Postdoctoral Research Associate

About the Role
We invite applications for the position of Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA) in the Centre for Bone and Joint Health at the Blizard Institute to assist with a research programme led by Dr Massimo Ganassi investigating human muscle ageing and sarcopenia. The aim of the research is to improve understanding of the mechanisms that impair muscle regeneration during ageing and to evaluate candidate interventions. The successful applicant will develop and characterise in vitro human muscle models, using cellular, molecular, imaging and quantitative approaches to plan and deliver experiments, analyse and interpret data, maintain accurate records, and contribute to reports, publications, seminars and conferences. The post is full-time for 18 months, with access to human muscle material and collaboration across muscle biology, regenerative medicine and healthy ageing. For appointment at Grade 5, additional responsibilities include contributing to grant applications, developing new models and approaches, publishing research and supervising research assistants.

About You
The successful applicant will have a PhD, be close to completion, or have equivalent research experience in a relevant biomedical or life-science discipline, with knowledge of cell biology, skeletal muscle biology or myogenesis, regenerative medicine, ageing biology, or a related area. Hands-on experience of mammalian cell culture and cell-based assays is essential. Experience with primary human cells, skeletal muscle or myoblast models is desirable, together with techniques such as viral transduction, immunostaining, quantitative image analysis, live-cell imaging, reporter assays or pharmacological testing. You will also have strong analytical and communication skills, be able to organise and deliver research to agreed timescales, maintain accurate records, work collaboratively and independently, and demonstrate a commitment to good research practice, confidentiality and laboratory safety.

About the School/Department/Institute/Project
The Blizard Institute was established in 2003 and is one of six Institutes within the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, QMUL. The Institute comprises approximately 360 staff based in four academic Centres and one Public Engagement Centre and supports a combined total of c700 postgraduate research and taught students. The Institute aims to deliver excellence in all aspects of research, teaching and clinical service.

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.