At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct groundbreaking research in cardiovascular pharmacology and explore drug effects on heart function.
- Company: Join a leading research team supported by the British Heart Foundation.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, access to cutting-edge technology, and contribute to impactful research.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for innovative research and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a difference in cardiac health while advancing your scientific career.
- Qualifications: PhD/DPhil in relevant field with hands-on experience in cardiovascular pharmacology.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
We are seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher to carry out research in cardiovascular pharmacology as part of a project supported by the British Heart Foundation, working in the group of Dr Charalampos Sigalas in the Department of Pharmacology. The aim of the post is to characterise the molecular and cellular effects induced by mutations in the cardiac Ryanodine Receptor (RyR2) which are linked to an inherited lethal cardiac disease called Catecholaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia (CPVT). The project also aims to investigate the effects of selected drugs on RyR2 channel function and Ca2+-release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum of cardiac myocytes.
The successful candidate will conduct experiments using single-channel recordings of RyR2 reconstituted in artificial lipid bilayers. They will also perform Ca2+-imaging experiments in cardiac myocytes isolated from mouse hearts. You will manage your own academic research and administrative activities, adapting existing and developing new scientific techniques and experimental protocols, testing hypotheses and analysing scientific data from a variety of sources and will contribute ideas for new research projects.
The postholder will be expected to use specialist scientific equipment in a laboratory environment and perform experiments using the following techniques:
- Isolation of sarcoplasmic reticulum vesicles from cardiac muscle
- Isolation of cardiac myocytes from mouse hearts using the Langendorff perfused heart preparation
- Single-channel reconstitution in artificial lipid bilayers
- Ca2+-imaging experiments in isolated cardiac myocytes
You must have a relevant PhD/DPhil (or be close to completion), together with relevant experience in cardiovascular pharmacology. Sufficient experience in isolating sarcoplasmic reticulum vesicles and cardiac myocytes from rodent cardiac muscle; performing experiments using single-channel reconstitution in artificial lipid bilayers, and Ca2+-imaging in cardiac myocytes; and management of rodent colonies are all essential.
Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Cardiovascular Pharmacology in Oxford employer: University of Oxford
Join a leading research team at the forefront of cardiovascular pharmacology, where you will have the opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking studies supported by the British Heart Foundation. Our collaborative work culture fosters innovation and personal growth, providing you with access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources in a vibrant academic environment. With a focus on professional development, we encourage our researchers to explore new ideas and advance their careers while making a meaningful impact in the field of cardiac health.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Cardiovascular Pharmacology in Oxford
✨Unlock Networking Opportunities
Dive into industry-specific events like pharmaceutical conferences and seminars, where you can meet hiring managers from companies like University of Oxford. These are goldmines for making connections and learning about job openings before they hit the mainstream job boards.
✨Join Relevant Professional Bodies
Get involved with organisations such as the Royal Pharmaceutical Society or your local pharmaceutical professionals' network. Being an active member can boost your credibility and may even lead to job referrals in top organisations like University of Oxford.
✨Leverage Internships for Full-time Roles
If you can, consider pursuing internships in the pharmaceutical industry, especially with companies like University of Oxford. These opportunities often pave the way for full-time positions and allow you to demonstrate your capabilities firsthand.
✨Tailor Your Approach
When you're applying for roles, don't rush it! Take the time to customise your applications for specific positions, showcasing relevant skills and experiences that align with what University of Oxford is looking for. A tailored application can really make you stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Cardiovascular Pharmacology in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:When applying for a role in the pharmaceutical industry, it's crucial to highlight any relevant experience you have. Whether that's internships, lab work, or even related coursework, make sure to weave this into your CV and cover letter. We want to see how your background aligns with the role you're applying for at University of Oxford!
Emphasise Your Understanding of Regulations:The pharmaceutical industry is heavily regulated, so it's important to indicate your familiarity with industry standards and regulations. In your cover letter, mention any training or certifications you've received that are relevant, or discuss projects where you’ve navigated compliance. This will show University of Oxford that you're not just a fit for the job but also a safety-conscious candidate!
Tailor Your CV to Be Result-Driven:Craft your CV to highlight quantifiable achievements, especially if you have previous roles in pharmaceuticals or related fields. Use metrics to demonstrate your impact, such as improved processing times or successful project completions while working on trials. This analytical approach will resonate well with hiring managers at University of Oxford!
Convey Your Passion for the Industry:In your cover letter, express why you are passionate about working in the pharmaceutical sector. Whether it’s your desire to contribute to groundbreaking drug research or improve patient outcomes, let it shine through! At University of Oxford, we value candidates who are truly enthusiastic about their work—you might just stand out from the crowd.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Oxford
✨Understand the Science
Make sure you brush up on key pharmaceutical concepts and recent developments in the industry. You might get asked some technical questions during the interview at University of Oxford that show your grasp of drug development processes or regulatory requirements, so be ready to discuss them clearly.
✨Showcase Relevant Experience
If you have any hands-on experience or internships in a laboratory setting, be sure to highlight these in your responses. Think about the projects you worked on, the methodologies you used, and the impact you made. It's all about telling a story that connects your background to the role you're applying for.
✨Know Their Products
Take some time to familiarise yourself with University of Oxford’s product range and recent breakthroughs. Understanding their portfolio not only shows your enthusiasm for the role but also allows you to ask insightful questions that demonstrate your interest in actively contributing to their projects.
✨Be Ready for Regulatory Scenarios
In a full-time pharmaceutical role, understanding the regulatory landscape is crucial. Prepare for situational questions that may test your problem-solving skills concerning compliance and safety standards. You could be asked how you'd handle a hypothetical issue regarding a drug’s market release, so think through your approach.