PhD Position in Gut Physiology and 'Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis’ Research

Vacancy Reference Number
ID
Closing Date
2 Feb 2024
Salary
€22,000 per annum
Address
APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork (UCC)
Duration
4 years

APC Microbiome Ireland are currently recruiting a highly motivated PhD candidate to join the Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis Team.

The gut produces hormones which regulate gut function and behaviour via modulating the enteric nervous system and sensory neurons. Hormone secretion is modified in disease conditions and also by the trillions of bacteria inhabiting the gastrointestinal tract, known as the microbiota. The project will investigate the potential of a novel gut hormone, oxytocin, to modulate gut physiology and gut-brain communication. It will also test the hypothesis that microbial signals can modulate gut oxytocin expression. The overall aim is to understand whether gut oxytocin can be used to address gut and brain symptoms in disease conditions.

The environment:

APC Microbiome Ireland (formerly Alimentary Pharmabiotic Centre) was formed in 2003 with funding from Science Foundation Ireland in conjunction with key industry partners. It represents a seamless collaboration between UCC, Teagasc and MTU with a major focus on different aspects of microbiome research. 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. APC Microbiome Ireland has established itself as one of the leading global centres in gut microbiota research. Researchers have published over 3,500 research articles in peer-reviewed journals, collaborate with over 20 industry partners and employs over 300 individuals.

University College Cork (UCC) is an award-winning institution with a history of independent thinking stretching back over 170 years. UCC has a student population of over 21,000. The University was named Irish University of the Year by the Sunday Times in 2017. UCC has been ranked as one of the leading universities in the world for sustainable social and economic impact, in the inaugural 2019 Times Higher Education (THE) University Impact rankings. University College Cork is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

Key duties and responsibilities

  • The PhD candidate will conduct a specified programme of research under the supervision of Dr Friederike Uhlig, Dr Harriet Schellekens and Dr Niall Hyland.
  • The successful candidate must be able to apply basic laboratory skills, cell culture, molecular biology, electrophysiology, and microbiology techniques (Calcium imaging, immunohistochemistry, microscopy, ex-vivo assays of gut physiology such as Ussing Chambers, afferent nerve recordings, qRT-PCR) in a lab-based setting to interrogate gut physiology and gut-brain axis.
  • The successful candidate must be able to work perform in-vivo experiments and work with laboratory animal tissue (prior experience would be advantageous; training will be provided).
  • Significant interdisciplinary interactions with internal and external collaborators will be required.
  • Good communication, organisation, interpersonal skills and the ability to work within a project team are essential.
  • Competently conduct research activities, including the planning, organizing, conducting of research studies, and reporting and communicating research findings across the overall scope of this project.
  • Present information on research progress and outcomes to others responsible for the research project.
  • Engage in frequent communications with key stakeholders and the general public, including the use of social media platforms.
  • Confer with the assigned Academic Supervisors in developing plans for research projects and to discuss the interpretation of results and the preparation of manuscripts for publication.
  • Perform other related duties incidental to the work described herein.

Additional tasks will include:

  • The dissemination of results at conferences and through scientific articles.
  • Engage in appropriate training and professional development opportunities as required by the Principal Investigator, School or College in order to develop research skills and competencies.
  • Regular reporting of research data.
  • Involvement in Educational and Public Engagement (EPE) activities.
  • Occasional laboratory supervision of Bachelor or Master students.

Eligibility Criteria and Qualifications

  • Minimum 2:1 undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in the life sciences e. g. Physiology, Neuroscience, Biomedical Science or a similar discipline (essential)
  • Enthusiasm about the gut and gut-brain axis (desirable).
  • Prior research experience is highly desirable. Particularly, the execution of daily lab tasks such as preparing buffers and calculating concentrations as well as experience working with laboratory animals and/or in physiology, neuroscience and molecular biology techniques will be of benefit.
  • Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills (essential).
  • Strong motivation and commitment to expand knowledge.
  • Excellent analytical skills (ability to source and critically evaluate literature).
  • Excellent communication skills, to include communications with key stakeholders and the public.
  • Excellent organisational and interpersonal skills.
  • An ability to work independently and to a tight schedule.
  • High levels of initiative are encouraged.
  • Capability of working effectively within a team to achieve results.
  • Applicants whose first language is not English must show evidence of English proficiency, please check the minimum requirements at: https://www.ucc.ie/en/study/comparison/english/.

Funding Details

The project is supported by an SFI-IRC Pathway Program to Dr Uhlig supporting talented postdoctoral researchers from all research disciplines to develop their track record and transition to become independent research leaders.

https://www.ucc.ie/en/sefs/news/2023/sfi-irc-pathway-programme-awards.html

This full-time PhD position is funded for 4 years including a stipend of €22,000 per annum.

The scholarship for the PhD degree is subject to satisfactory progress which is monitored at least annually in line with UCC policies.

Further information -applicable to your post

The PhD candidate will work with a team of scientists in the APC Microbiome Ireland and University College Cork (Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, Physiology within the College of Medicine and Health).

APC Microbiome Ireland is a trans-disciplinary research centre, with clinicians, clinician-scientists and basic scientists from diverse backgrounds working in teams, sharing ideas and resources. Although focused upon the gastrointestinal bacterial community (the microbiota), the scale and scope of the work has become one of the fastest moving areas of biology. The microbiota is not only a target for treatment and prevention of disease, it is a repository for functional food ingredients and even new drugs and is a source of novel biomarkers of disease risk. The scientific organisation of the APC consists of a matrix of ‘spokes’ or themes of intellectual pursuit which are supported by multiple horizontal or shared technology platforms.

Further Information

Informal enquiries about the post should made by email to Dr Friederike Uhlig (fuhlig@ucc.ie).

Contact Details

To Apply:

Please email the following information to Dr Friederike Uhlig (fuhlig@ucc.ie)

as a single PDF file:

- A one-page cover letter outlining any relevant experience and your reasons for wanting to participate in the project.
- A Curriculum Vitae including your education history, courses, awards and skills.  Also, if appropriate, please include details of any publications and conference presentations.

The deadline for applications is 02/02/2024.  Applications received after the deadline will not be considered. 

Please quote “ID” on the subject line of your email.