Post Doctoral Research Fellow

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Post Summary

Applications are invited for motivated and self-driven individuals within the Irish ALS/MND and Neurodegenerative Diseases Research Group, hosted in the Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute's Academic Unit of Neurology, and working in collaboration with the Dept.Psychology, RCSI.

The ideal candidate will have a PhD in Psychology. Experience in Neuropsychology is desirable. Candidates with extensive experience in Neuropsychology and a Level 9 degree will also be considered.

The role will involve splitting time between the Academic Unit of Neurology in Trinity College and the Department of Psychology in RCSI, and the specialist MND service, based at Beaumont Hospital.

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) or Motor Neurone Disease (MND) is a degenerative brain disease that leads to progressive decline and death within 3-5 years of first symptom. While it was originally thought to be a disease purely of the motor systems we now know that up to 13% of people with ALS have a severe dementia at the time of diagnosis, and over 60% have evidence of cognitive /behavioural impairment. Our research into ALS/MND goes hand in hand with the multidisciplinary specialist ALS/MND clinic run by Prof. Hardiman in Beaumont Hospital. The successful candidate will build on previous neuropsychological research in cognitive and behavioural change in ALS/MND, and will provide materials to address the impact of these changes on caregivers. The successful candidate will also participate in the international Neuropsychology workstream associated with the PRECISION ALS project (www.precisionals.ie) . The successful candidate will supervise a Research Assistant and work closely with other cognitive /behavioural focussed ALS/MND researchers within the Academic Unit of Neurology. They will a have the opportunity to participate in teaching within the Academic Unit of Neurology where appropriate.

Standard Duties and Responsibilities of the Post

The successful candidates will work within the Irish ALS/MND and Neurodegenerative Diseases Research Group at Trinity College Dublin and the National Centre of Excellence in Motor Neurone Disease at Beaumont Hospital and will link with Prof.Pender, at the Dept Psychology RCSI. The successful candidate will be responsible for delivering a funded research project on cognitive and behavioural changes in those with ALS, with particular focus on later behavioural changes.

The successful candidate must be flexible to allow for the fluctuating time demands of the project, and be self-motivated, with excellent organisational, interpersonal and communication skills.

The successful applicant to will be expected to perform a combination of the tasks below:

• Supervise Completion of detailed neuropsychological testing both online and in person;
• Keep accurate, up-to-date, detailed records of research;
• Report regularly to the project supervisors;
• Appropriately manage the large datasets generated by the project.

Funding Information

The post is funded by a grant from the IMNDA

Person Specification

Qualifications

Applicants should hold a PhD in psychology. An exceptional candidate with a Level 9 degree and experience in neuropsychological research will be considered.

Knowledge & Experience (Essential & Desirable) Application Procedure

Background in psychology, and experience in neuropsychology research

Excellent communication skills

Project management skills

Clean driving licence.

Application Procedure

Candidates should submit a a short (200-250 word) statement of motivation where they summarize why they want the job and why they think they are suited in addition to their CV with the details of three references.

GARDA CLEARANCE:

Police vetting will be sought in respect of individuals who come under consideration for a post.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: €46,905.00-€48,895.00 per year

Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 18/12/2025