09 Postdoctoral Fellowship at Queen Mary University of London, United Kingdom

The Earth Surface Science group at Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) are seeking a 24-month PDRA to work on a Human Frontier Science Project (HFSP) funded project ‘The atmosphere: a living, breathing ecosystem?’. The project is a collaboration between QMUL’s School of Geography, the University of Guelph (Canada), Monash University (Australia) and Arizona State University (USA). The team aim to resolve the composition, capabilities, and activities of atmospheric microbes at a global scale, with the overall goal to distinguish whether the atmosphere exhibits structure and microbial activity characteristic of a true ecosystem, or if it is simply a passive dispersal medium for microorganisms. The PDRA will develop theoretical modelling approaches (including bioenergetics calculations, power-based ecosystem modelling) to investigate the potential habitability and ecological structure and function of microbial communities in the atmosphere. The initial focus for the PDRA is to model the habitability and ecological processes occurring in Earth’s atmosphere, and then to translate the tools and knowledge generated to the atmosphere of other planetary bodies or exoplanets.

You should have a PhD in mechanical engineering, biomedical engineering or biomechanics. They should be able to demonstrate the ability to write scientific journals. Knowledge of using the ABAQUS simulation software package within the area of biomedical engineering and experience in undertaking experimental work in the field is required. Good communication skills in both presentation and scientific writing, along with the ability to conduct research work both independently and as a member of a team, are also requirements of the role.

Within Centre for Clinical Pharmacology & Precision Medicine, vvarious projects within Professor Qingzhong Xiao’s group will aim to investigate the pathogenesis and underlying signal pathways of vascular diseases including atherosclerosis, vascular calcification, injury-induced arterial remodelling, transplant arteriosclerosis, aortic aneurysm & dissection; to elucidate molecular mechanisms of vascular cell differentiation; to study the therapeutic potential of stem/progenitor cell-derived vascular cells in cardiovascular diseases, and identify novel therapeutics for cardiovascular diseases, etc.

The post requires a dedicated, motivated and passionate postdoctoral researcher who will lead this exciting study. Applicants must have a PhD in a relevant subject and provide three good references. The study requires expertise in cell biology, molecular biology. Transcriptomic and proteomic data will be generated as part of this study, so an ability to analyse large datasets will be advantageous. First author publications will provide evidence that you have experience in completing studies through to manuscript acceptance.

Applicants should hold a PhD degree or equivalent experience in related science and have a strong background in experimental models of myocarditis. Animal ex vivo and in vivo cardiovascular physiology techniques (such as echocardiography) and experience in flow cytometry, imaging and cell culture techniques are essential, as is the ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.  Applicants should have excellent interpersonal skills, teamwork and ability to demonstrate effective and efficient multi-tasking and maintain accurate and up to date records. In addition, the applicants should have high level of proficiency with computer software related to laboratory research, data presentation and statistical evaluation, as well as the ability to organise a varied workload between research, supervision and administration. The experimental work also involves genomic analysis, therefore specific expertise in the transcriptomic data analysis would be desirable.

The Barts Cancer Institute is an internationally renowned CRUK Centre of Excellence that combines ground-breaking basic research with the expertise of clinicians to achieve improvements in cancer patient care. BCI is also a partner in the CRUK City of London Major Centre (together with UCL, King’s and the Francis Crick Institute).

Candidates should have completed an undergraduate degree in Computer Science/Electronic Engineering (or equivalent). Candidates at the PDRA level must have a PhD in Computer Science/Electronic Engineering (or equivalent). Applicants must have research experience in deep learning and computer vision, and general understanding of medical image analysis. Experience with healthcare data analysis and application development is desirable.

We are seeking to appoint a talented researcher to join our expanding team to work on a new NIHR School for Primary Care Research funded project focused on missed opportunities in symptomatic cancer diagnosis (The MODE study). This is a multi-institution project using mixed-methods research to synthesise epidemiological, health economics and qualitative data to explore the impact of initial non-cancer diagnosis prior to cancer diagnosis or referral for suspected cancer, and how associated delays in arriving at a cancer diagnosis could be minimised. You will lead secondary qualitative analyses of existing interview transcripts to understand patient perspectives, mapping connections between patients’ and healthcare providers’ views and investigating feasible interventions. As part of a thriving research group, you will work alongside experienced health psychologists and clinicians and contribute your own ideas for the current project and for future grant applications. The 27-month fixed term post is located in the Centre for Prevention, Detection and Diagnosis within the Wolfson Institute of Population Health.