Download Unique ID H14 - APC Microbiome Institute

APC Postgraduate (PhD) Position
Job Posted:
Closing Date for Applications: 29 Aug 2016
School: Medicine (Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics/ Department of
Urogynaecology/ APC Microbiome Institute).
College: Medicine & Health
Contract Type: Fixed Term Whole-Time
Job Type: Research
Salary: See below
APC Postgraduate Position
The APC Microbiome Institute (APC) was formed in 2003 with funding from Science
Foundation Ireland and in conjunction with key industry partners. It represents a seamless
collaboration between UCC, Teagasc, Moorepark 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.
The postgraduate position is open to candidates who meet residency requirements in Ireland or
the EU. The studentship comprises an annual stipend for three years, in addition to fees at the
EU level (approximately €6,000 per year). The current stipend is €18,000 per annum.
PhD position:
The student will be a registered student in the Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics.
The student will be associated with the APC Microbiome Institute, UCC.
Unique ref no. H14
Title: Exploring the Bladder Microbiome in Health and Disease
Description: Notably, the bladder was not included in the Human Microbiome Project. This
in combination with the incorrect assumption that “culture-negative” status of urine equates to
sterile has resulted in a delay in the characterization of the bladder microbiome in health and
disease. However, it is now clear that a bladder microbiome can be detected and that it is altered
in bladder disorders. One such disorder is bladder pain syndrome (BPS). BPS is acknowledged
as a major health issue which significantly overlaps with other functional pain disorders, most
notably irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in which we have significant pre-existing expertise
Therefore, the specific research aims are:
(1) to recruit patients with bladder pain syndrome and assess their disease severity and
comorbidities using well validated clinical questionnaires;
(2) molecularly characterise the urinary microbiomeand host bladder mucosa
Our overall aim is to characterise the urinary microbiome and mucosal biopsies from patients
with bladder pain syndrome and control subjects stratified by psychiatric and gastrointestinal
comorbidities.
Principal Investigators – Dr. Niall Hyland (APC/UCC), Dr. Barry O’Reilly (APC/CUMH)
Informal queries to Dr. Niall Hyland at [email protected]
Key Duties and Responsibilities
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To conduct a specified programme of research under the supervision and direction of a
Principal Investigator.
To work with the project partner and other partners / collaborators in achieving the
research goals.
To participate in the dissemination of the results of the research (oral and written) in
which you are engaged, as directed by the Principal Investigator.
To contribute and produce high quality peer reviewed publications and other outputs.
To present research progress and project outcomes at project meetings and relevant
conferences.
To engage in the wider research and scholarly activities and educational and outreach
programmes of the APC.
Criteria
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An upper second class or first class honours BSc degree and/or a MSc degree in
Biomedical Science, Pharmacy. Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Genetics,
Biochemistry or related discipline
Experience in microbiology desirable
Highly motivated individual with a keen interest in molecular biology and clinically
orientated research.
Have excellent laboratory skills, organizational and communication skills, report
writing and data analysis
An ability to work independently to a tight schedule to deliver the milestones and
deliverables as set out in the project proposal
Have the ability to work effectively as part of a team to achieve results within the time
frame of the project.
To Apply:
Applications should include a covering letter, a detailed CV and the names and contacts of 2
referees and should be sent by email as indicated below, quoting the Unique reference no:
H14
Applications will be accepted until August 29th 2016
Applications to [email protected] (please cite the unique position ref in the subject of email)
University College Cork is an Equal Opportunities Employer.