Research Assistant

Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI); Dublin; On-site; EUR 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) seeks a Research Assistant to support in vivo studies of gene therapies in preclinical mouse models within the FutureNeuro Research Centre in Dublin. The role requires a recent BSc or MSc in neuroscience or a related field and a collaborative, proactive approach.

The successful candidate will assist with animal husbandry, genotyping, drug treatments, behavioural assays and data analysis, contributing to cutting-edge epilepsy research funded by Science

Qualifications

• BSc or MSc in neuroscience or a related field.
• Completed LAST Ireland training courses.
• General lab experience; neuroscience/molecular biology experience is an advantage.
• Familiar with regulatory aspects related to use of animals in research.
• Familiarity with laboratory Health and Safety protocols and procedures.
• Strong organisation and project management skills; good communication with stakeholders across departments.

Responsibilities

• Assist with animal-based activities: manage mouse colonies, genotyping, maintenance checks, minor surgical procedures, and light husbandry.
• Support design and conduct of in vivo research on epilepsy mechanisms and treatments in mouse models.
• Analyze data and maintain datasets.
• Prepare and present reports.
• Ensure animal work complies with HPRA, EPA and RCSI ethics policies.

Skills

Communication skills

Organisation

Project management

Education

BSc or MSc in a relevant discipline

Tools

LAST Ireland training courses

Job description

Department: Physiology & Medical Physics

Reporting to: Prof David Henshall

Location: RCSI main campus at 123 St Stephen Green and York Street Research Institute, Dublin, Ireland

Contract/Duration: Specified Purpose Contract, full time for up 12 months with the potential to extend

Remuneration: Research Assistant Scale, Point 1-3 dependent on experience

Closing Date: 9:00am on Tuesday 15th of September

Summary of Post

A Research Assistant position is available in the laboratory of Prof David C Henshall at the RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences in Ireland. We are seeking a self-motivated, creative and collaborative team member with a recent Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in neuroscience or a relevant discipline.

The successful candidate will join a team researching mechanisms and advanced new treatments for epilepsy. The main role is to support in vivo studies of the effects of gene therapies in preclinical mouse models. This includes animal husbandry, colony management, drug treatments, behavioural assays, genotyping and histological and molecular studies. The research is funded through a grant from Science Foundation Ireland and industry partners and is based in the FutureNeuro Research Centre, a multi-disciplinary and inter-institutional research programme, providing access to world-class facilities and collaborative research teams (www.futureneurocentre.ie).

Specifically, the main duties of the post are:

• Assisting with animal-based activities, specifically: Management of wildtype and genetically-altered mouse colonies, genotyping, maintenance checks, minor surgical procedures, and light husbandry duties.
• Support the design and conduct of in vivo research on mechanisms and treatment of epilepsy and co-morbidities in the animal models of epilepsy.
• Analysis of data and maintenance of datasets.
• Preparation and presentation of reports.
• Carrying out animal work in compliance with HPRA, EPA and RCSI Ethics policies and regulations.
• Assisting in the coordination of security and maintenance arrangements for the animal research facilities.
• Supporting carrying out necessary risk assessments.
• Liaising with relevant personnel (MRTF, BRF, Physiology Dept).
• At times, be required to work flexible hours in line with research needs.

Qualifications – (Essential)

• A BSc or MSc qualification in a relevant discipline

Knowledge & Experience – (Essential)

• Completed relevant LAST Ireland training courses
• General lab experience; molecular biology and/or neuroscience research area would be an advantage.
• Familiar with regulatory aspects related to use of animals in research.
• Familiarity with laboratory Health and Safety protocols and procedures.
• Strong organisation and project management skills to ensure tasks are delivered on time and within agreed parameters.
• Strong communication skills with a proven ability to liaise with various stakeholders across a number of different departments.

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.

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