Chronic pain and cognitive dysfunction: preclinical and clinical investigation of pain-induced and treatment-related cognitive impairment.
This four year PhD studentship is funded by a Higher Education Authority grant to Dr David P. Finn (Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics) and Dr Brian McGuire (Department of Psychology).

The project will employ a whole-systems translational neuroscience approach to investigate the effects of neuropathic pain, and its pharmacological treatment, on cognitive performance in laboratory animals and patients. Candidates should hold a first class or upper second class honours BSc degree or an MSc in a relevant subject. Experience in one or more of the following methodologies: behavioural neuroscience, immunohistochemistry, receptor autoradiography, neuropsychological testing, would be advantageous but not essential as full training will be provided.

The project will commence in January 2008. The successful student will be a member of the NUI, Galway Centre for Pain Research (http://www.nuigalway.ie/psychology/CPR.html) and the National Biophotonics Imaging Platform and Galway Neuroscience Graduate Schools.

Stipend: circa €16,000 per annum with additional funding provided to cover tuition fees.

Candidates should address informal enquiries and/or submit their application (i.e. Full curriculum vitae and covering letter explaining why you wish to pursue a PhD and why you are specifically interested in this project) with the names and contact details of two referees to: Dr David P Finn, Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University Road, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland. Tel: +353 (0)91 495280; Fax: +353 (0)91 525700, or by Email to: David.Finn@nuigalway.ie

Deadline for receipt of applications is 5.00 pm Friday Monday 26th November 2007.