Job description

 School of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine & Sciences

 

This position is for a talented and enthusiastic postdoctoral scientist to work on a project aiming to understand the limiting steps in AAV vector-mediated gene transfer in the cardiovascular system and how to overcome these limits for more effective and less toxic gene therapy. Under the supervision of Professor Mauro Giacca, the project will involve high throughput RNA interference experiments aimed to identify the cellular proteins that regulate AAV internalization, endocytosis, DNA transport to the nucleus and single stranded to double stranded genome DNA conversion. Following this screening part, the project will entail understanding the cell biology mechanisms by which the identified proteins regulate AAV permittivity and the possibility of exploiting this knowledge to improve transduction of the heart and the vasculature in mouse animal models. We therefore seek to appoint an individual with a strong background in cell and molecular biology as well as experience of working with viral vectors in both cell culture and in vivo. Experience in RNA interference, viral vector production, gene editing, hight throughput screenings and animal experimentation for cardiovascular applications is desirable. The postholder will be part of a vibrant multi-disciplinary research group working on several different aspects of understanding mechanisms and identifying novel advanced therapies for cardiovascular diseases, within the King’s BHF Centre of Research Excellence which has state-of-the-art laboratory facilities.

 

This post will be offered on a fixed term until 31 December 2024                                                                 

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

 

Key Objectives

• Develop and undertake research of top-level international standards consistent with making a full active research contribution in line with the School research strategy. 

• Manage specific research 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 at internal academic meetings and external professional conferences, and to contribute to the internal and external visibility of the School.

• 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 career stage

• 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.

 

Skills, knowledge, and experience 

Essential criteria  

1.      PhD in a relevant biological sciences project

2.      Strong background in experimental mouse models, gene therapy, microRNA and/or gene editing research

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

4.      Broad cell and molecular biological techniques (e.g. immunoblotting, qPCR, cell culture, immunofluorescence) and/or histology and immunohistochemistry 

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

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

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

8.      Commitment to continuing personal and professional development

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

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

 

Desirable criteria:  

1.      Background in cardiovascular biology

2.      Previous experience in gene therapy research and/or viral vectors

 

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

 

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. 

 

Interviews to be held on 13th December 2022.