Targeting critical regulators of neuroinflammation and metabolism in epilepsy

FutureNeuro is a national research centre focused on chronic and rare neurological diseases, funded by Science Foundation Ireland and based at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. Led by Prof. David Henshall, FutureNeuro brings together multidisciplinary scientific teams with clinicians and industry to deliver advances in diagnostic medicine, personalized and network therapeutics, cross-linked by a national e-Health infrastructure platform that is disease-focused. The mission of FutureNeuro is to accelerate discoveries on genetic diagnosis and advanced molecular treatments supported by enabling e-health technology for chronic and rare neurological diseases. Building initially on internationally recognized strengths in epilepsy and motor neuron disease research, the Centre aims to develop additional research programmes in other chronic and rare neurological diseases. http://www.futureneurocentre.ie/

The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) is a private, self-financing, not-for-profit medical and surgical college headquartered in Dublin (Ireland) with global reach through its overseas medical universities and health care centres in the Middle East, the Far East and Africa. Since its foundation in 1784, it has played a leadership role in Irish surgical and medical education. Currently, it operates the largest Medical School in Ireland and provides undergraduate education in Physiotherapy, Pharmacy, and Nursing. In addition to Surgery, it also provides postgraduate training and education in Radiology, Dentistry, Nursing & Midwifery, Sports and Exercise Medicine, Healthcare Management and Leadership, and has an Institute of 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. Recently, RCSI has implemented a new research strategy that will 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.

Overall purpose of this position

The successful candidate will join the team of Dr Jennifer Dowling in the Brain Inflammation Group Ireland (BIGie) @BrainInflamIE to work on molecular mechanisms of metabolic dysregulation in Epilepsy and strategies to therapeutically target the same for the treatment of seizures. Recent research by the team has focused on how altering the metabolism of immune cells can drive an anti-inflammatory and reparative phenotype in different disease contexts. The group is expanding this work to investigate its potential in epilepsy.

The purpose of the current role will be to utilise an in vivo model of temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) along with relevant in vitro studies using glia and neuronal cells to identify the molecular mechanisms by which neuronal excitation can be directed by immunometabolism and neuroinflammation. The project will employ spatial transcriptomics, metabolic assays, electrophysiology and standard molecular biology techniques including western blotting and RT-PCR. The student will be given opportunities to present their data at national and international meetings annually.

The students will work within the Research Ireland FutureNeuro research centre of excellence and will work closely with basic scientists, industry collaborators as well as clinicians. 

Informal enquiries can be directed to Jennifer Dowling at [Email Address Removed]

• Department: School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences - FutureNeuro Research Centre
• Tenure: 4 years
• Salary: €25,000 stipend pa
• Reporting to: Dr Jennifer Dowling
• Start Date: September 2025
• Employed by: RCSI, 123 St Stephen’s Green, Dublin, Ireland D02 YN77

Person Specification

Qualifications:

• At least an upper second class (2.1) honours degree in cell and molecular biology, neuroscience, biochemistry or similar.

Desirable:

• Experience in immunometabolism and/or neuroinflammation
• Previous laboratory research experience

Key Responsibilities and Deliverables

• Excellent communication skills.
• Strong organisational and administrative skills.
• Ability to work on one’s own initiative as well as in a multidisciplinary, team environment.
• Willingness to undertake training and career development.
• English language requirements for candidates who do not speak English as their first language: an IELTS score of 6.5 or above.

Application Process:

Please apply online with your CV and Covering Letter to [Email Address Removed]

One position is available and expected to start September 2025.

To apply, please access the following link and complete the application form in full: https://forms.office.com/e/Tug0hp1AsW

• Unfortunately, we are unable to provide individual feedback to applicants.
• Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview. 
• At this stage only successful candidates will be contacted to submit CV, transcripts and other relevant documentation.
• For successful candidates, referees will also be contacted at this stage for a reference. 

Applications must include: 

1. a completed application form 
2. English language requirements – see https://www.rcsi.com/dublin/postgraduate/policies-and-guidelines/english-language-requirements. 

Deadline: All applications must be made online by 21st July 2025

It is the candidate’s responsibility to ensure the application form is completed in full and on time. Late and/or incomplete applications will not normally be assessed.

Further information on the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland can be found here: https://www.rcsi.com/

Note: This Job Description may be subject to change to reflect the evolving requirements of the Department and RCSI in developing healthcare leaders who make a difference worldwide.

RCSI is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their gender, civil status, family status, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability or race.

Similar vacancies that arise in the next 6 months may be filled from the pool of applicants that apply for this position.