Research Associate in Cardiac Cellular Electrophysiology or Molecular Biology

About the role

Are you ready to uncover the biological clockwork of the human heart?

We are seeking a passionate and driven Postdoctoral Research Associate to join Dr. Alicia D’Souza’s group at Imperial College London’s National Heart and Lung Institute, on an ambitious British Heart Foundation-funded project. This 3-year post offers the unique opportunity to explore a vital and fascinating question: Does cortisol signalling drive the body clock that governs arrhythmia risk?

Building on breakthrough findings showing that the cardiac glucocorticoid receptor (GR) orchestrates daily electrical rhythms in healthy hearts, this project dives deeper — investigating how circadian disruption might trigger life-threatening arrhythmias in heart failure. You’ll be at the forefront of integrative cardiac research, combining state-of-the-art electrophysiology, molecular biology, and epigenetics across mouse models and human cardiac tissues. You’ll also work in collaboration with world-leading research teams across Europe and the US, gaining access to advanced training and international networking opportunities.

If you’re eager to challenge scientific boundaries and contribute to work that could transform how we prevent sudden cardiac death — this is your opportunity.

Relevant publications

Tikhomirov et al, Circulation Research (2024) DOI: 10.1161/CIRCRESAHA.123.323464

Publicised in the media: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-13256283/scientists-investigate-heart-attack-drug.html

D’Souza et al, Heart Rhythm (2021) DOI: 10.1016/j.hrthm.2020.11.026

What you would be doing

You’ll take a lead role in uncovering how glucocorticoid receptor (GR) signalling affects the heart’s daily rhythms, and how its disruption contributes to arrhythmia risk

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Conducting cellular electrophysiology experiments on mouse cardiomyocytes and human myocardial tissue
• Preparing living myocardial slices from human hearts
• Applying molecular biology and epigenetic methods to investigate gene regulation by GR over the 24-hour cycle
• Performing surgical procedures in mouse models (e.g. inducing heart failure) and collecting cardiac tissues at defined circadian time points
• Analysing complex datasets, maintaining detailed records, and preparing findings for publication and presentation
• Presenting at national and international conferences, and writing scientific papers
• Supervising junior lab members and contributing to grant applications
• Working collaboratively with international partners in Europe and the US

You’ll be part of a vibrant and supportive team at the National Heart and Lung Institute, gaining training in cutting-edge techniques while contributing to impactful, translational cardiovascular research.

What we are looking for

We are seeking a highly motivated and proactive postdoctoral researcher with a strong background in cardiac electrophysiology, molecular biology, or a related field. The ideal candidate will hold a PhD (or equivalent) in cardiac physiology, electrophysiology, or molecular biology, with at least one year of postdoctoral experience.

• Candidates who have not yet been officially awarded their PhD will be appointed as a Research Assistant within the salary range £43,003 – £46,297 per annum

We’re particularly interested in someone who brings:

• Expertise in patch-clamp electrophysiology (sharp microelectrode or patch clamp techniques)
• Experience with cardiac ion channel biology, circadian rhythms, or GR signalling pathways
• Molecular and/or epigenetic analysis skills, ideally in cardiomyocytes
• A proven ability to work independently, while also collaborating effectively within a multi-disciplinary team
• A track record of high-quality research, demonstrated through peer-reviewed publications
• Strong data analysis skills, excellent attention to detail, and a creative, problem-solving mindset
• A willingness to engage in surgeries and tissue collection in mouse models of heart failure

We value enthusiasm, curiosity, and a team-oriented approach. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone looking to perform translational cardiovascular research in human heart tissues, and engage with leading scientists across international collaborations. You will be excellent and ambitious and will use the ample opportunities available at Imperial College to further progress towards an independent fellowship (through grant applications, with institutional support).

What we can offer you

• Supporting you in developing your career into an independent researcher
• Working with a leading research group focused on translating basic electrophysiology into real-world benefit for patients
• The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution
• Sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 39 days off a year

Further information

The post is full time, fixed term with funding available until 1st June 2028 and the possibility of an extension. The post is available immediately and will be based within the National Heart and Lung Institute on the Hammersmith Campus. Although some hybrid working may be considered, this post is lab based and you are be expected to be available in person.

If you require any further details on the role, please contact: Dr Alicia D’Souza, a.dsouza@imperial.ac.uk

Available documents

Attached documents are available under links. Clicking a document link will initialize its download.

• download: Research Associate Job Description.pdf
• download: Employee Benefits Booklet.pdf

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