Research Fellow - Department of Cardiovascular Sciences - 105097 - Grade 7

The selected candidate will join a vibrant and internationally recognised research team aimed to understand the disease mechanisms of inherited cardiac conditions.

They will undertake research into disease mechanisms of filamin C-associated cardiomyopathy and its translational implications on a Heart Research UK funded project.

The successful applicant will work together with colleagues and employ induced pluripotent stem cell derived cardiomyocytes as a cellular model of disease. They will use electrophysiological and molecular biology methods to characterise these cells.

The team of Prof Katja Gehmlich is well embedded within the Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, collaborates closely with electrophysiologists and clinicians locally, in the UK and internationally. The team is also part of the Translational Research Cluster on Heart Failure and Arrhythmias , a Research Cluster with international links.

For this project, the successful will collaborate closely with clinician scientists from the University of Glasgow., * Participate actively in specified research grants and projects related to disease mechanisms of inherited cardiac conditions.

• Operate within the areas of cell biology and electrophysiology.

• Analyse, interpret, and present research findings and results in a clear and concise manner, contributing to the field’s body of knowledge.

• Disseminate findings from research to specialist and lay audiences (incl. writing scientific publications).

• Contribute to the writing of grant proposals and funding applications to secure resources for ongoing and future research.

• Contribute to the public understanding and visibility of the discipline through publications, presentations, and outreach activities.

Main Duties

The responsibilities may include some but not all of the responsibilities outlined below.

• Perform experiments using tissue and cellular models of cardiomyopathies (this may require working weekends at times).

• Perform detailed analysis and interpretation of data collected through various research methods, including scientific experimentation and literature reviews.

• Apply specialized knowledge in electrophysiological and molecular biology approaches to develop new intellectual understandings in the field.

• Disseminate research findings through publications, seminars, and other relevant platforms to share advancements with the scientific community.

• Supervise and provide guidance to students engaged in research work, and mentor PhD students in areas relevant to the project.

• Undertake administrative and management tasks arising from research activities, ensuring project efficiency and compliance.

• Develop research objectives and proposals within the scope of disease mechanisms of inherited cardiac diseases, both independently and collaboratively, with mentorship as needed.

• Actively contribute to writing and submitting bids for research funding to support the project’s objectives.

• Participate in departmental or school-level research activities and administration, contributing to the broader research agenda.

• Engage in activities that benefit the College and University, including enterprise, business development, and public engagement, under the supervision of a project leader.

• Collect research data using a variety of methods, such as experimental setups, literature reviews, and research interviews, ensuring accuracy and reliability.

• Present research outputs in various formats, including academic publications, seminars, and poster presentations.

• Provide necessary guidance to support staff and any assisting students to ensure alignment with research goals.

• Address and resolve problems that may impede the achievement of research objectives and adherence to deadlines.

• Promote equality and value diversity within the research environment, acting as a role model to foster an inclusive working culture.

• Contribute to developing new models, techniques and methods.

The successful candidate will hold a PhD (or near to completion) in an appropriate subject area and have substantial research experience in cell culture, electrophysiology and molecular analyses of the cardiac system., * Essential: Possession of a first degree and a PhD (or near to completion) in cell biology, biomedical sciences, genetics, or a closely related field, demonstrating deep expertise in cell biology and electrophysiology.

• Essential: Proficient skills in tissue culture of mammalian cells.

• Essential: Proficient skills electrophysiological techniques (e.g. optical voltage and/or calcium mapping).

• Desirable: Knowledge of the cardiovascular system and genetic diseases.

• Desirable: Experience of working with induced pluripotent stem cells and their differentiation into cardiac cells.

• Desirable: Experience of single cell patch clamping techniques.

• Desirable: Proficient skills in the molecular characterisation of disease models, by at least one of: qPCR, Western blotting or confocal microscopy.

• High-level analytical capability, with a proven track record of problem-solving in complex research environments.

• Excellent communication skills, capable of presenting complex information clearly and concisely to a variety of audiences.

• Ability to effectively assess resource requirements for research projects and utilize resources in an efficient and responsible manner.

• Understanding of broader management and administrative processes within a research setting, and the ability to contribute meaningfully to these areas.

• Proven ability to plan and organize research projects, both individually and as part of a wider research program.

• Capacity to coordinate work with other team members, ensuring harmonious collaboration and avoidance of conflict or duplication of effort.

• Willingness and ability to work out of hours (especially weekends, as required for the culture and differentiation of induced pluripotent stem cells into cardiomyocytes)

• Knowledge and understanding of the protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010, with a commitment to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusivity in the workplace.Open-minded and team-oriented, with a readiness to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment.

Informal enquiries to Katja Gehmlich, email: k.gehmlich@bham.ac.uk