Applications are invited for a Research Associate position in the laboratory of Dr Luca Fusi in the Randall Centre for Cell and Molecular Biophysics within the School of Basic and Medical Biosciences at King’s College London. The research in the Fusi Lab is aimed at elucidating the basic molecular mechanisms that control strength and duration of contraction during the heartbeat, with a focus on the regulation of the myosin motors in cardiac muscle cells. In the longer term, this understanding is likely to underpin the development and testing of novel pharmacological approaches to rescue cardiac function in cardiomyopathies and heart failure.

The successful candidate will benefit from working in an intellectually vibrant and interdisciplinary environment at the interphase between Physiology and Biophysics. The aim of this project is to develop a novel approach to investigate myosin-based regulation in the heart, using a combination of mechanics, fluorescence polarisation and super-resolution microscopy on cardiac myofibrils. Applicants must have a PhD in Experimental Physics, Biophysics, Physiology or related subjects. Experience in image analysis and/or an interest in biomedical and particularly cardiovascular science would be advantageous.  

Candidates who have submitted their thesis and are awaiting award of their PhDs may be considered. Should the successful candidate be awaiting the award of their PhD, the appointment will be made at Grade 5, spinal point 30 with the title of Research Assistant until confirmation of the award of the PhD has been received. Upon confirmation of the award of the PhD, the job title will become Research Associate and the salary will increase to Grade 6, spine point 31.

This is a full-time, fixed-term contract till 31 August 2023.

Key responsibilities

• To co-ordinate and drive a research project investigating the regulatory mechanisms based on the myosin filament in cardiac muscle cells that control the contractility of the heart.
• The candidate will plan and carry out experimental work, devise strategies for further development and advancement of the project, and s/he will be involved in compiling the data and writing manuscripts.
• Opportunity to develop novel technologies in the area of cardiac muscle biophysics and physiology.
• To contribute to the overall scientific endeavour of the research team and to take responsibility for areas of several of the current projects.
• Undertake any other reasonable duties that may be relevant to the role outline.
• To work in collaboration with other groups, within the UK and abroad, as required by the project.
• To attend workshops and conferences, and present obtained results in posters and/or oral presentations.
• Deal with routine communication using a range of media.
• Communicate research findings orally and in writing.
• Liaise with colleagues and students.
• Build internal contacts and participate in internal networks for the exchange of information.
• Contribute to the group’s web and social media presence.
• Plan and troubleshoot own work.
• Contribute to collaborative decision making with colleagues in area of research.
• Compliance with intellectual property rights, and the Data Protection Act 1998.
• Conduct research in an ethical and accurate manner.
• Be able to support all scientific conclusions drawn by appropriate record and note keeping.
• Academic research is a major aspect of this post.  The post holder is expected to generate and analyse novel data relating to the molecular mechanisms of regulation of cardiac muscle contractility.
• Meticulously record, analyse and write up the results of experiments.
• Prepare progress reports on research for funding body on a regular basis.
• Keep up with research developments in the field of muscle biophysics and physiology.
• Prepare and present findings of research activity to colleagues for review purposes.
• Present work and other material at laboratory meetings.
• Present research findings at scientific meetings as required.
• Prepare data for inclusion in manuscripts and grant applications.
• Contribute to writing of publications for appropriate scientific journals.
• Keep up with technical and experimental developments in the field and apply knowledge to experimental interpretations
• Initiate and maintain contact with external service providers and suppliers in order to review and adapt services and products to improve team members’ project and experimental needs.
• Provide suggestions to improve products, services, protocols and experimental design as required.
• The post holder will be expected to co-operate and share their expertise with all members of the research team.
• Training will be provided whenever the study requires the post-holder to acquire specific technical expertise.
• Work through close interactions with colleagues in the Randall Centre.
• Set up and maintain laboratory equipment in designated laboratories for use by self or others.
• Might be required occasional out-of-hours works.
• Carry out tasks that require the learning of certain skills.
• Required to be aware of the risks in the work environment

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.