Senior Research Associate in Cardiovascular Science

The role

A Senior Research Associate position is currently available in the laboratory of Professor Alastair Poole within the Bristol Medical School. You will be joining an active research group investigating mechanisms of platelet function in cardiac repair. This post will specifically address the molecular basis of how exosomes derived from platelets, and other sources, can enhance repair in the heart after myocardial infarction (MI). The approach will involve the mouse surgical model of MI, preparation of multiple sources of extracellular vesicle, and analysis of their content by omics-based approaches. The work will take place within the Bristol Platelet Group, and be co-supervised by Professors Jason Johnson and Tom Gaunt in the Bristol Medical School.

The successful candidate will have a PhD (or equivalent experience), considerable experience in recovery surgical models in mice, as well as cell biology expertise. These will be supported by a proven track record in scientific publication. We look forward to receiving applications from motivated, enthusiastic and curious people with a keen interest in cellular and tissue mechanisms and problem solving.

What will you be doing?

The successful applicant will undertake myocardial infarction modelling in mice, culturing a variety of cell types to derive and purify small extracellular vesicles, and generate and analyse samples using proteomics and transcriptomics. In addition, analysis of data from large human cohorts will be undertaken to identify novel regulators of recovery signals in myocardial infarction.

You should apply if

You will need considerable experience with recovery surgical models in mice, experience in mammalian cell culture and experience in handling blood cells. It is desirable also that you have undertaken echocardiography in mice, and have experience of the surgical myocardial infarction model in mice. Although training will be available in these, and the following skills, it would be advantageous if you had experience also with preparation of samples for proteomics and transcriptomics, of bioinformatic analysis of large omics datasets and of preparing and handling extracellular vesicles.

Additional information

Contract type: Open‑ended with funding for 34 months (not extending beyond 31/03/2029)

Shift pattern: 35 hours per week

This advert will close at 23:59 UK time on 19/03/2026

For informal queries please contact: Prof Alastair Poole (Professor of Pharmacology and Cell Biology), a.poole@bris.ac.uk

Our strategy and mission

We recently launched our strategy to 2030 tying together our mission, vision and values.

The University of Bristol aims to be a place where everyone feels able to be themselves and do their best in an inclusive working environment where all colleagues can thrive and reach their full potential. We want to attract, develop, and retain individuals with different experiences, backgrounds and perspectives – particularly people of colour, LGBT+ and disabled people - because diversity of people and ideas remains integral to our excellence as a global civic institution. 

Advert information