Postdoctoral Research Associate

Job ID: 027545

Salary: £41,517 per annum, including London Weighting Allowance

Posted: 13-Jul-2021

Closing date: 10-Aug-2021

Business unit: Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine

Department: Randall Cell & Molecular Biophysics Contact details: Thomas Kampourakis, thomas.kampourakis@kcl.ac.uk

Guy's Campus   Research    

Job description
We are recruiting for an experienced Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Muscle Biophysics section at King’s College London in the research group of Dr Thomas Kampourakis ( https://www.kcl.ac.uk/research/kampourakis-group). The project aims to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying length-dependent activation in isolated human myocardium (the cellular correlate of the Frank-Starling relation of the heart) and how these mechanisms are perturbed during heart disease and heart failure.

You will join a strongly interdisciplinary research team. We are using a wide combination of biophysical, biochemical and physiological techniques to study the mechanistic basis of cardiac muscle regulation by the contractile proteins driving contractility and how these mechanisms are perturbed during heart disease and heart failure. Moreover, we are interested in the design of novel screening technologies for compounds that directly target the contractile myofilaments.
 
The main responsibilities of this post will include the biophysical and biochemical characterization of isolated human heart tissue from both donors and heart failure patients using a variety of techniques (including but not limited to: mechanical measurements of force development, fluorescence-polarization based measurements of sarcomeric protein structural dynamics, characterization of protein post-translational modifications).
Essential requirements for this post include a PhD in a relevant biological subject. We are looking for an individual with research experience in muscle physiology and/or biophysics.
 
This post is funded by a National Institutes of Health (NIH, USA) program grant and is on a fixed-term basis for 12 month with the option of an additional 12 month extension which, however, is subject to project progress.
For Informal enquiries, please contact Dr Thomas Kampourakis via: thomas.kampourakis@kcl.ac.uk.
 
This post will be offered on an a fixed-term contract until 31st July 22.
This is a full-time post - 100% full time equivalent

Key responsibilities

• Conduct research in accordance with the project description.
• Maintain organized and accurate records of experimental data. 
• Analyse, manage and communicate data to PI.
• Participate in the group’s research meetings and other research meetings related to the project.
• Contribute to preparation of scientific manuscripts.

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

• PhD in relevant field or an equivalent level of professional qualifications and experience
• Expertise in physiology, biophysics, or physics (including data analysis)
• Strong research track record relative to experience
• Able to work independently and as part of a team
• Excellent communication skills

Desirable criteria

• Experience in muscle physiology

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.
 
Training will be provided in all relevant techniques, including specialized biophysical methods.  

The selection process with involve a panel interview.