Description
Postdoctoral Researcher/Research Associate - Preclinical Pain Research (2 Positions) at University of Galway
Physiology and Pharmacology & Therapeutics
School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences
Ref. No. 011909
JOB ADVERTISEMENT
Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for two full-time, fixed-term Postdoctoral Researcher/Research Associate positions in preclinical pain research within the Disciplines of Physiology, Pharmacology and Therapeutics and School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, at the University of Galway, Ireland.
The posts are funded by European Research Area Network (ERA-NET) NEURON grants facilitating collaborative work between Dr. Michelle Roche and Prof. David P. Finn (both at University of Galway) and collaborators across six other countries on the projects GENUS and STRESSPAIN (Further information on both projects can be found by clicking on the project names/hyperlinks herein, or by searching the project name at https://www.neuron-eranet.eu/projects/ ).
GENUS
The overarching aim of this postdoctoral research project, which will be based in Galway, is to use an integrative, whole-systems, translational neuroscience approach employing preclinical research methodologies to advance understanding of the neurobiological mechanisms underlying chronic orofacial neuropathic pain (with a focus on the endocannabinoid system) and identify novel therapeutic strategies for improved management of chronic orofacial neuropathic pain. Successful candidates will join a vibrant, dynamic and collaborative research ecosystem within University of Galway’s Neuroscience Centre and Centre for Pain Research , allied to the University’s Institute for Health Discovery and Innovation and Institute for Clinical Trials. This position is available from the 1st October 2026 for thirty-four (34) months in the first instance.
STRESSPAIN
The overarching aim of this postdoctoral research project, which will be based in Galway, is to use an integrative, whole-systems, translational neuroscience approach employing preclinical research methodologies to advance understanding of the neurobiological mechanisms by which stress and negative affect exacerbate and/or prolong chronic neuropathic pain (with a focus on the descending pain modulatory system), and identify novel therapeutic strategies for improved management of chronic neuropathic pain. Successful candidates will join a vibrant, dynamic and collaborative research ecosystem within University of Galway’s Neuroscience Centre and Centre for Pain Research, allied to the University’s Institute for Health Discovery and Innovation and Institute for Clinical Trials. This position is available from the 1st October 2026 for twenty-four (24) months in the first instance.
Salary: Postdoctoral Researcher/Research Associate salary scale €47,273 - €60,250 per annum, (subject to the project’s funding limitations), and pro rata for shorter and/or part-time contracts.
The default position for all new public sector appointments is the 1st point of the salary scale. This may be reviewed, and consideration afforded to appointment at a higher point on the payscale (subject to the project’s funding limitations), where evidence of prior years’ equivalent experience is accepted in determining placement on the scale above point 1, subject to the maximum of the scale.
(Research Salary Scales - University of Galway)
Closing date for receipt of applications is 17:00 (Irish Time) on 20th August 2026. It will not be possible to consider applications received after the closing date.
TO APPLY: Search Current University of Galway Research Vacancies at https://www.universityofgalway.ie/about-us/jobs/#. Applications must be submitted online. By applying, you will be considered for both projects (GENUS and STRESSPAIN). If you have a preferred project, or wish to be considered for one project only, please indicate this in your cover letter. Your cover letter should also explain your reasons and motivation for applying for these postdoctoral researcher posts, and why you believe you are suitably qualified for them. Please also provide the names and contact details of three referees.
*Please review full job description for further details and essential requirement
Requirements
JOB DESCRIPTION
The successful candidates will:
Carry out original research on the project entitled “Translational Pain Discovery: BridGing MicE, Rat, aNd
HUman Studies (GENUS)” OR “Understanding how stress and negative affect exacerbate chronic
neuropathic pain: Unlocking new therapeutic avenues (STRESSPAIN)”
Prepare presentations for internal and external meetings
Present data at conferences
Write papers for publication
Assist with training of students and researchers
Assist with reporting to the funder and other research-related administrative tasks
Other duties as may be required by Dr. Michelle Roche and Prof. David Finn
Any other duties assigned commensurate to this level of post
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Essential Requirements:
A PhD in a relevant area (e.g. Pharmacology, physiology, neuroscience, preclinical pain or stress research).
Candidates that have submitted their PhD thesis and are awaiting their viva are welcome to apply.
Experience in behavioural neuroscience and/or behavioural pharmacology in rodents
Experience in small animal surgery
Experience in biochemical and molecular biology methodologies (e.g. RT-qPCR, Western blotting,
immunohistochemistry/histology, ‘OMICs’, HPLC-mass spectrometry)
Great organisational skills
Great written and oral communication skills
Desirable Requirements:
Experience with mouse (ideally) or rat models of chronic pain (ideally neuropathic pain)
Experience with in vivo fiber photometry in mice (ideally) or rats
Experience with genetically encoded sensors for endocannabinoids or neurotransmitters (GRAB sensors)
Experience of advanced behavioural analysis using machine learning approaches
Knowledge of, and prior research in, the endocannabinoid system or cannabinoid pharmacology
Peer-reviewed publications in areas of relevance to the project (i.e. preclinical pain or stress research in rodent
models).
