Postdoctoral Researcher - Psychology

 

Applications are invited from suitably qualified individuals for a full-time 2.5-year fixed-term contract position as a postdoctoral researcher at Dublin City University. This is an exciting opportunity to work as part of a wider international, interdisciplinary and multi-stakeholder project titled ‘ENSURED: Empowering Needs-based Social Health and inclUsive care for RarEr Dementias in moderate to advanced stages’.  This project, funded by the Joint Programme for Neurodegenerative Programme (JPND) and the Health Research Board (HRB).

 

Non-AD dementias, such as frontotemporal dementia (FTD), Lewy body dementia (LBD), and vascular dementia (VaD), remain significantly under-researched, particularly in moderate to advanced stages. Perceptions of dementia are largely shaped by AD, reinforcing the notion of memory impairment as the defining symptom, while other subtypes with distinct behavioural, motor, or psychiatric features remain less understood and recognized in care and research. Dementia is also not a static condition; its impact evolves over time, shaped by personal, societal, and structural factors. Even within a specific subtype, individuals experience widely varying trajectories in social participation, independence, and role fulfilment; key dimensions of social health. Despite this diversity, healthcare research and systems often fail to recognize and address their evolving and often unmet needs, leading to disparities in care across regions and populations. This gap in scientific knowledge and clinical practice limits the development of effective, tailored interventions. The ENSURED project integrates a social health framework and an intersectional lens to better understand and meet the evolving needs of individuals affected by rarer dementias across the disease process. By focusing on moderate to advanced stages, where individuals increasingly struggle to articulate their needs, we aim to map critical care transitions and identify key intervention points that optimize support across disease stages. The findings will contribute to practical, ethically grounded recommendations for more equitable and tailored dementia care, ensuring that insights from lived experience shape research, care pathways, and policy development.

 

 

Postdoctoral Researcher Salary Scale - €46,805 - €49,396 (Point 1 - 3)

 

Appointment will be commensurate with qualifications and experience and in line with current Government pay policy.

 

Closing Date: Tuesday, 9th June 2026

 

Please note this role does not meet criteria for a Critical Skills permit as stipulated by the Department of Enterprise, Trade & Employment.

 

For more information on the School of Psychology please visit the School of Psychology

 

Dr Louise Hopper, School of Psychology, Faculty of Science and Health, Dublin City University.

Phone + 353 1 700 8540 Email: louise.hopper@dcu.ie

 

 

Please submit your application through the online system. In order to be considered for the role to which you are applying for, you must upload:

1)  Curriculum Vitae

2)  Cover Letter

3)  Completed application form (blank forms can be downloaded from the bottom of the Vacancy).

 

Please note, if all items are not uploaded, the application will be deemed incomplete, and will not be processed.

 

Dublin City University is an equal opportunities employer.

In line with the Employment Equality Acts 1998 – 2015, the University is committed to equality of treatment for all those who engage with its recruitment, selection and appointment processes. We will provide support and accommodations to ensure all candidates, including those with disabilities, can fully participate in the process.

The University’s Athena Swan Silver Award signifies the University’s commitment to promoting gender equality and addressing any gender pay gaps.  Information on a range of university policies aimed at creating a supportive and flexible work environment are available in the DCU Policy Starter Packs #LI-Hybrid