MSC in Modulation of urinary tract smooth muscle activity by prostanoids

About the Project

Applications are invited for an Fully Funded M.Sc. studentship, funded under the CREATE-DkIT Postgraduate Scholarship Programme, within the Smooth Muscle Research Centre in Dundalk Institute of Technology.

Prostaglandins (PG) are inflammatory substances affecting the bladder and urethra of the urinary tract. PG contribute to inflammation in urinary tract infections and high levels of PG are linked to overactive bladder and malfunctions in opening and closing of the urethra, the muscular tap connecting the bladder to the outside of the body. This project will investigate how PG acts on urethral smooth muscle in male and female tissues, using mice as an animal model, ultimately to identify therapeutic targets to treat incontinence disorders. This will be achieved through use of a range of experimental techniques including, tissue dissection, isometric tension recording, calcium imaging, real-time quantitative PCR and immunocytochemistry.

Linked Enterprise Partner: This M.Sc research project will include a placement in our enterprise partner, Wuxi Biologics, for 12 weeks.

Key areas: Physiology; Pharmacology; Cell Biology; Urethra, inflammation, incontinence, smooth muscle, prostaglandin, tension recording, calcium imaging, physiology, cell biology

Essential Qualifications

2:1 Honours Degree (or equivalent) in Physiology or a related Life Science discipline such as: Biopharmaceutical Science; Pharmacology, Biomedical Science; Cell Biology or Molecular Biology.

Applicant’s whose first language is not English must have a certified English language proficiency of at least IELTS 7.0 or equivalent.

Experience

Candidates should have a strong enthusiasm for research, evidenced by excellent performance in research projects. ‘Hands on’ practical experience in laboratory experimentation and data analysis & interpretation is required.

Completed a dedicated internship or research placement in laboratory research in the field of physiology, pharmacology or biomedical science is desirable

Experience with small animal tissue dissection would be an advantage

Project Supervisor - Dr. Bernard T. Drumm

Informal Enquiries bernard.drumm@dkit.ie

How to Apply

Applicants please create an account HERE.

Select Academic term 2026/27, Academic Level is Postgraduate Research and the programme is Modulation of urinary tract smooth muscle activity by prostanoids.

As part of the application, you will be required to upload a copy of your CV including references and a one-page cover letter outlining your suitability for this position and your motivation. Also required are copies of your Transcripts of results and where applicable IELTS qualifications. These will be requested after you submit your application. The deadline for receipt of applications is 4 pm (GMT) on Thursday 18th June 2026. It is expected that applicants will start no later than mid October 2026.

DkIT reserves the right to extend this deadline