Postdoctoral Researcher

Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI); Dublin; On-site; EUR 48,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) invites applications for a Post-doctoral Researcher to investigate how traumatic brain injury leads to epilepsy, focusing on the purinergic P2X7 receptor (P2X7R). The role includes in vivo studies, EEG analysis, and brain pathology, under Prof Tobias Engel's supervision.

The successful candidate will lead experimental work, supervise students and staff, publish findings, and contribute to grant reporting.

Qualifications

• PhD in neuroscience/neurological disorders.
• Strong track record in traumatic brain injury research and inflammation.
• In vivo work experience desirable.
• Proven publication record in this field.
• Ability to work both collaboratively and independently.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication and presentation skills.
• Attention to detail and ability to meet deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Manage and conduct in vivo studies using traumatic brain injury models, EEG and brain pathology analysis.
• Review study designs and statistical analysis plans.
• Review of draft progress reports and grant review materials.
• Prepare scientific reports and grant review documents.
• Write peer‑review publications and presentations.
• Provide academic supervision of students and research staff.
• Comply with statutory legislation and safety requirements.
• Participate in training and development activities.
• Represent the department and college professionally.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Deadline orientation

Education

PhD in neuroscience/neurological disorders

Job description

Job Title: Post-doctoral Researcher; in vivo investigation of post-traumatic epilepsy

Department: Physiology and Medical Physics

Reporting to: Prof Tobias Engel

Contract/Duration Specified purpose contract, up to 24 months

Remuneration: Up to Point 3 of postdoctoral salary scale according to IUA (point commensurate with experience)

Closing Date: 15th September 2026

About Our Research

RCSI recognises that excellence in research is critical to the quality of its educational activities, its credibility, and, overall, to its mission to enhance human health. RCSI's research strategy aims to build upon its strength in translational biomedical and clinical research to deliver transformational, high impact changes in health care. Targeting both Irish national and EU funding, along with increased collaboration with industry, is a major part of the RCSI research strategy. Forging increased collaboration between RCSI PIs and industry is of critical importance to achieving success in this area. RCSI is also committed to provide its researchers with the supports and developmental opportunities to enable them to continuously grow and support their overall career development.

Summary of Post

We are seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join our research team investigating the molecular mechanisms linking traumatic brain injury (TBI) to the development of epilepsy. The successful candidate will lead innovative studies examining the role of the purinergic P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) in post-traumatic epileptogenesis and evaluate how pharmacological and genetic manipulation of this receptor influences disease progression.

Specifically, the duties of the post are:

• Manage and conduct in activities associated with the research group project to include in vivo studies using models of traumatic brain, EEG and brain pathology analysis, delivery of appropriate training, and contribute to experimental design and post study analysis.
• Review of study designs and statistical analysis plans as required.
• Review of draft progress reports.
• Support the preparation of scientific reports and grant review reports as required.
• Writing of peer-review publications and presentations.
• Academic supervision of students and (technical) research staff, as required.
• Other such duties as may be assigned from time to time.
• Complying with statutory legislation and Department rules and requirements in furtherance of your own and general staff welfare and safety.
• Undergoing programmes of training and development as may be required from time to time.
• Representing the best interests of the Department/College at all times.

Qualifications – (Essential):

• PhD in a relevant field, ideally neuroscience/neurological disorders
• A strong track record in traumatic brain injury research and inflammation and novel inflammatory markers of outcome
• Experimental experience in in vivo work is desirable but not essential.
• Strong research skills and a proven track record in publication of excellent research in this area.
• A deep understanding of the field of traumatic brain injury.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication and presentation skills
• Attention to detail and thoroughness in work practices and an ability to work to deadlines
• A capacity to work collaboratively as part of a team as well as independently, in a nonstructured environment
• An ability to win the confidence of stakeholders, researchers and research partner representatives
• An ability to foster and sustain academic relationships internally and externally

Knowledge & Experience – (Essential):

• Project Management Skills: Ability to ensure project plans are communicated effectively and that timelines are achieved.
• Teamwork: Ability to operate effectively as part of a team; is cordial, tolerant and willing to support others; is cooperative and patient; shares workload and information; establishes rapport; and builds effective networks.
• Conscientiousness: Demonstrates a proactive approach to work, anticipating and resolving problems; has strong attention to detail and consistently delivers high-quality work with minimal errors.
• Flexibility: Able to work effectively in a busy environment and adapt priorities when required.
• Customer Focus: Possesses strong customer service skills and communicates with a high level of initiative, tact, diplomacy and confidentiality.
• Motivated: Demonstrates a positive, can-do attitude; commitment to RCSI ORI and its development; and enthusiasm for the role and scientific research.

We are all too aware that imposter syndrome and the confidence gap can sometimes stop fantastic candidates putting themselves forward, so please do submit an application - we'd love to hear from you.