Post-doctoral Research Associate

Job description

This BHF-funded position is for a talented and enthusiastic postdoctoral scientist to work on “Disruption of perinuclear microtubule coupling drives cardiomyocyte dysfunction in response to LINC complex dysfunction”. The project will involve the use of wide range of experimental techniques including in vivo physiology, molecular biology, biochemistry and histology. We therefore seek to appoint an individual with a strong background in mouse model of cardiac disease as well as good experience of cell/molecular biology. Experience in surgery and in vivo phenotyping (e.g. high resolution echocardiography) is highly desirable. The postholder will be part of a vibrant multi-disciplinary research group working on several different aspects of cardiovascular pathophysiology, within the King’s BHF Centre of Research Excellence which has state-of-the-art laboratory facilities.  

This post will be offered on an a fixed-term contract for 3 years until 31 August 2026 

This is a full-time post. 100% full time equivalent

Key responsibilities

• Develop and undertake research of high quality consistent with making a full active research contribution in line Department/Division/School research strategy  
• Manage specific pieces of activity to an agreed timeline and within a specific budget including literature reviews, data collection and analysis, report writing.  
• Attend and, as appropriate, present research findings and papers at internal academic meetings and external professional conferences, and to contribute to the internal and external visibility of the department.  
• Work as a conscientious and committed member of the team in order to achieve the aims of the projects and the primary care group.  
• Facilitate collaboration and networking which engages and supports the activities of the project  
• Participate in educational activities as appropriate to the stage of your career.  
• To be committed to your own personal career development.  
• Liaise with the administrative team for the support of the project  
• Contribute to publications arising from this project  
• Undertake any other reasonable duties that may be relevant to the role outline.  

The above list of responsibilities may not be exhaustive, and the post holder will be required to undertake such tasks and responsibilities as may reasonably be expected within the scope and grading of the post.  

Skills, knowledge, and experience 

Essential criteria  

1.         PhD in a relevant biological sciences project  

2.         Strong background in experimental cardiovascular mouse models  

3.         Home Office Personal Licence or equivalent 

4.         Experience of working with in-vivo models of disease or gene-modification  

5.         Broad cell and molecular biological techniques (e.g. immunoblotting, qPCR, cell culture, immunofluorescence) 

6.         Good written presentation skills, communication skills (written & verbal), and good IT skills  

7.         Successful completion of research projects (published papers in high Impact Factor journals)  

8.         Self-motivated, able to work independently, as well as willing and able to work as part of a team  

9.         Commitment to continuing personal and professional development  

10.       Able to carry out know/learnt techniques unsupervised, and flexible/able to change in current professional context  

11.       Able to plan and prioritise workload and keep clear and well-organised laboratory notes and records 

Desirable criteria

1.         Background in nuclear envelope biology 

2.         Experience in in vivo cardiovascular physiology (e.g. echo) 

3.         Experience in gene-modified models including breeding strategy and genotyping 

4.         Experience in Histology, immunocytochemistry, GST pulldown and immunoprecipitation 

 Please note that this is a PhD level role but candidates who have submitted their thesis and are awaiting award of their PhDs will be considered. In these circumstances the appointment will be made at Grade 5, spine point 30 with the title of Research Assistant. Upon confirmation of the award of the PhD, the job title will become Research Associate and the salary will increase to Grade 6. 

Further information

Interview will take place in the week commencing ? 2023, the successfully candidate will be expected to start on 1 Sept. 2023. 

**Communication & Networking: **

• Deal with routine communication using a range of media  
• Communicate complex information orally and in writing  
• Communicate material of a specialist or highly technical nature  
• Liaise with colleagues and students  
• Build internal contacts and participate in internal networks for the exchange of information and to form relationships for future collaboration  
• Join external networks to share information and identify potential sources of funds  

**Decision Making, Planning and Problem Solving: **

• Use new research techniques and methods  
• Identify areas for research, develop new research methods and extend the research portfolio  
• Contribute to collaborative decision making with colleagues in area of research  

**Service Delivery: **

• Respond to requests for information in accordance with College policies  
• Provide advice with respect to own areas of expertise  
• Set the standards of service and ensure overall quality is maintained  

**Analysis & Research: **

• Develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research, with the assistance of a mentor  
• Conduct individual and collaborative research projects  
• Write up research work for publication  
• Maintain knowledge, expertise, and awareness of relevant research literature by self-directed enquiry and continuing education  
• Translate knowledge of advances in the area of expertise into research activity  
• Analyse and interpret research data and draw conclusions on the outcomes and what they  
• Teamwork, Teaching & Learning Support:  
• Work with colleagues on joint projects as required  
• Collaborate with academic colleagues on areas of shared research interest  
• Attend and contribute to relevant meetings  
• Contribution to the supervision or training of more junior staff and students as necessary  
• Contribution to laboratory maintenance and administration.  

Pastoral Care:  

• Show consideration to others  

The above list of responsibilities may not be exhaustive, and the post holder will be required to undertake such tasks and responsibilities as may reasonably be expected within the scope and grading of the post.