Research Associate

We are seeking an experienced post-doctoral researcher for a 18-month funded post at the Bristol Medical School, which will be based within the Laboratory of Cardiovascular Pathology on Research Floor Level Seven of the Queens’ Building of the Bristol Royal Infirmary. This focussed project will be within the research groups of Professor Jason Johnson and Dr Tom Johnson, examining the progression of atherosclerotic lesions through assessment of circulating immune cells and non-coding RNAs alongside associated plasma samples, with complimentary studies within pathological samples.

Cardiovascular diseases account for the highest rates of morbidity and mortality within the UK, the majority of which are underpinned by coronary artery disease. The principal clinical presentation of coronary artery disease is a myocardial infarction, commonly termed a heart attack, with subsequent heart failure significantly contributing to the high rates of mortality observed in individuals with cardiovascular disease. We have recently identified that a large proportion of asymptomatic coronary artery atherosclerotic plaques display signs of previous plaque disruption, which can be characterised pathologically and through evaluation of the expression of epigenetic modifiers. This study will determine the contributory role of silent plaque rupture or erosion and subsequent layering to the progression of atherosclerosis, alongside the associated release of potential biomarkers into the circulation.

• Organise, co-ordinate and perform laboratory research experiments. This will include histological characterisation of human atherosclerotic arteries, multi-parameter flow cytometry (analyser and cell sorting platforms), molecular biology (single-cell sequencing, proteomics, and bioinformatics), isolation and interrogation of circulating proteins and non-coding RNAs, and fluorescence labelling and imaging (confocal and fluorescence microscopy).
• Contribute/lead writing articles that will be published in high quality peer reviewed journals
• Liaison with related external collaborations (academic and industrial partners)
• Provide support to other studies and members of the research group
• Contribute to the life of the Unit, School, and University
• Be responsible for the day-to-day management of the project. You will establish a robust system for project management that addresses all aspects of the research, including the collecting and cataloguing of clinical samples.
• Provide regular progress reports and assist in the production of study report. Keeping the project to time and budget and preparing Microsoft Word and PowerPoint reports based on the study’s findings.

• You have an active interest in the pathobiology of atherosclerosis and cardiology.
• You are excited about undertaking research that can ultimately help patients with cardiovascular diseases, particularly preventing the onset of a heart attack.
• You have a PhD in cardiovascular research and a track record of excellence in research and strong project management skills.
• You have demonstrable experience in the following research areas: 1. Working independently with human tissues and cells in relation to atherosclerosis; 2. Working independently with disease models of atherosclerosis; 3. Molecular biology experience including the use of single-cell sequencing and spatial transcriptomics technology, proteomics, and bioinformatic analyses; 4. Experience of ex vivo and in vivo cardiovascular imaging modalities.
• You are willing to contribute practical or methodological ideas to the research project.
• You can build strong, effective relationships with a range of people from different sectors and levels of seniority.
• You have excellent communication skills and can clearly articulate verbally and in writing.
• You are someone who can get up to speed quickly, thrives on digesting lots of information, is mindful of competing priorities, and can drive activity forward in a sustainable manner.

Contract type: Open-ended with funding until 25/08/2025

Work pattern: Full time

Grade: I

Salary: £37,099 - £41,732 per annum

School/Unit: Bristol Medical School, Translational Health Sciences

Shift pattern: 35 hours per week

This advert will close at 23:59 GMT on 18/02/2024

For informal queries please contact: Professor Jason Johnson
[email protected]
01173423154

We recently launched our strategy  to 2030 tying together our mission, vision and values.

The University of Bristol aims to be a place where everyone feels able to be themselves and do their best in an inclusive working environment where all colleagues can thrive and reach their full potential. We want to attract, develop, and retain individuals with different experiences, backgrounds and perspectives – particularly people of colour, LGBT+ and disabled people - because diversity of people and ideas remains integral to our excellence as a global civic institution.

We are seeking an experienced post-doctoral researcher for a 18-month funded post at the Bristol Medical School, which will be based within the Laboratory of Cardiovascular Pathology on Research Floor Level Seven of the Queens’ Building of the Bristol Royal Infirmary. This focussed project will be within the research groups of Professor Jason Johnson and Dr Tom Johnson, examining the progression of atherosclerotic lesions through assessment of circulating immune cells and non-coding RNAs alongside associated plasma samples, with complimentary studies within pathological samples.

Cardiovascular diseases account for the highest rates of morbidity and mortality within the UK, the majority of which are underpinned by coronary artery disease. The principal clinical presentation of coronary artery disease is a myocardial infarction, commonly termed a heart attack, with subsequent heart failure significantly contributing to the high rates of mortality observed in individuals with cardiovascular disease. We have recently identified that a large proportion of asymptomatic coronary artery atherosclerotic plaques display signs of previous plaque disruption, which can be characterised pathologically and through evaluation of the expression of epigenetic modifiers. This study will determine the contributory role of silent plaque rupture or erosion and subsequent layering to the progression of atherosclerosis, alongside the associated release of potential biomarkers into the circulation.

• Organise, co-ordinate and perform laboratory research experiments. This will include histological characterisation of human atherosclerotic arteries, multi-parameter flow cytometry (analyser and cell sorting platforms), molecular biology (single-cell sequencing, proteomics, and bioinformatics), isolation and interrogation of circulating proteins and non-coding RNAs, and fluorescence labelling and imaging (confocal and fluorescence microscopy).
• Contribute/lead writing articles that will be published in high quality peer reviewed journals
• Liaison with related external collaborations (academic and industrial partners)
• Provide support to other studies and members of the research group
• Contribute to the life of the Unit, School, and University
• Be responsible for the day-to-day management of the project. You will establish a robust system for project management that addresses all aspects of the research, including the collecting and cataloguing of clinical samples.
• Provide regular progress reports and assist in the production of study report. Keeping the project to time and budget and preparing Microsoft Word and PowerPoint reports based on the study’s findings.

• You have an active interest in the pathobiology of atherosclerosis and cardiology.
• You are excited about undertaking research that can ultimately help patients with cardiovascular diseases, particularly preventing the onset of a heart attack.
• You have a PhD in cardiovascular research and a track record of excellence in research and strong project management skills.
• You have demonstrable experience in the following research areas: 1. Working independently with human tissues and cells in relation to atherosclerosis; 2. Working independently with disease models of atherosclerosis; 3. Molecular biology experience including the use of single-cell sequencing and spatial transcriptomics technology, proteomics, and bioinformatic analyses; 4. Experience of ex vivo and in vivo cardiovascular imaging modalities.
• You are willing to contribute practical or methodological ideas to the research project.
• You can build strong, effective relationships with a range of people from different sectors and levels of seniority.
• You have excellent communication skills and can clearly articulate verbally and in writing.
• You are someone who can get up to speed quickly, thrives on digesting lots of information, is mindful of competing priorities, and can drive activity forward in a sustainable manner.

Contract type: Open-ended with funding until 25/08/2025

Work pattern: Full time

Grade: I

Salary: £37,099 - £41,732 per annum

School/Unit: Bristol Medical School, Translational Health Sciences

Shift pattern: 35 hours per week

This advert will close at 23:59 GMT on 18/02/2024

For informal queries please contact: Professor Jason Johnson
[email protected]
01173423154

We recently launched our strategy  to 2030 tying together our mission, vision and values.

The University of Bristol aims to be a place where everyone feels able to be themselves and do their best in an inclusive working environment where all colleagues can thrive and reach their full potential. We want to attract, develop, and retain individuals with different experiences, backgrounds and perspectives – particularly people of colour, LGBT+ and disabled people - because diversity of people and ideas remains integral to our excellence as a global civic institution.