Research Fellow

Job Purpose

We seek to appoint a motivated individual at Postdoctoral level to a British Heart Foundation Project grant concerned with the functional investigation of a novel gene (SLFN14) implicated in megakaryocyte and platelet biology.

The purpose of the position is to study the function of this novel gene that have been identified in patients with a low platelet count (thrombocytopenia). The work will involve investigation of the role of SLFN14 in megakaryocytopoiesis, platelet formation and platelet function.

It is essential that the postholder should have experience in a variety of techniques including culturing human induced pluripotent stem cells, culturing megakaryocytes and working with platelets, advanced cell biology skills including immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy and protein chemistry. He/she must have excellent academic qualifications and communication skills, strong initiative and good teamwork skills. Previous experience with clinical/translational research would be advantageous.

The candidate should have or already submitted a PhD in a relevant subject. He/she must have excellent academic qualifications, strong initiative and good teamwork skills. Previous experience of working as part of a collaborative team is desirable. The postholder will also have opportunities to train/supervise students.

Person Specification

The successful applicant should have a specific interest in the field of megakaryocyte and platelet biology.
• A minimum of a PhD in Biological Sciences
• An excellent academic record with a upper second or equivalent undergraduate degree in a Biological Sciences subject.
• Specialist knowledge of advanced fluorescent-based microscopy methods.
• culturing induced pluripotent stem cells
• culturing megakaryocytes and working with platelets
• Knowledge of flow cytometry
• Good laboratory experience and intellectual reasoning
• A good record of publications in peer reviewed journals
• Good presentation skills
• Strong initiative and good teamwork skills