Post-Doctoral Research Assistant

About the Role

We are recruiting an enthusiastic and self-driven Postdoctoral Research Assistant with an interest in megakaryocyte and platelet biology to join our group for a study focussed on exploring metabolic function during megakaryopoiesis. This position is funded by a Barts Charity Seed Grant within the lab of Dr Allan. We seek a candidate to contribute to the delivery of high-quality research on a project investigating how metabolic function changes as haematopoietic stem cells commit and differentiate down the megakaryocyte lineage. The role will involve the use of ex vivo culture of murine bone marrow cells along with the use of the Meg01 cell line to understand the fundamental changes in metabolism during megakaryopoiesis and subsequently how these may be dysregulated in diseases such as diabetes mellitus. Additionally, the role will involve the development and optimisation of isolating CD34+ cells from human peripheral blood and the subsequent differentiation into functional megakaryocytes. You will be integrated in all activities of the lab, Department and Institute, and will have the opportunity to contribute to several projects.

About You

The candidate will have a PhD in a megakaryocyte and platelet biology or cardiovascular related field. The candidate must show initiative, willingness to quickly acquire new skills/responsibilities and be a team player. Excellent attention to detail, critical thinking, and the ability to work independently are essential to succeed in this position, as are good communication and organisational skills. Experience in regular cellular biology techniques, microscopy, flow cytometry and data analysis skills are required. Other skills including experience with isolation of primary tissue from mice, working with megakaryocytes and haematopoietic stem cells, and metabolic assays will be highly valued.

About the School/Department/Institute/Project

The Blizard Institute was established in 2003 and is one of the largest of six Institutes within the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry at Queen Mary University of London. The Institute comprises approximately 400 staff based in four academic Centres and one Public Engagement Centre and supports a combined total of c750 postgraduate research and taught students. The Institute aims to deliver excellence in all aspects of research, teaching, and clinical service.

About Queen Mary

At Queen Mary University of London, we believe that a diversity of ideas helps us achieve the previously unthinkable.

Throughout our history, we’ve fostered social justice and improved lives through academic excellence. And we continue to live and breathe this spirit today, not because it’s simply ‘the right thing to do’ but for what it helps us achieve and the intellectual brilliance it delivers.

We continue to embrace diversity of thought and opinion in everything we do, in the belief that when views collide, disciplines interact, and perspectives intersect, truly original thought takes form.

Benefits

We offer competitive salaries, access to a generous pension scheme, 30 days’ leave per annum (pro-rata for part-time/fixed-term), a season ticket loan scheme and access to a comprehensive range of personal and professional development opportunities. In addition, we offer a range of work life balance and family friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements, and campus facilities.

Queen Mary’s commitment to our diverse and inclusive community is embedded in our appointments processes. Reasonable adjustments will be made at each stage of the recruitment process for any candidate with a disability. We are open to considering applications from candidates wishing to work flexibly.

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