The Role
We seek a highly motivated Research Associate to join our dynamic research group at Newcastle University's Biosciences Institute. This exciting opportunity focuses on cardiovascular disease and ageing, specifically investigating myocardial senescence and its role in cardiac pathology. The successful candidate will benefit from working within a leading cardiovascular research environment, utilising state-of-the-art single-nuclei RNA sequencing and spatial transcriptomics to elucidate the mechanisms underlying myocardial dysfunction and ageing.
Cardiovascular disease remains a significant global health issue, with myocardial senescence identified as a critical contributor to cardiac dysfunction and adverse remodelling. This project, "CARDIAC-MAP: Cardiac Mapping of Ageing Pathology," employs advanced omics techniques, including single-nuclei RNA sequencing and high-resolution spatial transcriptomics (10x Genomics Visium HD), to characterise and map the heterogeneity of senescent cells expressing p16Ink4a and/or p21Cip1 in human myocardial tissues. Our goal is to understand how these cells contribute to inflammation, fibrosis, and myocardial dysfunction, providing vital insights into novel biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets.
This position is fixed-term for a period of 36 months.
For informal enquiries contact: Professor Gavin:
Find out more about the Faculty of Medical Sciences here:
Find out more about our Research Institutes here:
As part of our commitment to career development for research colleagues, the University has developed 3 levels of research role profiles. These profiles set out firstly the generic competences and responsibilities expected of role holders at each level and secondly the general qualifications and experiences needed for entry at a particular level.
Key Accountabilities
1. Although working under the general guidance of an academic or Principal Investigator, the postholder will contribute ideas, including enhancements to the technical or methodological aspects of their studies, thus providing substantial 'added value'
2. Develop and carry out the specified project using appropriate techniques and equipment as outlined in the personal requirements
3. Determine appropriate methodologies for research, with advice and support where required
4. Contribute to grant applications submitted by others and in time develop own research objectives and proposals for funding
5. Begin to write, with appropriate support, proposals for individual research funding or, where funders do not permit this, contribute to the writing of collective bids
6. Assess research findings for the need/scope for further investigations
7. Contribute to the writing up of their research for publication and dissemination, either through seminar and conference presentations or through publications
8. Present research findings, either at conferences or through publications in reputable outlets appropriate to the discipline
9. May be involved in the supervision, with guidance, of final year undergraduate research projects and in providing support to postgraduate research students or Research Assistants
10. Will need to work with the support staff and, on occasions, with undergraduate and postgraduate students, and interact intellectually with other academic members of the Institute.
11. May contribute to events celebrating the public engagement of science/social sciences/humanities
12. Develop an awareness of University structures, policies and procedures and relevant issues in the higher education, research, social and political environment
13. Develop and carry out the specified project using single-nuclei RNA sequencing and spatial transcriptomics.
14. Determine appropriate bioinformatics methodologies with expert advice and support.
The Person
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
15. Ability to work well as part of a team and rapidly acquire new skills
16. Detailed subject knowledge in the area of research
17. Likelihood of advanced skills directly related to the research projects
18. High level of analytical and problem-solving capability
19. Ability to communicate complex information with clarity and to encourage the commitment of others
20. Experience of research with clear transferable skills and some experience or awareness of the research environment
21. Presentations at conferences and/or high-quality publications
22. Strong research background with a track record of relevant publications or conference presentations
Desirable
23. Experience working with human cardiac tissues or primary human cell cultures.
24. Familiarity with bioinformatics tools for single cell and spatial analysis, in either R or Python, such as Seurat, Scanpy, MERINGUE or similar.
25. Prior experience with 10x Genomics platforms.
Attributes and Behaviour
26. Team player with a collaborative approach to research.
27. Proactive and able to work independently.
28. Excellent organisational and time management skills.
29. Commitment to high-quality research and continuous professional development.
30. Enthusiasm for engaging in interdisciplinary research collaborations.
Qualifications
31. A PhD in the research area required (Research Associate) such as cardiovascular biology, bioinformatics, ageing research, or a related discipline is required.
Newcastle University is a global University where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. As a University of Sanctuary, we aim to provide a welcoming place of safety for all, offering opportunities to people fleeing violence and persecution.
We are committed to being a fully inclusive university which actively recruits, supports and retains colleagues from all sectors of society. We value diversity as well as celebrate, support and thrive on the contributions of all of our employees and the communities they represent. We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from individuals who can complement our existing teams, we believe that success is built on having teams whose backgrounds and experiences reflect the diversity of our university and student population.
At Newcastle University we hold a silver award in recognition of our good employment practices for the advancement of gender equality. We also hold a Bronze award in recognition of our work towards tackling race inequality in higher education REC. We are a employer and will offer an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role as part of the offer and interview scheme.
In addition, we are a member of the Euraxess initiative supporting researchers in Europe.
Requisition ID: 28555