Postdoctoral Research Associate in Endothelial Cell Signalling and Mechanobiology

Location: South Kensington as a base for operations with hybrid working when appropriate 

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Associate position in the Weinberg lab (www.weinberg-lab.com) within the Department of Bioengineering at Imperial College London.

We are looking for a new member to join our team with a background in the in vitro study of endothelial cell signalling. The project aims to elucidate signalling events upstream and downstream of a recently discovered phenomenon that links applied flow to the rate of movement of low density lipoprotein across endothelium. The phenomenon may be of critical importance in the development of atherosclerosis. (See Atherosclerosis 2021;333:56-66.)

The successful applicant will join an internationally renowned group that examines the relation between blood flow and atherosclerosis using in silico, in vitro and in vivo techniques, and has the ultimate goal of developing new therapies. 

Key duties and responsibilities

Your key responsibilities will be the day-to-day management and execution of experiments that apply flow to endothelial monolayers, investigate pathways linking flow to FSTL1 secretion, and examine effects of FSTL1 on transcytosis. Investigations will study ion channels, TGF-β and BMP signalling, FSTL1 expression, the role of different FSTL1 receptors and, by using novel techniques of super-resolution microscopy, vesicle transport.

You will also be responsible for presenting findings to colleagues at internal and external meetings and conferences, collaborating with internal and external partners, providing research updates, and preparing manuscripts for publication. Furthermore, you will need to assist in writing reports for the funder and new proposals for funding.

Essential requirements

• A PhD or equivalent in biomedical sciences, biomedical engineering or a related discipline
• Experience of designing and conducting experiments involving endothelial cell culture
• Experience of methods used in the elucidation of signalling pathways
• Excellent written communication skills including the ability to write scientific papers
• Ability to prioritise own work in response to deadlines
• Willingness to work as part of a team and to be open-minded and cooperative
• Flexible attitude towards work
• Discipline and regard for Health and Safety at all times

Desirable skills

• Experience of applying flow to, and/or measuring permeability of, endothelial monolayers
• Experience of the analysis of experimental datasets involving images
• Knowledge of the relation between blood flow characteristics and atherosclerosis

Further Information

This is a 24 month, full time, fixed term position.

*Candidates who have not yet been officially awarded their PhD will be appointed as Research Assistant within the salary range £40, 694 - £43,888 per annum.

For Informal enquires email: Professor Peter Weinberg – p.weinberg@imperial.ac.uk

Any queries regarding the application process contact: Yusra Vallimohamed at Y.vallimohamed@imperial.ac.uk 

Committed to equality and valuing diversity, we are an Athena SWAN Silver Award winner, a Stonewall Diversity Champion, a Disability Confident Employer and work in partnership with GIRES to promote respect for trans people.

Closing date: 11/10/2023

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