology based at the National University of Ireland, Galway.  Appointments will be made on a full-time fixed-term contract basis for four years subject to successful completion of probationary period.  The successful candidates will work on a research programme that will employ an integrative, multidisciplinary, whole-systems neuroscience approach to elucidate the role of the brain’s opioid system in preclinical models of relevance to depression, anxiety, pain and autism. 

These posts are funded by a Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) Strategic Partnership Programme Grant totalling ~ €1.6 million to Professor John KellyProfessor David Finn and Dr Michelle Roche in collaboration with Professor Shane O’Mara at Trinity College Dublin and Alkermes plc. Successful candidates will join a vibrant group of researchers in NUI Galway’s Neuroscience Centre and Centre for Pain Research

Applicant specifications: Candidates should hold, or have in prospect, a first class or upper second class honours BSc in a relevant biology-based subject, a relevant MSc would be an advantage. Applicants must demonstrate a keen interest in pre-clinical research in the area of neuroscience and neuropharmacology relating to affective disorders, pain and autism.   Experience in one or more of the following would be desirable: Behavioural neuroscience/neuropharmacology; pre-clinical pain, stress, anxiety, depression or autism research models; stereotaxic surgery; intracerebral microinjection; in vivo microdialysis coupled to HPLC; immunohistochemistry; mass spectrometry for quantitation of small molecules; Western immunoblotting; RT-qPCR; radioligand binding.

Start date:  1st September 2015

Starting salary:  €21,865 per annum

(public sector pay policy rules pertaining to new entrants will apply)

NB: Work permit restrictions apply to this category of post.

Informal enquiries about these posts via e-mail to: David.Finn@nuigalway.ie

To apply: Candidates should send a detailed curriculum vitae and a covering letter (Word or PDF format only) with a 300 word statement explaining their interest in the post and in this field of research, together with the names and contact details of at least two referees by e-mail to:  David.Finn@nuigalway.ie

Please ensure to put the reference number NUIG-056-15 in the subject line of the email application.

Closing date for receipt of applications is 5.00 p.m. Friday 26th June 2015.

 National University of Ireland, Galway is an equal opportunities employer.