There is an exciting opportunity to perform world-class cellular arrhythmia research, with a BHF-funded 3 year postdoctoral project determining arrhythmia mechanisms in lamin cardiomyopathy, and performing preclinical testing of novel treatments. The position will be in the Cardiac Physiology group, within the Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, under the supervision of Dr David Hutchings. Additional guidance will be provided by Professor Andy Trafford, Professor David Eisner, and Dr Luigi Venetucci. The post will be based within the Division of Cardiovascular Sciences at the University of Manchester.
The work follows on from our previous reports of a novel antiarrhythmic property of the PDE5 inhibitor, Sildenafil (Hutchings et al, Circ Res, 2021; ), and identification of a novel pro-arrhythmic background Ca entry in cardiac myocytes (Hutchings et al, J Physiol, 2022; ). Lamin cardiomyopathy can be a devastating condition uniquely prone to arrhythmias, however the cellular mechanisms are poorly defined. Using a lamin knockout mouse model recapitulating the clinical phenotype, our compelling preliminary data indicates a propensity to after-depolarisations in cardiac myocytes.
The successful candidate will perform patch clamp recordings in isolated cardiac myocytes, measure intracellular Ca2+, as well as having the opportunity to perform in vivo electrophysiology, cellular biology studies, and cutting edge super resolution and electron microscopy. Preclinical studies will be correlated with our clinical findings in patient cohorts looked after within the Manchester Heart Institute, at the Manchester University NHS Trust.
In addition to leading a project, the post-doctoral researcher will have ample opportunity to collaborate on other projects within a thriving Cardiac Physiology group as well as more widely within The Manchester British Heart Foundation Centre of Research Excellence.
What you will get in return:
* Fantastic market leading Pension scheme
* Excellent employee health and wellbeing services including an Employee Assistance Programme
* Exceptional starting annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays
* Additional paid closure over the Christmas period
* Local and national discounts at a range of major retailers
As an equal opportunities employer we support an inclusive working environment and welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments are made on merit.
Our University is positive about flexible working you can find out more here
Hybrid working arrangements may be considered.
Please note that we are unable to respond to enquiries, accept CVs or applications from Recruitment Agencies.
Any CV’s submitted by a recruitment agency will be considered a gift.
Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:
Name: Dr David Hutchings (BHF Intermediate Clinical Fellow)
Email: david.hutchings-2@manchester.ac.uk
General enquiries:
Email: People.recruitment@manchester.ac.uk
Technical support:
This vacancy will close for applications at midnight on the closing date.
Please see the link below for the Further Particulars document which contains the person specification criteria.