Posted 06 June, 2026
Post-Doctoral Researcher School of Pharmacy
University College Cork
Cork, Cork, Ireland
Full Time
Reference: 331609770
Post-Doctoral Researcher School of Pharmacy
18 months, Fixed Term, whole-time Post
We are currently recruiting a post-doctoral scientist with a background in solid-state peptide/protein formulation design and characterisation to join an industry-funded research project. The post-doctoral scientist will join our research team to undertake comprehensive experimental investigations into the design, manufacture, and characterisation of peptide dissolvable microneedle array patches.
The project seeks to establish dissolvable peptide microneedle patches and conduct experimental studies to investigate formulation physical and chemical stability under simulated production and storage stresses, such as temperature, time, and humidity. The candidate will be expected to conduct microneedle physical assessments, chemical analysis of peptide stability and activity, and in vitro release and skin permeation evaluations.
The candidate should have previous experience in peptide/protein solid-state formulation and stability assessment, as well as dissolvable microneedle manufacture and characterisation. The ideal candidate will be self-motivated, able to conduct independent research to a high standard, and possess excellent verbal and written communication skills.
The candidate will be based in laboratory space in the School of Pharmacy, UCC, working with Prof. Abina Crean. The candidate will work closely with the industry partner, ArrayPatch Ltd., to conduct a specified programme of research and report findings at regular meetings. Within our group, we strive to support innovation and discovery through scientific excellence, teamwork, creativity, and ambition in a research-based, globally oriented university environment.
Overall, this position offers a unique opportunity to develop expertise in the design of dissolvable peptide microneedles intended for clinical trial evaluation. It also offers the opportunity to contribute to the design of innovative peptide-based products to improve patient health outcomes.
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 HEI Researcher Career Development Framework | Irish Universities Association
Please note that Garda vetting and/or an international police clearance check may form part of the selection process.
Project Title: Glass Microneedle Formulation and Characterisation
Post Duration: 18 months, whole-time Post
For an information package including full details of the post, selection criteria and application process see https://ore.ucc.ie/ The University, at its discretion, may undertake to make an additional appointment(s) from this competition following the conclusion of the process.
Informal enquiries can be made in confidence to Prof. Abina Crean, School of Pharmacy Tel: + 353 (0) 21 4901667; Email: [email protected]
For further information on the Department: Pharmacy | University College Cork
University College Cork is committed to being a fully inclusive global university which actively recruits, supports and retains colleagues from all sectors of society. Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) are core values under our UCC Strategic Plan 2023-2028. UCC holds a Silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment to advancing equality in higher education. We value diversity as well as celebrate, support and thrive on the contributions of all our employees and the communities they represent. We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from everybody, regardless of age, care-giving status, disability, ethnicity, gender and/or gender identity or expression status, nationality, marital status/civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion/creed, and/or sexual orientation. We are committed to supporting all staff through flexible working schemes, family-friendly policies, training and development, and staff networks. We value the enrichment that comes from a diverse community and seek to promote equality, prevent discrimination and protect the human rights of each individual in line with equality legislation. We encourage applicants to consult our Dignity and Respect Policy and learn more about our EDI related initiatives.
Appointment may be made on the IUA PD1 Salary Scale: €47, 273 - €53, 925 p.a.
Salary placement on appointment will be in accordance with public sector pay policy.
We encourage you to reach out to us directly should you require assistance or reasonable accommodation during the recruitment process.
Please note interviews will be conducted either online via Microsoft Teams or in person in the first instance. Candidates may also be required to attend interviews in person if an interview takes place online. Candidates will be notified as appropriate
Applications must be submitted online via the University College Cork vacancy portal https://ore.ucc.ie/ Queries relating to the online application process should be referred to [email protected] quoting the job-title.
Candidates should apply, in confidence, before 12 noon (Irish Local Time) on Friday 12th June 2026.
No late applications will be accepted.
UNIVERSITY COLLEGE CORK IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES EMPLOYER
Please note that an appointment to posts advertised will be dependent on University approval, together with the terms of the employment control framework for the higher education sector
Contact Person : Abina Crean
Contact Email : [email protected]
Job ID : 096954
Contact Number :
Close Date : 12-Jun-2026 12:00
18 months, Fixed Term, whole-time Post
We are currently recruiting a post-doctoral scientist with a background in solid-state peptide/protein formulation design and characterisation to join an industry-funded research project. The post-doctoral scientist will join our research team to undertake comprehensive experimental investigations into the design, manufacture, and characterisation of peptide dissolvable microneedle array patches.
The project seeks to establish dissolvable peptide microneedle patches and conduct experimental studies to investigate formulation physical and chemical stability under simulated production and storage stresses, such as temperature, time, and humidity. The candidate will be expected to conduct microneedle physical assessments, chemical analysis of peptide stability and activity, and in vitro release and skin permeation evaluations.
The candidate should have previous experience in peptide/protein solid-state formulation and stability assessment, as well as dissolvable microneedle manufacture and characterisation. The ideal candidate will be self-motivated, able to conduct independent research to a high standard, and possess excellent verbal and written communication skills.
The candidate will be based in laboratory space in the School of Pharmacy, UCC, working with Prof. Abina Crean. The candidate will work closely with the industry partner, ArrayPatch Ltd., to conduct a specified programme of research and report findings at regular meetings. Within our group, we strive to support innovation and discovery through scientific excellence, teamwork, creativity, and ambition in a research-based, globally oriented university environment.
Overall, this position offers a unique opportunity to develop expertise in the design of dissolvable peptide microneedles intended for clinical trial evaluation. It also offers the opportunity to contribute to the design of innovative peptide-based products to improve patient health outcomes.
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 HEI Researcher Career Development Framework | Irish Universities Association
Please note that Garda vetting and/or an international police clearance check may form part of the selection process.
Project Title: Glass Microneedle Formulation and Characterisation
Post Duration: 18 months, whole-time Post
For an information package including full details of the post, selection criteria and application process see https://ore.ucc.ie/ The University, at its discretion, may undertake to make an additional appointment(s) from this competition following the conclusion of the process.
Informal enquiries can be made in confidence to Prof. Abina Crean, School of Pharmacy Tel: + 353 (0) 21 4901667; Email: [email protected]
For further information on the Department: Pharmacy | University College Cork
University College Cork is committed to being a fully inclusive global university which actively recruits, supports and retains colleagues from all sectors of society. Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) are core values under our UCC Strategic Plan 2023-2028. UCC holds a Silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment to advancing equality in higher education. We value diversity as well as celebrate, support and thrive on the contributions of all our employees and the communities they represent. We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from everybody, regardless of age, care-giving status, disability, ethnicity, gender and/or gender identity or expression status, nationality, marital status/civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion/creed, and/or sexual orientation. We are committed to supporting all staff through flexible working schemes, family-friendly policies, training and development, and staff networks. We value the enrichment that comes from a diverse community and seek to promote equality, prevent discrimination and protect the human rights of each individual in line with equality legislation. We encourage applicants to consult our Dignity and Respect Policy and learn more about our EDI related initiatives.
Appointment may be made on the IUA PD1 Salary Scale: €47, 273 - €53, 925 p.a.
Salary placement on appointment will be in accordance with public sector pay policy.
We encourage you to reach out to us directly should you require assistance or reasonable accommodation during the recruitment process.
Please note interviews will be conducted either online via Microsoft Teams or in person in the first instance. Candidates may also be required to attend interviews in person if an interview takes place online. Candidates will be notified as appropriate
Applications must be submitted online via the University College Cork vacancy portal https://ore.ucc.ie/ Queries relating to the online application process should be referred to [email protected] quoting the job-title.
Candidates should apply, in confidence, before 12 noon (Irish Local Time) on Friday 12th June 2026.
No late applications will be accepted.
UNIVERSITY COLLEGE CORK IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES EMPLOYER
Please note that an appointment to posts advertised will be dependent on University approval, together with the terms of the employment control framework for the higher education sector
Contact Person : Abina Crean
Contact Email : [email protected]
Job ID : 096954
Contact Number :
Close Date : 12-Jun-2026 12:00
