Postdoctoral Research Associate

Full-time, Fixed Term 1/11/2025 to 31/7/2028

Closing date 23:59 28th September 2025

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide, and platelets are central in the development of this pathology. Platelet activation is a highly dynamic process underpinned by complex signalling events, culminating in thrombus formation. Our project will map key signalling events that govern platelet and megakaryocyte cell communication and coordination. We will employ a range of approaches including advanced microscopy (confocal and intravital), models of thrombus formation (ex vivo and in vivo), and flow cytometry. Our experimental programme is designed to interface and synergise with simultaneous theoretical developments of computational models and novel methods for analysing system purposes.

For this multidisciplinary project, we are looking for a highly motivated cell biologist who holds a PhD in a relevant field with a commensurate publication record. We welcome applications from candidates with a background in cardiovascular biology or a related field. Applicants will need to have prior experience in utilising advanced microscopy to plan and develop assays (for example, to study cell signalling dynamics, e.g. Ca2+ signalling). The project will dissect and characterise intercellular communication pathways to build a model of how megakaryocytes and platelets interact. The experimental design will increase the complexity of interactions and the role of control mechanisms in 2D, 3D, and 4D. Using established in vivo approaches, the post holder will design and conduct assays to model thrombus formation under physiologically relevant conditions.

The postholder is expected to be a central link in the communication of staff involved in the project. In particular, this includes collaboration with a second PDRA employed by the project responsible for theoretical and computational developments. Strong communication skills and an ability to work in a multidisciplinary environment are hence essential. Additional outreach and dissemination strategies are integrated into the project (e.g., video blogs and academic workshops) and the post holder will be expected to support these activities.

You will have:

• a PhD in cardiovascular or a related field of biology, or expect to hold this by the start of the position
• previous experience working with fluorescence microscopy to study cellular function
• the ability to work effectively in a multi-disciplinary team
• a publication record and experience of presenting at conferences
• experience of, or willingness to learn, intravital microscopy to study thrombus formation in vivo

Contact Name: Dr Kirk Taylor
Contact Job Title: Lecturer in Biomedical Sciences
Contact Email address: K.A.Taylor@reading.ac.uk

Alternative Contact Name: Dr Alex Bye
Alternative Contact Job Title: Lecturer in Pharmacy
Alternative Contact Email address: A.Bye@reading.ac.uk

Interviews will be held: 7th October 2025

The University is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce, supports the gender equality Athena SWAN Charter and the Race Equality Charter, and champions LGBT+ equality. We are a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2). Applications for job-share, part-time and flexible working arrangements are welcomed and will be considered in line with business needs.

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