12 Months, Fixed-Term, Whole-Time Post
Position Summary
We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join an exciting project investigating the extrinsic factors that contribute to the vulnerability of the pons to diffuse midline glioma (DMG). This project will explore the role of brainstem-specific microglia and microbial metabolites from the gut-brain axis in shaping the tumour microenvironment and promoting DMG initiation and progression. The successful candidate will utilize cutting-edge techniques such as single-cell RNA sequencing, spatial proteomics, and microbiome manipulation to uncover novel therapeutic targets. This position offers an opportunity to work at the intersection of neurodevelopment, immunology, and cancer biology, with the goal of developing new therapeutic strategies for this devastating paediatric brain tumour.
The ideal candidate will have experience in neurobiology, immunology, or cancer research, with expertise in working with preclinical glioma models. They should be proficient in brain tissue processing, including sectioning and immunofluorescence staining, as well as molecular biology techniques such as RNA extraction, qPCR, and Western blotting. Experience with animal models, particularly in glioma research, is essential, along with skills in flow cytometry for immune cell characterization. Candidates with additional expertise in single-cell RNA sequencing, spatial transcriptomics, or microbiome research will be highly regarded.
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
Application Letter (max 2 pages single spaced) describing the applicant’s qualifications
Project Title: Understanding how pons-specific microglia contribute to diffuse midline glioma initiation and progression
Post Duration: 12 Months
Salary: Post-Doctoral Researcher €45,847 - €52,339 p.a.
For an information package including further details of the post see https://ore.ucc.ie/
Informal enquiries can be made in confidence to Dr Lily Keane; Email: LilyKeane@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 23rd May 2025.
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 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.
UNIVERSITY COLLEGE CORK IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES EMPLOYER