FutureNeuro StAR Lecturer

Job Title : FutureNeuro StAR Lecturer Reporting To : Head of Department or nominee Location : FutureNeuro Centre, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences (RCSI), Dublin School (or department) : Relevant academic dept. in RCSI. Salary and package : The salary for this position is €73,195 until the post is tenured as permanent academic lectureships (3-5 years). In addition, you will be provided with resources to support an MD student via the School of Postgraduate Studies. There is also a significant career development investment in the form of mentoring and protected research time. The position provides an opportunity to participate in a multi-disciplinary, inter-institutional team based at the FutureNeuro Centre who are focused on working with industry, patient organisations and the health service to transform the lives of patients in Ireland and worldwide. Term of office : Tenure track appointment up to 5 years (pending performance review). You will receive a yearly progress review, and at the end of year 3, you may apply for a major review to determine whether the position will be converted to a permanent Lecturer post. The review will be overseen by a committee that is external to your academic department. Objectives of this post As part of the ambitious growth and expansion plans for the FutureNeuro Centre, we are seeking an innovative StAR Lecturer to join FutureNeuro, complementing the existing strengths at RCSI. RCSI has set a strategic objective to support up-and-coming research leaders to establish world- leading research teams and contribute to the continued development of teaching and world- class research programmes at RCSI. Research excellence aligned to the FutureNeuro Centre, together with leadership potential, is the primary focus of this recruitment. We would particularly welcome applications from individuals working in the following areas : Developmental Neuropsychiatry : Research examining biological, personal and societal risk factors for psychiatric disorders, mental health and recovery. In particular, predictors of outcome, treatment response, including clinical, psychological and biological factors that provide insights into disease mechanisms, have impact on clinical decision-making and prevention of illness and which can inform public mental health policy. Neural Engineering and biomaterials : Research that uses advanced materials to probe and interpret abnormal neural network function and / or innovative approaches to deliver novel therapeutics that repair and restore damaged tissue that underpins brain disease and degeneration. Digital Health : Research developing robust AI / ML solutions to better understand neurological disease, enhance diagnosis, disease monitoring, and patient self-management (including devices, e.g. seizure watches), and drive the innovation of digital devices in a real world setting. Research on interoperability between large data infrastructures, in a manner that enables secondary use of health data. Candidate Profile We are seeking a candidate with an exceptional track record in research, demonstrated research leadership, a higher degree in a relevant health-related discipline and must come highly recommended by their peers as a candidate of outstanding potential. The successful candidate must hold a PhD, MD or equivalent in biochemistry, molecular biology, digital health, psychology, psychiatry, epidemiology, neurology or another relevant discipline. Candidates must already have demonstrated scientific excellence with clear evidence of independent research leadership evident by highly impactful publications, fellowships and awards received. The successful applicant will be expected to obtain significant independent principal investigator-led research funding, such as a European Research Council grant or Wellcome Trust award. In addition, the applicant is expected to publish in leading journals, to supervise PhD / MD students and to participate in undergraduate student teaching and training. Specifics of the Post The successful applicant will enter the programme with a 5-year fixed term contract and will be linked with a senior academic to provide mentorship. Funding to support a StAR MD student will be provided that may be jointly supervised by their senior academic advisor. All StAR Lecturers will receive considerable evaluation and feedback every year from both their academic advisor and a Research Institute evaluation committee that monitors their progress. At the end of the 3rd year, the StAR Lecturer will be eligible to apply for a major evaluation, and those that have had outstanding performance with regard to quality publications and success in obtaining research income that will ensure independent investigator status may be made permanent. During the non-tenure phase of their contract, StAR Lecturers will also have the opportunity to provide dedicated contact teaching hours in a supportive environment per semester so that they might begin to develop their teaching skills in advance of a permanent position. Upon appointment, the StAR Lecturer and their academic mentor will devise a 5-year plan for both research and is generally expected that in year 1 the StAR Lecturer will have protected time from teaching to establish their research programme at RCSI, with contribution to teaching within their academic department commencing in year 2, as coordinated and approved by their Head of Department. The 5-year plan should also incorporate how the StAR Lecturer will utilise and develop the MD student, dependent on which may be allocated. The 5-year plan will address the following points : The research questions and why they are significant and complement / differ from current state of the art research and competitors worldwide; The research project of the MD student; Plan for winning leading grants; The mechanism by which the academic advisor will assist in achieving success; Plan for teaching, commencing in year 2, coordinated and approved by the relevant Head of Department. The purpose of the career planning exercise is to agree longer term goals (i.e., 5 years) and will be monitored through RCSI's annual Professional Development Planning (PDP) process Key Responsibilities include : Establishing a research programme complementary to ongoing research themes aligned with FutureNeuro and the RCSI Research Strategy; Securing funding so as to sustain a research group of postgraduate students and other research staff, with resultant publications in journals of high quality / impact; Participating in the administration and delivery of current teaching programmes, teaching modalities and assessment of undergraduate students; Identifying, promoting and maintaining successful collaborations with academic and industry partners; Liaising with colleagues, clinical and non-clinical, across RCSI international campuses in the facilitation of teaching and research activities; Undergoing programmes of training and development as may be required; Performing such other related duties as may be required; Representing the best interests of RCSI at all times. Person Specification : Doctoral degree e.g., PhD, MD or equivalent; Internationally competitive research record, as evidenced by peer-reviewed publications in journals of high quality / impact, grant support, fellowships and awards received and supervision of postgraduate students; Evidence of international reputation through membership and contributions to international societies, conference planning / organization, journal reviewing and invitations to speak at conferences / universities would strengthen applications; Effective communication style appropriate to audience and situation; Commitment to education and public engagement in research. Strong commitment to own personal and professional development. Application Process Applications should be submitted via the RCSI careers portal and should include the following : Current CV / resume; Completion of the online application form including the contact details of a minimum of two referees. Please note the closing date for applications is August 29th 2025.