Neuroscience Research Centre & School of Pharmacy

Closing date:4 Sep 2005

This position offers an exciting opportunity in a rapidly growing area of neuroscience. Neural stem cells are newly generated after cerebral ischaemia, but evidence exists that the number of stem cells generated as well as their ultimate fate is controlled by the process of neuronal apoptosis. Little is known about how neurotherapeutics influence these processes. The project will investigate the effect of NMDA receptor modulation and polyamines on apoptosis activation and neurogenesis following cerebral ischaemia in vitro and in vivo. The project will also investigate neural stem cell fate and the effect of NMDA receptor modulation in pro-apoptotic gene knock out mice available in the RCSI Neuroscience Research Centre.

Applications are invited from candidates with a background in pharmacy, pharmacology, physiology, biochemistry or neuroscience. Sound written and communication skills and a high level of motivation and commitment are required. Methods used in this project span a wide spectrum and include: gene knock outs, genotyping, stroke models, imunohistochemistry, behavioural testing, HPLC and biochemical techniques.

This project and close, responsible supervision will permit the student to become internationally competitive in his/her field of research, to directly work in close collaboration in an interdisciplinary and international team of scientists and to gather a broad spectrum of skills in a friendly environment. The candidate will have the opportunity to participate in a structured and internationally renowned 3-year M.Res./Ph.D. program at the RCSI.

Applications should include CV and names and addresses of two referees and be sent preferably by e-mail to bkirby@rcsi.ie or jprehn@rcsi.ie

:::source and online application