Research Associate, School of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Medicine & Sciences

KINGS COLLEGE LONDON; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK research institution is seeking a postdoctoral scientist for a BHF-funded role in cardiovascular research. The role involves investigating the roles of nesprin and the LINC complex in cardiomyocyte mechanotransduction. Candidates should have a PhD in biological sciences and a strong background in experimental cardiovascular mouse models. This full-time position offers a fixed-term contract for 19.5 months with a competitive salary between £45,031 and £46,189 per annum.

Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant biological sciences project.
• Strong background in experimental cardiovascular mouse models.
• Experience working with in-vivo models of disease.

Responsibilities

• Investigate roles of nesprin and LINC complex in cardiomyocyte mechanotransduction.
• Use various experimental techniques including in vivo physiology.
• Contribute to a multi-disciplinary research group.

Skills

Experimental cardiovascular mouse models

Cell and molecular biological techniques

Good communication skills

Self-motivated and independent

Planning and prioritising workload

Education

PhD in biological sciences

Tools

Immunoblotting

qPCR

Histology

Confocal microscopy

Job description

Organisation/Company KINGS COLLEGE LONDON Research Field Biological sciences Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Established Researcher (R3) Country United Kingdom Application Deadline 4 Jan 2026 - 00:00 (UTC) Type of Contract Other Job Status Full-time Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

About Us

The School of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Medicine & Sciences (SCMMS) provides an outstanding multi-disciplinary environment for the pursuit of cutting-edge cardiovascular and metabolic research ( https://www.kcl.ac.uk/scms ).

We study the fundamental molecular, cellular, and physiological processes that underly normal and abnormal cardiovascular and metabolic function and we drive the translation of this strong basic science into advances in clinical practice to improve prevention, diagnosis and treatment. This activity provides a high-quality research and training environment for non-clinical and clinical scientists.

The School occupies facilities across the Guy’s, St Thomas’ and Denmark Hill campuses of King’s College London and comprises over 65 academic groups, hosting 400 staff and 110 PhD students.

About The Role

This BHF-funded position is for a talented and enthusiastic postdoctoral scientist to work on “Investigating novel roles of nesprin and the LINC complex in cardiomyocyte mechanotransduction”. The project will involve the use of wide range of experimental techniques including in vivo physiology, molecular biology, biochemistry and histology. We therefore seek to appoint an individual with a strong background in mouse model of cardiac and skeletal muscle disease as well as good experience of cell/molecular biology. Experience in surgery and in vivo phenotyping (e.g. high resolution echocardiography) is highly desirable. The postholder will be part of a vibrant multi-disciplinary research group working on several different aspects of cardiovascular pathophysiology, within the King’s BHF Centre of Research Excellence which has state-of-the-art laboratory facilities.

This is a full‑time post (35 hours per week), and you will be offered a fixed‑term contract for 19.5 months from contract start date.

To be successful in this role, we are looking for candidates to have the following skills and experience:

• PhD in a relevant biological sciences project
• Strong background in experimental cardiovascular mouse models
• Home Office Personal Licence or equivalent
• Experience of working with in‑vivo models of disease or gene‑modification
• Broad cell and molecular biological techniques (e.g. immunoblotting, qPCR, cell culture, immunofluorescence)
• Good written presentation skills, communication skills (written & verbal), and good IT skills
• Successful completion of research projects (published papers in high Impact Factor journals)
• Self‑motivated, able to work independently, as well as willing and able to work as part of a team
• Commitment to continuing personal and professional development
• Able to carry out know/learnt techniques unsupervised, and flexible/able to change in current professional context
• Able to plan and prioritise workload and keep clear and well‑organised laboratory notes and records
• Background in nuclear envelope biology
• Experience in in‑vivo cardiovascular physiology (e.g. echo)
• Experience in gene‑modified models including breeding strategy and genotyping
• Experience in Histology, immunocytochemistry, confocal microscopy, GST pulldown and immunoprecipitation

Downloading a copy of our Job Description

Full details of the role and the skills, knowledge and experience required can be found in the Job Description document, provided at the bottom of the page. This document will provide information of what criteria will be assessed at each stage of the recruitment process.

Please note that this is a PhD level role but candidates who have submitted their thesis and are awaiting award of their PhDs will be considered. In these circumstances the appointment will be made at Grade 5, spine point 30 with the title of Research Assistant. Upon confirmation of the award of the PhD, the job title will become Research Associate and the salary will increase to Grade 6.

Further Information

We pride ourselves on being inclusive and welcoming. We embrace diversity and want everyone to feel that they belong and are connected to others in our community.

We are committed to working with our staff and unions on these and other issues, to continue to support our people and to develop a diverse and inclusive culture at King’s.

As part of this commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and through this appointment process, it is our aim to develop candidate pools that include applicants from all backgrounds and communities.

We ask all candidates to submit a copy of their CV, and a supporting statement, detailing how they meet the essential criteria listed in the advert. If we receive a strong field of candidates, we may use the desirable criteria to choose our final shortlist, so please include your evidence against these where possible.

To find out how our managers will review your application, please take a look at our ‘How we Recruit ’ pages.

Interviews are due to be held on Mid‑January 2026.

Grade and Salary: £45,031 - £46,189 per annum including London Weighting Allowance

Job ID: 132825

Close Date: 04-Jan-2026

Contact Person: Qiuping Zhang

Contact Details: [e-mail]