Research Assistant (Fixed Term) (Part Time)

We seek to recruit a highly enthusiastic and motivated part-time (0.5 FTE) Research Assistant to work with Dr Lay Ping Ong (https://www.cardiovascular.cam.ac.uk/staff/dr-lay-ping-ong) on a jointly funded MRC/AstraZeneca project, hosted by Dr Catherine Wilson, Department of Pharmacology, University of Cambridge (https://www.phar.cam.ac.uk/research/Wilson). We are committed to the development of novel therapeutics (e.g. stem cell-based, RNA therapeutics) to accelerate cardiac regeneration and treat heart failure.

Chronic heart failure remains an unmet clinical need. As the heart is the least regenerative organ in the human body, it cannot heal itself after a heart attack. This leads to irreversible muscle damage and subsequent heart failure. Novel therapeutics aim to restore lost heart muscle through either exogenous source, like stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes, or endogenous methods, such as RNA therapeutics (e.g., modRNA Myc and Cyclin T1 from the Wilson Lab). However, the integration of new cardiomyocytes presents challenges, particularly regarding their electrical integration with the existing myocardium, which can lead to tachyarrhythmias and pose significant safety risks. We have identified key target pathways to modulate and reduce the pro-arrhythmic risks associated with any pro-regenerative therapy. Now, we are poised to test our novel compounds through phenotypic screening of stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes in both injury and non-injury contexts. Our in vitro studies use high throughput 2D and 3D heart models in a systematic manner, with a focus on cardiac electrophysiological outputs. We now seek a research assistant to assist with these studies.

The Research Assistant position will provide scientific and research support to Dr Ong within the Wilson Lab. You will support experimental work across the lab and can develop your skills in several areas, including stem cell culture, bioengineering, phenotypic screen, high-resolution microscopy, cardiac electrophysiology, and laboratory management. As the work is highly collaborative in nature (Early CVRM, AstraZeneca at Gothenburg, Sweden), there will be opportunities to visit other research sites for knowledge and technical exchange.

The successful candidate should have at least a BSc in the biological, electrophysiology, or biomedical sciences and must have some experience in stem cell research.  Experience in molecular biology and bioengineering, and an MSc in Biological Sciences, are highly desirable. Candidates are expected to be excellent communicators, collaborative, detail-oriented, highly organised and able to work effectively as part of an interdisciplinary team.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 12 months in the first instance.

To apply online for this vacancy and to view further information about the role, please click the 'Apply' button above.

Informal enquiries about the project and the role can be made to Dr Lay Ping Ong (lpo20@cam.ac.uk).

Queries regarding the recruitment process itself should be directed to the HR team (hr@phar.cam.ac.uk).

Please quote reference PL48312 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

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