Job ID: 119663

PhD student in Molecular Neuroscience/ Pain Mechanisms

Position: Ph.D. Student

Deadline: 31 July 2024

Contract Length: 4 years

City: Dublin 6

Country: Ireland

Institution: University College Dublin

Department:

Description:

Applications are invited from ambitious and enthusiastic individuals to join the group of Dr. Olga Baron at the Conway Institute, University College Dublin. We use Drosophila and mouse genetics to understand molecular mechanisms important for sensitisation of nociceptive (pain-sensing) circuits.

As a basic mechanism of escaping threat, pain is generally a valuable commodity; however, can be harmful and debilitating if excessive and chronic. The Global Burden of Disease Study finds chronic pain conditions – such as musculoskeletal disorders – as the leading cause of disability worldwide. Therefore, there is a great need in research aiming at identifying novel effective druggable mechanisms and molecular targets.  We are in particular interested in elucidating evolutionary conserved mechanisms by which the RNA binding protein Rbfox1 may contribute to pain in musculoskeletal conditions. The successful PhD candidate will be embedded in the highly ambitious project further investigating the alternative splicing of targets regulated by Rbfox1 and how this modulates signalling at the first pain synapse. The successful candidate will use molecular biological techniques to isolate and manipulate transcript of selected candidate genes, design and generate new transgenic tools and confirm their validity in regulating nociceptive behaviour and synaptic plasticity using functional assays. https://www.ucd.ie/sbbs/research/researchvacancies/

Your profile:

  • BSc or MSc in biomolecular or biomedical sciences, First Honours,
  • Experimental experience in molecular cell biology, biochemistry or genetics using Drosophila or in vitro systems (e.g. molecular cloning techniques, RNA isolation, immuno-co-precipitation (RIP)); basic knowledge of neurobiology is of great advantage
  • Demonstrate maturity and determination to drive your own project in a team by being PROACTIVE and highly cooperative
  • Having excellent communication and organisation skills with ability to manage multiple tasks independently as well as efficiently through instigating close collaboration with the team
  • Highly motivated academic and creative achiever, a quick learner and extremely enthusiastic about science and discovery beyond own project scope
  • Preference will be given to EU (or EEA, UK or Swiss) citizens

The position is available from September 2024 (flexible start, not later than Jan 2025)- funded by the  School for Biomolecular and Biomedical Sciences with following conditions:

  • Full tuition fee + €22,000 tax-free stipend per annum over four years

 

  • Each student will be enrolled in a structured PhD programme, associated with SBBS.
  • Each student is required to demonstrate in appropriate laboratory practicals as part of their funded scholarship.  Demonstrating hours and lab practicals are detailed and assigned by the SBBS Demonstrating Committee (maximum hours: 288 per annum).  Students will be remunerated at standard UCD demonstrating rates. (For more information: https://www.ucd.ie/sbbs/study/researchprogrammes/)

 

Please email your motivation letter, CV (including final grades/transcripts) and contact details of two references to: olga.baron@ucd.ie