Postdoctoral Research Associate in Cardiovascular Sciences

King's College London; London; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job description

About us

The School of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine & Sciences (SCMMS) is one of six schools in the Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine (FoLSM) at King College London. The School drives translation of world-leading basic science into advances in clinical practice in cardiac, vascular and metabolic medicine. The School also hosts activities of the MRC/BHF Centre of Excellence for Advanced Cardiac Therapeutics (REACT) and the BHF Centre of Research Excellence at King's.

About the role

Applications are invited for a talented and enthusiastic postdoctoral scientist to join Prof Mauro Giacca's laboratory at the School of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine & Sciences at King's College London. The postholder will be part of a vibrant multi-disciplinary research group operating across different research themes in cardiac biology, having the specific aim to identify novel targets and develop therapeutic approaches for cardiac repair and regeneration.

In particular, the post holder will investigate the regenerative properties of a series of small RNAs that the laboratory has recently identified in human cardiac slices. Proliferating cardiomyocytes will be genetically labelled to be identified and their electrophysiology studied by optical mapping. Finally, their spatial distribution and arrangement, as well as their transcriptome will be analysed by spatial transcriptomics.

Minimum qualifications: PhD and/or MD with strong expertise in molecular, cellular, biochemical biology and imaging. Candidates should be highly motivated individuals with excellent communication skills and have the ability to work independently.

The post is based within the School of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine & Sciences at the James Black Centre (King's Denmark Hill campus) as part of the King's College London BHF Centre of Research Excellence and the MRC/BHF Centre for Advanced Cardiac Therapies (REACT). The School and these Centres provide an outstanding highly multidisciplinary environment with state-of-the-art equipment, facilities and technical support for both laboratory work and animal studies.

This is a full-time post, offered as a 2-year initial contract, with possibility of extension for an additional 2 years.

About you

To be successful in this role, we are looking for candidates to have the following skills and experience:

Essential criteria

1. PhD in relevant biological sciences and/or MD
2. Strong expertise in cell and molecular biology and/or electrophysiology
3. Knowledge in cardiovascular medicine
4. Self-motivated, ability to work independently and committed to continuing personal and professional development

Desirable criteria

1. Experience in ex vivo and in vitro models of cardiovascular disease
2. Experience in spatial transcriptomic, single cell sequencing or other -omics techniques and data analysis
3. Experience in tissue preparation and histological analysis

Application process

We ask all candidates to submit a copy of their CV and a supporting statement, detailing how they meet the essential criteria listed in the advert. If we receive a strong field of candidates, we may use the desirable criteria to choose our final shortlist, so please include your evidence against these where possible.

We pride ourselves on being inclusive and welcoming. We embrace diversity and want everyone to feel that they belong and are connected to others in our community. We are committed to working with our staff and unions on these and other issues, to continue to support our people and to develop a diverse and inclusive culture at King's.