Senior Research Associate in Cardiovascular Discovery Science

The role

This is a 2.5-year senior research associate post working in the Bristol Renal group, part of the Bristol Heart Institute, to undertake a BHF-funded project investigating the potential of matrix metalloproteinases as a therapeutic target in diabetic cardiomyopathy. This is a laboratory-based project combining in vitro work on human endothelial cells and mouse models of diabetes.

The post-holder will be supported by a supervising team providing training and oversight as required

Dr Stanley Buffonge, Bristol Futures Research Development Fellow

Dr Yan Qiu, Research Fellow

Dr Matthew Butler, MRC Clinician Scientist and Clinical Senior Lecturer

Dr Becky Foster, Associate Professor in Microvascular Medicine

Prof Gavin Welsh, Professor of Cell Biology

Prof Simon Satchell, Professor of Renal & Vascular Medicine

What will you be doing?

You will be responsible for running this research project, including designing and conducting experiments, analysing data and presenting research findings in various settings, under the support and direction of the supervisory team.

You will work with animal models of diabetes and transgenic mouse models, including colony maintenance, monitoring, and characterising experimental animals, e.g. by echocardiography, and analysing samples, e.g. by imaging, biochemical and molecular biology techniques.

You will also conduct in vitro experiments on human coronary microvascular endothelial cells, including the use of lentiviral shRNA and various assays for characterisation.

You will be part of a thriving research community in Bristol Renal and the wider Bristol cardiovascular community under the umbrella of the Bristol Heart Institute.

There is an expectation that the post-holder will prepare manuscripts for publication in high-impact journals.

You should apply if

You have a desire to join a large and friendly research group and to take advantage of the opportunities on offer for career development in cardiovascular research and acquisition of related academic skills.

A relevant postgraduate research degree, i.e., PhD (or working towards) or equivalent qualification/professional experience in a relevant field, is essential, as is a strong track record in laboratory-based discovery research. Experience working with laboratory animal models and cell culture is required and experience in cardiovascular, diabetes and/or glycobiology research is highly desirable, as is expertise in the techniques required for this project. The ability to work both independently and as part of a team is essential. The applicant should have critical thinking skills and have excellent organisational skills.

Additional information

Contract type: Open-ended with fixed funding for 2.5 years from the start date

(approximately 01/08/2025 - 31/01/2028)

Work pattern: Full time/1 FTE

Shift pattern: 35 hours per week

This advert will close at 23:59 UK time on 30/06/2025

For informal queries please contact: Professor Simon Satchell, Professor of Renal & Vascular Medicine, s.c.satchell@bristol.ac.uk

Dr Stanley Buffonge, Bristol Futures Research Development Fellow, stanley.buffonge@bristol.ac.uk

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