Research Associate / Senior Research Associate in Neural Control of Cardioprotection

The role

A Research Associate or Senior Research Associate is sought to join a British Heart Foundation-funded research programme investigating the neural control of cardioprotection and cardiac microcirculation. The project addresses how metabolic and oxidative stressors influence cardiac microcirculation at the cellular level, and how central brain circuits mediate cardioprotection and can be harnessed to promote angiogenesis in the infarcted heart. The work spans in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo approaches, including viral vector-based circuit mapping, human cell culture models and surgical models of myocardial infarction and heart failure. The grade of appointment (Grade I or J) will depend on the successful candidate's qualifications and experience. The project is funded for 2 years initially.

Hybrid working is not available for this role.

What will you be doing?

You will plan, carry out and analyse experiments spanning in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo approaches. This includes performing in vivo surgical procedures (induction of myocardial infarction/heart failure, stereotaxic viral vector injections), designing viral vectors for neuronal circuit mapping, carrying out cell culture with primary cells and human hPSC-derived models, and performing advanced in vivo imaging (laser Doppler/laser speckle, echocardiography). A Senior Research Associate (Grade J) will independently plan and lead complex, multi-technique experiments, manage transgenic mouse colonies, and contribute ideas for the enhancement of techniques and methodologies. A Research Associate (Grade I) will carry out these activities under the close supervision of the PI. Both roles contribute to manuscript and grant preparation, literature review, and dissemination at scientific meetings.

You should apply if

You are passionate about cardiovascular and neuroscience research and have proven skills in critical thinking and problem-solving. For appointment at either grade, you will have hands-on experience with in vivo surgical procedures in rodents, including induction of myocardial infarction/heart failure and/or stereotaxic surgery, and demonstrated proficiency in at least three advanced technique areas such as cell culture (primary cells, human iPSC/hPSC-derived models), in vivo models of cardiac pathology, advanced in vivo imaging (e.g. echocardiography, Laser Doppler/Laser Speckle, 2P), stereotaxic surgery and viral vector delivery, viral vector design, or Ca²⁺ imaging. A Research Associate (Grade I) will have a PhD in a relevant subject or be working towards one. A Senior Research Associate (Grade J) will hold a PhD, have postdoctoral research experience (or equivalent) in a relevant field, a track record of first-author publications in peer-reviewed journals, and presentations at scientific conferences.

Additional information

• Contract type: Open ended with funding until 30/09/2028 (start date – as soon as possible)
• Work pattern: Full-time (100% FTE)
• Grade: Grade I or J/Pathway 2
• Salary: £39,906 - £44,746 (grade I), £44,746 - £50,253 (grade J) per annum
• School/Unit: Bristol Medical School
• Shift pattern: 35 hours per week
• This advert will close at 23:59 UK time on 28/10//2026
• For informal queries please contact: Dr Svetlana Mastitskaya (Senior Lecturer in Cardiovascular Regenerative Medicine)[email protected]
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