Are you an outstanding postdoctoral researcher ready to develop an ambitious Marie Skłodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellowship (MSCA-PF 2026) proposal in a highly collaborative and internationally connected research environment?

The Neuroendocrine Pharmacology lab at the University of Limerick (Ireland) invites expressions of interest from talented and motivated postdoctoral candidates seeking to apply for an MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026 with our group as host.

Our research focuses on how endocrine ageing, sex hormones, and mitochondrial dysfunction shape brain health and contribute to vulnerability to neurodegenerative disorders, particularly Alzheimer’s disease. We are especially interested in identifying early biomarkers of endocrine ageing that may predict metabolic decline and brain dysfunction before the onset of overt disease.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to co-design a competitive and original fellowship project centred on the discovery and validation of novel biomarkers by integrating data from patients, animal models, and cell-based systems. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a high-impact research area with strong translational relevance for ageing, women’s brain health, and neurodegeneration.

The project offers a uniquely interdisciplinary framework, bringing together neuroscience, pharmacology, bioinformatics, artificial intelligence, machine learning, systems biology, mathematical modelling, and experimental validation. Candidates with an interest in combining data-driven discovery with mechanistic and translational approaches are particularly encouraged to apply.

The selected fellow will join a vibrant research environment with strong international collaborations across Ireland, Norway, the United Kingdom, Spain, Brazil, and Chile. The fellowship project may also include opportunities for network-based collaboration and secondment with one of our partner institutions, depending on the proposed research plan.

We are looking for candidates with an excellent scientific track record, creativity, intellectual independence, and a clear motivation to develop an innovative postdoctoral project. Applicants should hold a PhD in Neuroscience, Pharmacology, Bioinformatics, Data Science, Computational Biology, Biostatistics, or a closely related field. A strong background in one or more of the following areas will be highly valued: neuroendocrinology, estrogen signalling, mitochondrial biology, cell metabolism, clinical or omics data analysis, advanced statistics, artificial intelligence, machine learning, or experimental validation in relevant biological systems.

Applicants must meet the general MSCA-PF eligibility criteria, including possession of a doctoral degree by the call deadline, a maximum of 8 years of full-time research experience after the PhD, and compliance with the mobility rule. In particular, applicants must not have resided or carried out their main activity in Ireland for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before the call deadline.

This hosting opportunity is particularly well suited for ambitious researchers who wish to build an internationally competitive profile, expand their interdisciplinary expertise, and contribute to innovative research at the intersection of brain ageing, metabolism, endocrine biology, and neurodegeneration.

How to express interest

Interested candidates are invited to send:

a CV with a short statement of research interests.

Applications and informal enquiries should be sent to: George.Barreto@ul.ie 
Please use subject line: MSCA-PF 2026 Expression of Interest 

Deadline for expressions of interest: 15 May 2026

Further Information 

Post doctoral research roles are considered advanced research training roles as part of the Researcher Career Framework. The purpose of this advanced research training role is to conduct a specified programme of research under the supervision of a Principal Investigator while continuing to develop skills and competencies with respect to the role and future career options.

Benefits at the University of Limerick

Employees of the University of Limerick receive a variety of benefits including:

• Supported professional development under the Researcher Development Programme and Staff Training Programmes.
• Membership of the Public Sector Single Public Service Pension Scheme.
• Membership of the Income Continuance Plan
• The opportunity to join the University’s Additional Life Cover
• Coverage in the UL Sick Leave Scheme (available under “S” on the HR A-Z)
• Flexible working practices such as the Shorter Working Year Scheme.
• Preferential rates for health insurance.
• Employee wellness is a priority and a number of initiatives take place each year for the benefit of UL employees, see more at Be Well at UL.
• Preferential rates for access to the UL Arena swimming pool and fitness centre.

Equal opportunities at the University of Limerick

The University of Limerick is an equal opportunities employer, is committed to selection on merit and to the developing and maintaining a positive working environment, in which all employees are treated with dignity & respect. In pursuit of this, it is the policy of the University to provide all employees with an environment, which is free from bullying, harassment or victimisation of any form.  You can read more about UL’s commitment to equality diversity and inclusion here.

Researcher Development

The University of Limerick Researcher Development Programme gives researchers an opportunity to develop and enhance the skills, knowledge and attributes necessary to complete their research and longer term career ambitions.