ACAD107749

We are seeking a post-doctoral researcher for an 18-month funded post at the Bristol Medical School, which will be based within the Laboratory of Cardiovascular Pathology on Research Floor Level Seven of the Queens' Building of the Bristol Royal Infirmary. This focussed project will be within the research group of Professor Jason Johnson, examining the effect of several novel long non-coding (Lnc)RNA inhibitors upon macrophage function in vitro alongside the progression of atherosclerotic lesions in vivo. Cardiovascular diseases account for the highest rates of morbidity and mortality within the UK, the majority of which are underpinned by coronary artery disease. The principal clinical presentation of coronary artery disease is a myocardial infarction, commonly termed a heart attack, with subsequent heart failure significantly contributing to the high-rates of mortality observed in individuals with cardiovascular disease. We have recently identified a novel LncRNA which is elevated within macrophage subpopulations of symptomatic coronary artery atherosclerotic plaques. Moreover, modulation of this LncRNA alters the behaviour of pro-inflammatory macrophages and the development of experimental atherosclerosis. This study will determine the efficacy of multiple LncRNA inhibitors upon pro-inflammatory actions of macrophages and the progression of atherosclerosis.What will you be doing?

• Organise, co-ordinate and perform laboratory research experiments. This will include an array of human macrophage in vitro behavioural assays, in vivo characterisation (models of atherosclerosis), multi-parameter flow cytometry (analyser and cell sorting platforms), molecular biology (next-generation sequencing, proteomics, and bioinformatics), and fluorescence labelling and imaging (confocal and fluorescence microscopy). Evaluation of histological images and associated phenotyping and classification
• Contribute/lead writing articles that will be published in high quality peer reviewed journals
• Liaison with related external collaborations (academic and industrial partners)
• Provide support to other studies and members of the research group
• Contribute to the life of the Unit, School, and University
• Be responsible for the day-to-day management of the project. You will establish a robust system for project management that addresses all aspects of the research
• Provide regular progress reports and assist in the production of study report. Keeping the project to time and budget and preparing Microsoft Word and PowerPoint reports based on the study's findings, including bi-weekly meeting s with industrial partners
  
  You have an active interest and published evidence in the pathobiology of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases
• You are excited about undertaking research that can ultimately help patients with cardiovascular diseases, particularly preventing the onset of a heart attack
• You have (or will soon) obtain a PhD in cardiovascular research and display a track record of excellence in research and strong project management skills
• You have demonstrable experience in the following research areas: 1. Working independently with human primary macrophages in relation to cardiovascular disease related assays. 2. Demonstrable experience of cell transfections assays and non-coding RNA modulation and assessment. 3. Molecular biology experience including the use of next-generation sequencing technology, proteomics, and bioinformatic analyses. 4. Extensive experience of in vivo atherosclerosis models. 5. Experience of cardiovascular imaging modalities, including digital histopathological and spatial platforms.
• You are willing to contribute practical or methodological ideas to the research project
• You can build strong, effective relationships with a range of people from different sectors and levels of seniority
• You have excellent communication skills and can clearly articulate verbally and in writing
• You are someone who can get up to speed quickly, thrives on digesting lots of information, is mindful of competing priorities, and can drive activity forward in a sustainable manner