Research Associate

Applications are invited for a Medical Research Council-funded position of Post-Doctoral Research Associate (PDRA) to develop a gut-on-chip angiogenesis model, to study von Willebrand Factor (VWF) regulation of angiogenesis in the gut.The research follows the seminal discovery by the Randi team that VWF regulates angiogenesis (Starke et al, Blood 2011; Ishihara et al, Blood 2019), which shed light on how vascular abnormalities contribute to gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding in patients with Von Willebrand Disease (VWD). Here we aim to develop a microfluidic gut-on-chip model to study the influence of the gut microenvironment on angiogenesis. This will be used for studies on patients’ and gene edited endothelial cells, to interrogate molecular pathways and test new therapies for GI bleeding in VWD.

The project is ideal for a candidate who is keen to work in a team, develop leadership and supervision skills and bring exciting new ideas that span multiple approaches and disciplines.

This project brings together Prof. Randi’s expertise on VWD and endothelial cell biology/angiogenesis in London, UK with bioengineering expertise in Prof. Rasponi’s lab in Milan, Italy. Prof. Randi is Head of Vascular Science, National Heart and Lung Institute (NHLI) at Imperial College London. She leads a team of basic and clinician scientists addressing aspects of endothelial biology (https://www.imperial.ac.uk/people/a.randi ). Prof. Rasponi leads the Microfluidics and biomimetic Microsystems Laboratory (MiMic Lab https://www.biomech.polimi.it/mimiclab ) at the Politecnico University in Milan, Italy, a team at the cutting-edge of the organ-on-chip technology.

For the first ~4 months, you will join Prof. Rasponi’s bioengineering team in Milan, Italy to develop a gut-on-a-chip model of organotypic angiogenesis. You will then transfer the model to Prof. Randi’s lab in London, UK, where you will work with colleagues who will provide cell lines and tools to be tested in the gut-on-chip model. The project combines bioengineering, molecular/cell biology and biochemistry methods. You will be supported by and collaborate with two international, multidisciplinary team to deliver an exciting new precision medicine approach to validate candidate new therapies for GI bleeding in VWD.

• Essential: Hold or about to complete a PhD in a relevant biological or bioengineering discipline


• Desirable: Background in organ-on-chip technology and microfluidics


• Desirable: Background in in vitro and microfluidic cell culture


• Essential: Ability to collaborate with groups within and outside the department and to coordinate research projects.

• Essential: Strong enthusiasm, drive, a problem-solving attitude, and a passion for science

This is a Fulltime, fixed term for 30 months role based at Hammersmith Campus (East Acton).

You will be part of Prof. Anna Randi’s group, in the Vascular Science section, which includes >10 research groups interested in vascular biology and diseases (https://www.imperial.ac.uk/nhli/research/research-sections/vascular-science/ ). You will also be part of Prof. Rasponi’s group in Milan, Italy, where you will spend the first 4 months and maintain regular contact for support and collaboration. (https://www.biomech.polimi.it/?id=44:raspo&catid=34:bios )

* The candidate will be appointed at Research Assistant level if they have not been officially awarded their PhD prior to starting this post.

 Candidates need to complete an online application.

Should you require any further details on the role please contact Professor Anna Randi: [email protected]

For technical issues when applying online please email [email protected]