Postdoctoral Research Associate

About the Role
A postdoctoral research position is available in the group of Dr Ivan Kadurin at the Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London. The post is funded for up to three years through a recently awarded MRC grant and is expected to start no later than November 2026.

The project aims to understand the molecular mechanisms regulating excitation-evoked calcium entry through neuronal voltage-gated calcium channels. The work will combine mechanistic studies in heterologous expression systems, primary neuronal cultures and iPSC-derived sensory neurons.

The project will involve collaborations with the groups of Professor Rajesh Khanna (University of Florida) and Dr Alex Clark (QMUL), providing complementary in vivo models and patient-derived iPSC sensory neurons to investigate mechanisms relevant to neuropathic pain. The role will suit someone interested in fundamental ion channel biology and its application in disease-relevant neuronal models.

The successful candidate will design and carry out experiments using electrophysiology and/or functional imaging, analyse and interpret data, contribute to developing experimental models, and work closely with collaborators. They will also prepare manuscripts and presentations, communicate findings at meetings, and contribute to training and supervising students and junior researchers.

About You
Applicants should have, or be close to completing, a PhD in neuroscience, physiology, pharmacology, biophysics, cell biology or a related discipline. Previous experience in electrophysiology and/or functional imaging is essential. Experience with primary neuronal cultures, iPSC-derived neurons or other relevant neuronal models would be highly desirable.

Experience in molecular biology, protein biochemistry, fluorescence microscopy, calcium imaging, membrane protein trafficking or computational structural biology would be advantageous. Candidates should be able to plan and conduct experiments independently, maintain accurate records, analyse quantitative data and communicate results clearly.

About the School
The role sits within the School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, one of the largest Schools within Queen Mary University of London. The school has a strong research output and demanding educational standards for its students, but all members benefit from a high level of academic and social integration. In addition, the school is committed to equality of opportunity and holds a Silver Athena SWAN Award.

About Queen Mary
At Queen Mary University of London, we believe that a diversity of ideas helps us achieve the previously unthinkable.

Throughout our history, we’ve fostered social justice and improved lives through academic excellence. And we continue to live and breathe this spirit today, not because it’s simply ‘the right thing to do’ but for what it helps us achieve and the intellectual brilliance it delivers.

We continue to embrace diversity of thought and opinion in everything we do, in the belief that when views collide, disciplines interact, and perspectives intersect, truly original thought takes form.

Benefits
We offer competitive salaries, access to a generous pension scheme, 30 days’ leave per annum (pro-rata for part-time/fixed-term), a season ticket loan scheme and access to a comprehensive range of personal and professional development opportunities. In addition, we offer a range of work life balance and family friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements, and campus facilities.

Queen Mary’s commitment to our diverse and inclusive community is embedded in our appointments processes. Reasonable adjustments will be made at each stage of the recruitment process for any candidate with a disability. We are open to considering applications from candidates wishing to work flexibly.

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