Job description

The post is funded by the British Heart Foundation to test the effect of specific hypertrophic cardiomyopathy-causing mutations on cardiac muscle contractility. This collaborative and interdisciplinary project combines expertise and technology from three research groups within the BHF Centre of Excellence at King’s. The successful candidate will contribute to the generation of a new animal model via gene editing, characterise the cyto-architecture of the cardiac muscle cell using superresolution microscopy, and perform combined mechanical and structural experiments. 

The successful candidate is expected to have a PhD in Biology, Biophysics, Physiology or related subjects. Experience in gene transfer using viral vectors, gene editing and an interest in biomedical and particularly cardiovascular science would be advantageous. The candidate should be able to work independently and as part of a team.

This post will be offered on  a fixed-term contract for one year from the Start Date 

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

Key responsibilities

• 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 data analysis, and writing manuscripts.  

• Communicate research findings orally and in writing 

• Deal with routine communication using a range of media 

• Liaise with colleagues and students 

• Facilitate collaboration and networking which engages and supports the activities of the Brunello group. 

• Plan and troubleshoot own work 

• Contribute to collaborative decision making with colleagues in area of research 

• Conduct research in an ethical and accurate manner 

• Be able to support all scientific conclusions drawn by appropriate record and note keeping. 

• Balance with help the competing pressures of research and administrative demands and deadlines. 

• Meticulously record, analyse and write up the results of experiments 

• 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. 

• Provide suggestions to improve products, services, protocols and experimental design as required 

• Analyse and interpret research data and draw conclusions on the outcomes.  

• 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. 

• Set up and maintain laboratory equipment in designated laboratories for use by self or others. 

• To be committed to your own personal career development.  

• Be involved in the assessment of student knowledge and supervision of projects. 

• Carry out tasks that require the learning of certain skills 

• Be aware of the risks in the work environment and their potential impact on your own work and that of 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.  

Skills, knowledge, and experience 

Essential criteria 

• An enthusiasm for the Research Project 

• Experimental research methods and project design  

• Ability to communicate findings verbally 

• Good report/paper writing skills 

• Experience working collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams  

• Managing an independent research project 

• Quantitative skills in data analysis 

Desirable criteria 

• PhD in Biology, Biophysics, Physiology or related field 

• Experience with gene therapy or gene editing methods, including the generation and/or use of viral vectors for gene transfer 

• Experience with super-resolution microscopy and image analysis 

• Familiarity with biophysical instrumentation 

• Personal licence from home office 

* 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

The selection process will include a panel interview.