Research Associate in Cardiac Cellular Electrophysiology or Molecular Biology

Location: Hammersmith Campus

About the role:

Are you ready to uncover the biological clockwork of the human heart?

We are seeking a passionate and driven Postdoctoral Research Associate to join Dr. Alicia D’Souza’s group at Imperial College London’s National Heart and Lung Institute, on an ambitious British Heart Foundation-funded project. This 3-year post offers the unique opportunity to explore a vital and fascinating question: Does cortisol signalling drive the body clock that governs arrhythmia risk?

Building on breakthrough findings showing that the cardiac glucocorticoid receptor (GR) orchestrates daily electrical rhythms in healthy hearts, this project dives deeper — investigating how circadian disruption might trigger life-threatening arrhythmias in heart failure. You’ll be at the forefront of integrative cardiac research, combining state-of-the-art electrophysiology, molecular biology, and epigenetics across mouse models and human cardiac tissues. You’ll also work in collaboration with world-leading research teams across Europe and the US, gaining access to advanced training and international networking opportunities.

Relevant publications

Tikhomirov et al, Circulation Research (2024) DOI: 10.1161/CIRCRESAHA.123.323464

Publicised in the media: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-13256283/scientists-investigate-heart-attack-drug.html

D’Souza et al, Heart Rhythm (2021) DOI: 10.1016/j.hrthm.2020.11.026

What we are looking for:

We are seeking a highly motivated and proactive postdoctoral researcher with a strong background in cardiac electrophysiology, molecular biology, or a related field. The ideal candidate will hold a PhD (or equivalent) in cardiac physiology, electrophysiology, or molecular biology, with at least one year of postdoctoral experience.

*Candidates who have not yet been officially awarded their PhD will be appointed as a Research Assistant within the salary range £43,003 - £46,297 per annum

• Expertise in patch-clamp electrophysiology (sharp microelectrode or patch clamp techniques)
• Experience with cardiac ion channel biology, circadian rhythms, or GR signalling pathways
• Molecular and/or epigenetic analysis skills, ideally in cardiomyocytes
• A proven ability to work independently, while also collaborating effectively within a multi-disciplinary team
• A track record of high-quality research, demonstrated through peer-reviewed publications
• Strong data analysis skills, excellent attention to detail, and a creative, problem-solving mindset

What you would be doing:

You’ll take a lead role in uncovering how glucocorticoid receptor (GR) signalling affects the heart’s daily rhythms, and how its disruption contributes to arrhythmia risk

• Conducting cellular electrophysiology experiments on mouse cardiomyocytes and human myocardial tissue
• Preparing living myocardial slices from human hearts
• Applying molecular biology and epigenetic methods to investigate gene regulation by GR over the 24-hour cycle
• Performing surgical procedures in mouse models (e.g. inducing heart failure) and collecting cardiac tissues at defined circadian time points
• Analysing complex datasets, maintaining detailed records, and preparing findings for publication and presentation
• Presenting at national and international conferences, and writing scientific papers
• Supervising junior lab members and contributing to grant applications
• Working collaboratively with international partners in Europe and the US

What we can offer you:

• Supporting you in developing your career into an independent researcher
• Working with a leading research group focused on translating basic electrophysiology into real-world benefit for patients
• Sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 39 days off a year)

Further Information

This is a full-time, fixed-term role available until the 1^st June 2028 and the possibility of extension.

The post is available immediately and will be based on the Hammersmith Campus. 

If you require any further details on the role, please contact:

Dr Alicia D’Souza, a.dsouza@imperial.ac.uk

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