Research Associate

Location: Hammersmith Campus

Job Summary

We are seeking a highly motivated Research Associate, to join a British Heart Foundation funded programme of research that aims to investigate the mechanosensitive regulation of myocardial contractility and electrophysiology by microvascular endothelial cells using human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes.

The goal of this project is to define the communication between heart muscle cells and capillary cells when they are subjected to a dynamic, realistic stimulation. It will employ a microchip that uniquely allows the coexistence of continuously beating muscle cells and endothelial cells that form micro vessels. We will study whether modulation of perfusion regulates the mechanisms of contractility of the cardiac muscle cells and whether changes in contractility influence the formation and function of the capillaries. This study will unveil essential mechanisms of crosstalk between endothelial cells and cardiomyocytes in the beating myocardium, improving our understanding of the dynamic myocardial regulation during physiology and disease, with the potential to discover novel therapeutic targets.

Duties and responsibilities

You will be responsible for studies on stem and cardiac cell biology, (e.g. stem cell culture and differentiation, cardiac electrophysiology techniques, including microelectrodes and optical mapping, biochemistry and various imaging techniques) and microfabrication.

You will work in a multidisciplinary collaborative team of researchers with expertise ranging from molecular and cell biology to physiology and bioengineering. The environment is ideal for a candidate who is keen to work in a team, learn new techniques and bring new exciting ideas that span multiple approaches and disciplines.

Essential requirements

• Research Associate: Hold a PhD (or equivalent) in Physiology, Biomedical Engineering, Molecular/Cellular Biology, and all the Biomedical Sciences or a closely related discipline.
• Research Assistant: Near completion of a PhD (or equivalent) in Physiology, Biomedical Engineering, Molecular/Cellular Biology, and all the Biomedical Sciences or a closely related discipline
• Proven experience in cardiovascular biology
• Practical experience within a research environment and / or publication in relevant and refereed journals
• Knowledge of bioengineering

Further Information

This is a Full Time and Fixed Term position for 3 years based at the Hammersmith Campus.

Candidates who have not yet been officially awarded their PhD will be appointed as a Research Assistant.

Should you require any further details on the role please contact Cesare Terracciano: c.terracciano@imperial.ac.uk.

Job Ref No: MED03678

Closing Date: 22 February 2023

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