The Downer Lab: Dr. Eric Downer leads the Translational Neuroimmunology Research Group based in the Discipline of Physiology in the Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute in Trinity College Dublin. The successful applicant will work with a multi-disciplinary team of postdoctoral research fellows, postgraduate researchers and clinical collaborators. Dr. Downer has an 18-year research history in the field of cannabinoids, and has developed a number of the patient-orientated research programmes to develop novel therapies in this area. For related references please see the following: https://www.tcd.ie/medicine/staff/edowner/ https://www.tcd.ie/Neuroscience/partners/PI%20Profiles/Eric_Downer2.php
Project description: The overall aim of this PhD project is to determine if cannabinoids isolated from the cannabis plant exert anti-inflammatory effects in immune cellsisolated from people with Multiple Sclerosis (pwMS), which will positively impact the quality of life of the individual. This project will profile the anti-inflammatory and toxicity profile of phytocannabinoids using an in vitro system in human immune cells, which will aid the clinical development of cannabinoid-based therapy for pwMS in Ireland.
Funding: This Provost’s PhD Project Award is generously funded through alumni donations and Trinity’s Commercial Revenue Unit. The award will cover full tuition fees (EU or non-EU ) for a period of 4 years for a new entrant fulltime PhD candidate. The candidate will receive a stipend of €16,000 per year for four years.
Qualifications: The successful candidate must have a primary degree (minimum 2.1 or equivalent) in Biomedical Sciences, Immunology, Neuroscience, Physiology or a closely-related discipline. Candidates must be willing to take on the coordination/organisation of logistical aspects of the project. Candidates should be highly-motivated, display a high level of initiative and have excellent written and oral communication skills. The candidate should be able to work independently and also integrate as part of a team. Candidates will possess experience in some of the following techniques:
Start date: September 2019
Applications: Please email a one-page cover letter outlining your suitability for the post, your full CV and details of two referees (incl. email addresses) to edowner@tcd.ie with the subject line “Provosts Project Award”. Applications should be submitted as ONE .pdf file. Acknowledgement of receipt of your application will not be made. You will receive an update on your application following shortlisting. All informal enquiries welcome. Trinity College Dublin, the University of Dublin is an equal opportunitites employer.
Closing date for applications: noon (GMT) July 12th 2019.
Eric Downer: edowner@tcd.ie
