Post-Doctoral Researcher/ Senior Post-Doctoral Researcher APC Microbiome Ireland

Please note that this position can be filled at Post-Doctoral or Senior Post-Doctoral level, depending on qualification and experience of the successful candidate.

The Walter Lab at APC Microbiome Ireland develops nutritional- and microbiome-based therapeutic strategies to improve human health and prevent chronic disease. Within the Microbe Restore consortium, this position will work closely with Professor Liam O’Mahony’s team, which investigates the molecular basis for microbe- and metabolite-mediated modulation of mucosal inflammatory responses. Together, these groups form a dynamic, interdisciplinary hub at the forefront of microbiome research.

The successful candidate will benefit from:

• Access to APC’s world-class research infrastructure in microbiome, immunology, and metabolomics.
• A vibrant academic and industry-facing network that facilitates translation and impact.
• A supportive environment for career development, with mentoring and collaboration across disciplines.

The laboratory of Professor Jens Walter at APC Microbiome Ireland is seeking an outstanding microbiome-focused researcher to take up a Research Fellow appointment. This is a unique opportunity to lead a high-impact research program at the interface of nutrition, microbiology, immunology, and metabolomics, with a major focus on leading the scientific project while translating discoveries at the forefront of microbiome science into applications with commercial potential. This role offers the chance to drive innovation and shape the future of interdisciplinary microbiome science at APC and University College Cork. The Research Fellow will lead and coordinate a portfolio of interdisciplinary projects within the Walter Lab, with the overall goal of translating microbiome research into applications with potential for product development. The initial focus will be on the Microbe Restore program – a large Science Foundation Ireland-funded initiative exploring nutritional and microbiome-based strategies to restore the microbiome for improved human health. Working closely with Professor Jens Walter and Professor Liam O’Mahony, the Fellow will drive the analysis of collaborative projects that investigate how the gut microbiome influences immune and metabolic responses and explore avenues to translate this research into tangible applications in multiple areas.

This is an exciting senior research opportunity for a candidate ready to take a leadership role in cutting-edge microbiome science. The Fellow will not only contribute to high-impact discoveries but also help shape the strategic direction of interdisciplinary research at APC, mentor the next generation of scientists, and develop innovative, translational solutions for human health. The role also offers the opportunity to contribute to the commercialisation of microbiome research, including potential university spin-out activities.

Achievement of the expected progression within Post Doc and Senior Post Doc is transferable between the Irish HEI’s.  This can be reflected in the starting pay of a PD researcher.  Similarly, as the PD scheme is an intergenerational training scheme completion of PD1 or PD 2 levels in one HEI will normally render that researcher ineligible for appointment at a similar level in another Irish HEIResearcher Career Development Framework | Irish Universities Association

Project Title: Microbe Restore 

Post Duration: 12-15 Months