Research Fellow in Analytical Chemistry

Trinity is Ireland’s leading university and is ranked 75th in the world (QS World University Rankings 2026). Founded in 1592, the University is steeped in history with a reputation for excellence in education, research, and innovation, which has been inspiring generations of thinkers for over 400 years. Thrive: Trinity College Dublin's Strategic Plan 2025 - 2030

Post Summary: Our research group is investigating skin allergy related to medical devices. Continuous glucose-monitoring devices and insulin pump systems have become an essential component of the management of diabetes, a chronic disease that affects over 500 million people worldwide. As the prevalence of diabetes increases, the use of these devices is also expanding. These devices are affixed to the patient’s skin using an adhesive patch. Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) to components of glucose-monitoring sensors and insulin pumps is increasingly problematic as disease management becomes dependent on wearable technologies.

The objective of this project is to analyse the chemical composition of diabetic medical devices to understand what allergenic chemicals are present, focusing on emerging skin allergens. We expect to establish the identity and quantity of skin allergens present in devices currently used by patients. In line with best practice, we will take a dual approach and patch-test patients presenting with skin allergy to these devices to identify the clinically relevant allergens. This will allow us to counsel patients on the best strategy for avoiding skin allergy to their medical devices. Identification of skin allergens will also provide valuable information to the manufacturers of these devices to enable replacement of currently used chemicals with better, less toxic alternatives.

Salary: Appointment will be made on the IUA researcher salary scale for postdoctoral researcher PD1 at a point in line with Government Pay Policy (€47,273 to €51,176 per annum). Appointment will be made no higher than point 4.

How to apply: Applicants should submit a one-page cover letter and a full Curriculum Vitae to include the names and contact details of 2 referees (including email addresses), to:

• Name: Dr. Niamh O’Boyle

• Email Address: [email protected]

• Please add ‘Application for CDSCHC postdoctoral fellowship’ in the email subject line.

Closing Date: 12 noon (GMT) on 6th November 2026

Late applications will not be accepted.

Our Values - putting our words into action

Values matter. They are key to the success of our Strategic Plan. We centre our behavioural values around the importance of belonging. We recognise that the university will thrive by each of us respecting and caring for one another. We know we can achieve much more through working together. We know too that we must take responsibility for our actions and be accountable. We must, and will never stop, imagining. And through being nature positive we connect not just with the environment but with our ambitions for a sustainable future.

At Trinity, we are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion. We welcome applications from all individuals, including those with disabilities, those who have followed non-traditional career paths, and those who have taken time out for reasons such as family or caring responsibilities. We also welcome international applicants, including those who have been displaced due to conflict or war.

Trinity College Dublin is Ireland’s premier university. We are an EU Sustainable Gender Equality Champion and hold an Athena Swan Silver Award, recognising our ongoing work to advance gender equality both within Trinity and across the higher education sector. Trinity is committed to supporting work–life balance and creating a family-friendly working environment.

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Post Specification

Post Title: Research Fellow in Analytical Chemistry Post Status: Specific Purpose Contract – Full-time. Research Group / Department / School: O’Boyle Research Group, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Trinity College Dublin, the University of Dublin Location: School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Panoz Institute, Trinity College Dublin, the University of Dublin, College Green, Dublin 2, Ireland Reports to: Dr. Niamh O’Boyle (TCD) and Dr. John Bourke (South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital, Cork) Salary: Appointment will be made on the IUA researcher salary scale for postdoctoral researcher PD1 at a point in line with Government Pay Policy [€47,273 to €51,176 per annum]. Appointment will be made no higher than point 4. Hours of Work: Full Time Closing Date: 12 Noon (GMT), 6 November 2026

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Post Summary Our research group is investigating skin allergy related to medical devices. Continuous glucose- monitoring devices and insulin pump systems have become an essential component of the management of diabetes, a chronic disease that affects over 500 million people worldwide. As the prevalence of diabetes increases, the use of these devices is also expanding. These devices are affixed to the patient’s skin using an adhesive patch. Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) to components of glucose -monitoring sensors and insulin pumps is increasingly problematic as disease management becomes dependent on wearable technologies.

The objective of this project is to analyse the chemical composition of diabetic medical devices to understand what allergenic chemicals are present, focusing on emerging skin allergens. We expect to establish the identity and quantity of skin allergens present in devices currently used by patients. In line with best practice, we will take a dual approach and patch- test patients presenting with skin allergy to these devices to identify the clinically relevant allergens. This will allow us to counsel patients on the best strategy for avoiding skin allergy to their medical devices. Identification of skin allergens will also provide valuable information to the manufacturers of these devices to enable replacement of currently used chemicals with better, less toxic alternatives.

The principal techniques used in this project will be gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS), liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS), and high -performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The work will involve collaboration with clinical colleagues at South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital, Cork, Dept of Paediatrics, Cork University Hospital and University College Cork . A recent publication is available here: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aca.2026.346179.

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Standard Duties and Responsibilities of the Post The purpose of this role is to conduct a specified programme of research related to analysis of glucose-monitoring devices under the supervision of Dr. O’Boyle and Dr. Bourke. The work will be performed in accordance with the university’s research integrity policy and all other relevant policies.

The successful candidate will: • Conduct research developing analytical methods and analysing the chemical composition of glucose monitoring devices to the highest standard. • Carry out any administrative work associated with the programme of research. • Engage in the dissemination of the results of the research for the relevant research stakeholders and general public. • Provide day-to-day advice and assistance to research graduate students and visiting students associated with the research group.

Funding Information Funding will be provided by the City of Dublin Skin and Cancer Hospital Charity for twelve months. The starting date is as soon as possible.

Person Specification The successful candidate will have the necessary technical skills for the project, together with organisational skills, an ability to plan experiments, analyse data and write reports.

Qualifications Minimum of PhD in analytical chemistry or a closely related area.

Knowledge & Experience (Essential & Desirable) Essential: • Experience in mass spectrometry is essential for this role. • Good communication and interpersonal skills with the capability of working within a project team to achieve results. Desirable:

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• Experience in GC/MS method development and quantification is an advantage. • Record of scientific publication and presentation at scientific conferences. • Previous postdoctoral experience.

Skills & Competencies • Demonstrates knowledge of a research discipline and field, and the operational requirements of a successful research project. • Demonstrates the ability to generate new ideas and link and build upon existing ideas to generate unique concepts and solutions with integrity. • Demonstrates evidence of research activity and a commitment to ongoing research and publications. • Demonstrates an ability to manage self, time, and own resources to enable a high level of personal effectiveness.

Application Procedure Applicants should submit a one-page cover letter and a full Curriculum Vitae to include the names and contact details of 2 referees (including email addresses), to:-

Name: Dr. Niamh O’Boyle Email Address: [email protected]

Add ‘Application for CDSCHC postdoctoral fellowship’ in the email subject line. Deadline for applications: 12 Noon (GMT), 6 November 2026

Further Information for Applicants

URL Link to Area www.tcd.ie URL Link to Human Resources https://www.tcd.ie/hr/

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Trinity College Dublin, the University of Dublin

Founded in 1592, the University is steeped in history with a reputation for excellence in education, research and innovation. Trinity is Ireland’s leading university and is ranked 75 th in the world (QS World University Rankings 202 7). The School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences is ranked 28th in the world (QS Subject Rankings 2026).

Located on an iconic campus in the heart of Dublin’s city centre, Trinity has 18,000 undergraduate and postgraduate students across our three faculties – Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences; Engineering, Mathematics and Science; and Health Sciences. Trin ity is ranked as the 17th most international university in the world (Times Higher Education Rankings 2020) and has students and staff from over 120 countries.

The pursuit of excellence through research and scholarship is at the heart of a Trinity education, and our researchers have an outstanding publication record and strong record of grant success. Trinity has developed 19 broad -based multidisciplinary research themes that cut across disciplines and facilitate world -leading research and collaboration within the University and with colleagues around the world. Trinity is also home to several flagship research institutes, including Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute (TBSI).

Trinity is home to the famous Old Library and to the historic Book of Kells as well as other internationally significant holdings in manuscripts, maps and early printed material. The Trinity Library is a legal deposit library, granting the University the right to claim a copy of every book published in Ireland and the UK. At present, the Library’s holdings span approximately 6.5 million printed items, 400,000 e-books and 150,000 e-journals.

With over 120,000 alumni, Trinity’s tradition of independent intellectual inquiry has produced some of the world’s finest, most original minds including the writers Oscar Wilde and Samuel Beckett (Nobel laureates), the mathematician William Rowan Hamilton and the physicist Ernest Walton (Nobel laureate), the political thinker Edmund Burke, and the former President of Ireland Mary Robinson. The European Medicines Agency's (EMA) Executive Director , Ms Emer Cooke, is a graduate of the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences . This tradition

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finds expression today in a campus culture of scholarship, innovation, creativity, entrepreneurship and dedication to societal reform.

Rankings Trinity is Ireland’s leading university and is ranked 75 th in the world (QS World University Rankings 202 7). The School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences is ranked 28 th in the world (QS Subject Rankings 202 6). Full details are available at: www.tcd.ie/research/about/rankings.

The Selection Process in Trinity

The Selection Committee (Interview Panel) may include members of the Academic and Administrative community together with External Assessor(s) who are expert in the area. Applications will be acknowledged by email.

Given the degree of co-ordination and planning to have a Selection Committee available on the specified date, the University regrets that it may not be in a position to offer alternate selection dates. Where candidates are unavailable, reserves may be drawn from a shortlist. Outcomes of interviews are notified in writing to candidates and are issued no later than 5 working days following the selection day.

In some instances, the Selection Committee may avail of telephone or video conferencing. The University’s selection methods may consist of any or all the following: Interviews, Presentations, Psychometric Testing, References and Situational Exercises.

It is the policy of the University to conduct pre -employment medical screening/full pre - employment medicals. Information supplied by candidates in their application (Cover Letter and CV) will be used to shortlist for interview.

Applications from non- EEA citizens are welcomed. However, eligibility is determined by the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation and further information on the Highly Skills Eligible Occupations List is set out in Schedule 3 of the Regulations https://dbei.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Workplace-and-Skills/Employment-

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Permits/Employment-Permit-Eligibility/Highly-Skilled-Eligible-Occupations-List/ and the Ineligible Categories of Employment are set out in Schedule 4 of the Regulations https://dbei.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Workplace-and-Skills/Employment- Permits/Employment-Permit-Eligibility/Ineligible-Categories-of-Employment/ . Non-EEA candidates should note that the onus is on them to secure a visa to travel to Ireland prior to interview. Non-EEA candidates should also be aware that even if successful at interview, an appointment to the post is contingent on the securing of an employment permit.

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Equal Opportunities Policy

Trinity is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to employment policies, procedures and practices which do not discriminate on grounds such as gender, civil status, family status, age, disability, race, religious belief, sexual orientation or me mbership of the travelling community. On that basis we encourage and welcome talented people from all backgrounds to join our staff community. Trinity’s Diversity Statement can be viewed in full at https://www.tcd.ie/diversity-inclusion/diversity-statement.

Pension Entitlements

This is a pensionable position and the provisions of the Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004 will apply in relation to retirement age for pension purposes. Details of the relevant Pension Scheme will be provided to the successful applicant.

Applicants should note that they will be required to complete a Pre -Employment Declaration to confirm whether or not they have previously availed of an Irish Public Service Scheme of incentivised early retirement or enhanced redundancy payment. Applicants will also be required to declare any entitlements to a Public Service pension benefit (in payment or preserved) from any other Irish Public Service employment.

Applicants formerly employed by the Irish Public Service that may previously have availed of an Irish Public Service Scheme of Incentivised early retirement or enhanced redundancy payment should ensure that they are not precluded from re-engagement in the Irish Public Service under the terms of such Schemes. Such queries should be directed to an applicant’s former Irish Public Service Employer in the first instance.

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Application Procedure

Application Procedure

Applicants should submit a one-page cover letter and a full Curriculum Vitae to include the names and contact details of 2 referees (including email addresses), to: Name: Dr. Niamh O’Boyle Email Address: [email protected] Add ‘Application for CDSCHC postdoctoral fellowship’ in the email subject line. Deadline for applications is 12 noon (GMT) on 6th November 2026 Late applications will not be accepted