Research Fellow in Exercise Physiology/Clinical Health Psychology

Post Status: Specific-purpose Contract – Full time 

Research Group/ School/Department: Human Exercise Physiology Research Group / Department of Physiology, School of Medicine

Location: Watts Building, Trinity College Dublin, the University of Dublin. College Green, Dublin 2, Ireland

Job Category and Level: Appointment will be made on the IUA Post -doctoral Researcher Salary Scale (Level 2A) at a point in line with Government Pay Policy [€46,805 to €49,396 per annum]. Appointment will be made no higher than Point 3 

Hours of Work: 39 hours per week

Closing Date: 29th May, 2026 at 12:00 noon (Irish Standard time)

The Purpose of the Role 

The Department of Physiology is seeking to appoint a Research Fellow in Exercise Physiology/ Clinical Health Psychology. The successful candidate will work primarily on PUREMIND, an EU funded study to create the first Integrated Mental Healthcare Ecosystem (IMHE) that will transform the way we predict, identify, and prevent Mental Health Disorders (MHDs) in children, adolescents, and young adults who are neurodivergent.

Context 

This project addresses the urgent and growing burden of mental health disorders (MHD), particularly anxiety and depression, in children and young people (0–25 years). These conditions are major contributors to lifelong non-communicable diseases, with most risk factors emerging during early development. The Horizon Europe–funded PUREMIND project focuses on the earliest possible detection of vulnerability to MHD, with particular emphasis on Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The research will investigate how early-life factors, from prenatal influences to environmental exposures, shape mental health trajectories.

A central focus is on epigenetic mechanisms and their role in mediating interactions across the genome–gut–brain axis and the personal environment. Using large-scale observational data and advanced modelling techniques, the project targets key developmental stages: infancy (0–4 years), aiming to predict ASD and ADHD through neurophysiological biomarkers; and childhood to young adulthood (5–25 years), focusing on early identification and management of anxiety and depression. This approach will consider the natural environment, genetics, gut-brain interactions, physical activities and MHD processes to create personalised intervention frameworks. An AI engine will be developed to classify, develop and deliver tailored agile interventions, using technologies in community settings, based on individual factors, lifestyle and surroundings. 

As a collaborating partner in the EU consortium, Trinity will play key roles in the generation of data to help build the mechanistic knowledge for personalisation of MHD prevention, as well as determine the effectiveness of physical activity as a personalised evidenced-based intervention in helping to regulate the severity of anxiety and depression given a user’s unique personal natural environment profiles. This role offers the opportunity to work at the intersection of mental health, systems biology, and data-driven modelling, contributing to scalable preventive solutions with significant societal impact. This post holder will work closely with the team throughout the program in developing and validating the IMHE. Collaborating with experts across disciplines, you’ll design implementation technology and strategies and participate in an observational and intervention study spanning multiple European countries and low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

Qualifications 

• The appointee must hold a PhD in Exercise Physiology, a Health-Related Science, Clinical/Health Psychology, or a closely related field.