Careers

The PRiCAN research group (“Primary Care Research into Cancer”), led by Prof. Patrick Redmond at RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, is seeking highperforming Bachelors and Masters graduates to apply for research positions in prevention, screening, and early detection of cancer.

Data Science

Bachelors/Masters: Data Science, Statistics,
Mathematics

Possible Research Topics:
-Developing predictive models for cancer risk using integrated primary care and population health data.
-Creating data harmonisation frameworks for merging and analysing multi-source healthcare data.
-Exploring the use of dynamic risk modelling for refining diagnostic criteria and improving early cancer detection.

AI

Bachelors/Masters: AI, Machine Learning,
Computer Science

Possible Research Topics:
-Developing machine learning algorithms to stratify cancer risk and prioritise patients for investigation in primary care.
-Using locally-deployed large language models (LLMs) to extract cancer symptom data from GP notes.
-Validating AI tools to support clinicians in identifying and managing patients with non-specific symptoms of cancer.
-Refining AI tools for real-time cancer risk scoring using primary care electronic health records.

Health Modelling

Bachelors/Masters: Microeconomics,
Health Economics, Health
Technology Assessment

Possible Research Topics:
-Microsimulation models to evaluate how primary care diagnostics influence cancer stage at diagnosis.
-Simulating diagnostic pathways to optimize resource use and reduce delays in detection.
-Discrete event simulations to assess cost-effectiveness of multicancer detection tests for non-specific symptoms.

Digital Health

Bachelors/Masters: Health Informatics,
Healthcare IT, eHealth,
Software Development,
UX Design

Possible Research Topics:
-Conducting usability studies of digital interventions to boost cancer screening participation and follow-up.
-Creating and implementing digital tools to streamline patient navigation in cancer diagnostic services.
-Investigating wearable technologies to track early cancer signs and integrate findings into primary care workflows.

Biomarkers

Bachelors/Masters: Biochemistry, Molecular
Biology, Genetics,
Biomedical Science

Possible Research Topics:
-Validation of blood-based biomarkers for early detection of lung or colorectal cancer in primary care.
-Establishing a biobank for studying non-specific symptoms of cancer in diverse populations.
-Multimodal approaches combining biomarker and clinical data for cancer risk stratification.

Health Services Research

Bachelors/Masters: Public Health,
Implementation Science,
Health Systems Research

Possible Research Topics:
-Implementing and evaluating diagnostic pathways to streamline Rapid Access Cancer referrals in primary care.
-Addressing barriers to integrating novel blood tests for early cancer detection into primary care workflows.
-Evaluating the impact of cancer symptom awareness interventions on timely healthcare-seeking behaviour.

What are the requirements?

Apply here via the  Google Form Link

Necessary qualifications:

  • Bachelors degree (1:1) or Masters degree (2:1) or relevant industry experience.
  • Experience using relevant software
  • Evidence of excellence and attention to detail

Desirable traits:

  • Ranking highly (>90th percentile) in exam results
  • Evidence of professionalism and team management
  • Evidence of ambition, initiative and productivity
  • Evidence of relevant administrative/PR skills

Research responsibilities:

  • Evidence synthesis
  • Protocol development
  • Ethics applications
  •  Project and team management
  • Data analysis (using R or Python)
  • Data visualisation (using R or Python)
  • Scientific writing
  • Journal submission
  • Conference presentation

Additional responsibilities:

  • Supervise medical student researchers
  • Contribute to instructional materials
  • Coordinate a component of the research group
  • Apply for funding to support your research
  • Peer reviews
  • Submit grant reports

Experience which isn’t necessary:

  • Laboratory — our research is desk-based
  • Cancer — domain familiarity will develop on the job
  • Research — a desk-based research skillset may be derived from industry/other relevant training

How to apply?

Process:

  1. Apply here via the  Google Form Link
  2. CV screening and shortlisting
  3. Invites sent to shortlisted candidates
  4. Online competence-based interview and presentation (March-April 2025)

Types of opportunities:

  • Bachelor/Masters thesis supervision
  • Student internships / placements (min. 3 months)
  • Studentships (usually €300pw for 8-12 weeks)
  • Research assistant roles (usually 1 year, €30-35k pa)
  • PhD programmes (usually 4 years full-time, €25k pa)

We are open to shaping posts (duration, salary, scope) to facilitate the other commitments of desirable candidates, if a good argument can be made. We always seek to develop the CVs of talented and hardworking individuals so they can progress to successful careers in research, policy and industry—an academic career within PRiCAN is just one continuation option!

PRiCAN environment:
Within PRiCAN, there is a wide diversity of roles. The stereotypical image of a PhD student doing dry academic work in isolation for four years does not apply. Our workplace is more similar to a tech start-up trying to build the tools needed by GPs to prevent and detect cancer (but using research funding, rather than industry funding).

Informal Enquiries:
If you possess qualifications or skills not mentioned above but believe they could contribute to the work of PRiCAN, please email Dr Sinead Dilworth, Dept. of General Practice, RCSI (sineaddilworth@rcsi.com).