Applications are invited for an SFI-funded PhD studentship to elucidate the role of junction adhesion molecule-A (JAM-A) in breast cancer. JAM-A is a new and exciting adhesion protein originally discovered in intercellular tight junctions, which link endothelial or epithelial cells to each other. Since its discovery in 1998, JAM-A has been found to regulate leukocyte trafficking, epithelial barrier function, and even to act as pathogen receptor for certain viruses. They (and others) have very recently discovered that dysregulation of JAM-A may also provide an invasive phenotype in breast cancer. Therefore this project will move beyond the physiological roles of adhesion proteins such as JAM-A, towards uncovering the mechanisms behind their pathophysiological roles in cancer. The project will involve mainly cell and molecular biological methodologies, including a range of techniques such as cell culture, confocal microscopy, protein biochemistry and siRNA targeting. Applicants should have (or expect to gain) an honours degree in a biological sciences subject. Experience in cell or molecular biology is desirable but not essential. The successful applicant will be based in the RCSI Education and Research Centre, a modern inter-disciplinary facility adjacent to Beaumont Hospital. He/she will be joining a young and enthusiastic team of 2 PhD students, 1 MD student, 1 postdoctoral fellow and 1 technician. Tax-free stipend and fees will be paid according to national rates. To apply, please send your CV and details of 2 referees to: Dr. Ann Hopkins, Department of Surgery, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, RCSI Education and Research Centre, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9 or by emailing annhopkins@rcsi.ie Informal enquiries are welcome by email, or by phoning 01 809 3858.

  Every year PMA runs a summer school for people interested in pursuing a journalism career. This is a career day with a difference. The course explains what a job in journalism involves in a highly practical and fun way. For £99 (inc. VAT) candidates learn about news, how to find it and how to write it. They learn interviewing techniques, how to research and write features and the importance of grammar. They will have personal coaching and also meet a top magazine editor. This course helps a candidate stand out from the crowd – giving their CV or UCAS form extra weight and there is a certificate to prove it. See their website for full details and to apply.

  Funded by the Higher Education Authority through the Programme for Research at Third Level Institutions (Cycle 4) UCD Institute of Food and Health is a new initiative to link the various areas of strength of UCD in Food and Health. To facilitate a growth in multidisciplinary research areas, a number of "cross-cutting" research themes have been identified to which PhD studentships may be allocated. Applications are therefore invited from suitably qualified candidates for PhD positions in any one of the following areas:
Area 1: The carbon footprint of the Irish diet
Area 2: Obesity, physical activity and the built environment
Area 3: The consumer, nutrition labelling and food law
Area 4: Personalised nutrition
Area 5: Effects of Public and Private Regulation on Trade in Food
Candidates should have a 2.1 honours degree or equivalent in a relevant discipline and should apply using the associated form. (Exceptions will be considered on a case by case basis). The stipend will be €17,000 per annum and UCD fees will be paid. Applications must be received by 5.00 pm on Friday July 26th 2008. All applications should be sent to: foodandhealth@ucd.ie Further information is available from their website

  This Language Exchange Programme will give you an insight into both sides of an enigmatic country. The programme is a mix of teaching English to well-motivated students and Mandarin classes, either one-one-one or in small groups. Their programme includes accommodation, bills and internal transport. They will also advise you on flights and visas as well as providing support throughout the programme. See their website for full details.

  They are currently recruiting a Training Executive to support their Training Manager and develop and deliver soft skills training courses to their clients all around Ireland. This is a fantastic opportunity for an energetic, enthusiastic and professional individual/ graduate to aid in the development of the training department of a young and growing SME. Main duties: support the Training Manager in all aspects of training; assist in developing new course material and refining existing material; deliver training courses as required; manage the training library i.e. update training material; ensure training diary is kept up to date and training is scheduled accordingly; maintain training records; attend networking events, conferences and seminars and tender for new business. Requirements: experience developing and/ or delivering training is desirable but not essential however, a strong interest and enthusiasm for developing a career in the soft skills training sector is essential. Also required: excellent communication, interpersonal and presentation skills; must be able to work on own initiative in a small business environment; good Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook Skills; must be willing to travel and to deliver training courses around Ireland as required; must be flexible and able to work and deliver courses outside of normal business hours and have full drivers licence. To apply, email CV and Cover Letter to odoyle@byrneconroy.ie