Position Details
Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine and Health.
Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK.
Contract: Full Time, Fixed Term up to September 2027.
Salary: Full time starting salary normally £36,636 to £46,049, with progression to £48,822; maximum offered Grade 7 salary £36,636.
Closing date: 12th April 2026.
Background
The selected candidate will join a vibrant and internationally recognised research team aiming to understand the disease mechanisms of inherited cardiac conditions.
The role focuses on research into disease mechanisms of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and the role of the Z‑disk in the pathogenesis of the disease on a BHF funded project.
The successful applicant will work closely with another postdoctoral researcher, employ induced pluripotent stem cell‑derived cardiomyocytes as a cellular model of disease and support in‑vivo experiments. Molecular biology and biochemical methods will be used to characterise these cells.
The team of Prof Katja Gehmlich is well embedded within the Department of Cardiovascular Sciences and collaborates closely with researchers 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 candidate will collaborate closely with scientists from Amsterdam and Berlin.
The successful candidate will hold a PhD in an appropriate subject area and have substantial research experience in cell culture of iPSC‑derived cardiomyocytes and in‑vivo models, with experience in phenotyping disease models of the cardiac system.
Role Summary
* Participate actively in specified research grants and projects related to disease mechanisms of inherited cardiac conditions
* Operate within the areas of molecular and cell biology
* Analyze, 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 (including 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
* Perform experiments using tissue and cellular models of cardiomyopathies (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 specialised knowledge in cardiac physiology, biochemistry and molecular biology 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.
* Contribute to developing new models, techniques and methods
* 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.
Person Specification
* Essential: Possession of a first or postgraduate degree in biomedical sciences and a PhD (or close to completion) in cell biology, biomedical sciences, genetics, or a closely related field, demonstrating deep expertise in genetic diseases and cell biology of the cardiac system.
* Essential: Proficient skills in culture of induced pluripotent stem cells and differentiation into cardiac cells.
* Essential: Proficient skills in phenotyping induced pluripotent stem cell‑derived cardiomyocytes, e.g. by microscopy, metabolic profiling, optical mapping for calcium transients and action potential recordings (competent in at least two of the techniques).
* Essential: Experience in working with in‑vivo models of cardiac disease.
* Essential: Completion of PIL‑A/B and PIL‑C training by the Home Office.
* Desirable: Experience of analysing echocardiography data from in‑vivo models.
* Desirable: Previous publication(s) as first author, presentation as talks or posters at national or international conferences.
* Desirable: Understanding of patient experience in cardiac diseases.
* 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 utilise 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 organise research projects, both individually and as part of a wider research programme.
* 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.
Further Particulars
Informal enquiries: Katja Gehmlich, email: k.gehmlich@bham.ac.uk
Additional Information
Use of AI in applications: We want to understand your genuine interest in the role and for the written elements of your application to accurately reflect your own communication style. Applications that rely too heavily on AI tools can appear generic and lack the detail we need to assess your skills and experience. Such applications will unlikely be progressed to interview.
We believe there is no such thing as a 'typical' member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability, which is a key part of our strategy. You can find out more about our work to create a fairer university for everyone on our website.
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