Research Assistant

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Post Summary

Applications are invited for motivated and self-driven individuals to form a panel to fill a research assistant position 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 an undergraduate degree and Master's degree in psychology. Post-graduate experience in research or clinical areas is desirable. Training in neuropsychological testing and other relevant areas will be provided. 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. This post, funded by the Irish Motor Neuron Disease Association, will build on previous neuropsychological research in cognitive and behavioural change in ALS/MND. The successful candidate will work closely with post doctoral researchers in Neuropsychology, and will 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 as well as the Dept Psychology RCSI. The research assistant will be responsible for recruiting patients with ALS to the relevant ongoing studies, and will be required to undertake home visits from time to time.

Previous experience of neuropsychological testing and patient interaction is highly desirable for this position. S/he 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:

• Approach patients/caregivers with ALS/MS in the respective specialist clinics;

• Describe the nature of the studies to the prospective patient and caregiver participants and talk them through the consent process;

• Coordinate with the multidisciplinary research and clinical team as appropriate to deliver all elements of the research projects;

• Complete 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 minimum upper-second class (2:1) honours degree (or equivalent) in psychology or a related area as well as a Masters Degree in Psychology

Knowledge & Experience (Essential & Desirable)

• Some previous clinical or research experience of at least one of the following; group or interview work with people from vulnerable groups or neuropsychological testing (essential)

• High level of competency in MS Office applications and comfortable using new web applications and technologies (desirable)

• Some previous experience in an instructional or teaching role (desirable)

Skills & Competencies

• Demonstrable ability to work as part of a team and independently as required, and to work accurately to deadlines.

• Flexibility and willingness to work outside of normal working hours when required

• A high level of self-motivation, with excellent organisational, interpersonal and communication skills

Application Procedure

Candidates should submit a short (200-250 words) 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: €33,291.00-€34,545.00 per year

Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 18/12/2025