Research Associate - Cardiometabolic Disease: Adipose Tissue Dysfunction, Hepatic Lipotoxicity, and Fibro-Inflammation (Fixed Term)

We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to join Professor Antonio Vidal-Puig's team (TVPLab) at the MRC Institute of Metabolic Science and the Victor Phillip Heart and Lung Research Institute, Cambridge. This role, funded by the Medical Research Council (MRC), will contribute to our research on understanding the mechanisms by which obesity leads to fatty liver and cardiometabolic diseases.

Role Overview:

The successful candidate will:

Investigate the complex relationship between obesity, MASH and associated metabolic comorbidities, focusing on hepatic lipotoxicity, and immune-mediated fibroinflammatory responses, identifying underlying mechanisms and developing innovative therapeutic approaches.

Examine metabolic mechanisms mediating the crosstalk between metabolic organs, including adipose tissue, liver, pancreas and brown fat during the onset and worsening of the disease.

Key Responsibilities:

Lead one or more research projects, managing all aspects from experimental design to data generation, analysis, interpretation, and publication.

Conduct in vivo phenotypic characterization of murine models and perform lab-based molecular research.

Present research findings internally and at national and international conferences, aiming for publication in high-impact journals.

Skills required for the role:

Proficiency in standard molecular and cell biology techniques including, but not limited to: Mammalian cell culture, cell sorting, ex vivo and in vivo imaging (e.g. multimodal nonlinear optical microscopy, SIM, etc).

Candidates with additional relevant skills or backgrounds are encouraged to apply, such as biomedical engineering or similar, expertise in either bulk or single cell RNAseq/proteomics analysis or specialist in vivo phenotyping.

Strong IT, data management and organizational skills.

Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Effective communication skills with a scientific ethos, passion for problem-solving, and creative thinking

Qualifications and experience:

PhD or equivalent degree in Biology, Biochemistry, or a related discipline.

Previous experience in cardiometabolic research.

About TVPLab:

At TVPLab, we are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone is heard and valued. We celebrate differences and are dedicated to mentoring and nurturing talent, offering personalized career development to help our team members reach their fullest potential. Join us to be part of a dynamic culture that encourages innovation, collaboration, and professional growth.

For inquiries, please contact:

Professor Antonio Vidal-Puig: ajv22@medschl.cam.ac.uk Dr Sergio Rodriguez-Cuenca: sr441@medschl.cam.ac.uk Mark Campbell: mjc97@cam.ac.uk

Applicants must have (or be close to obtaining) a PhD.

Appointment at Research Associate level is dependent on having a PhD. Those who have submitted but not yet received their PhD will initially be appointed as a Research Assistant (Grade 5, Point 38 £32,982) moving to Research Associate (Grade 7) upon confirmation of your PhD award.

Please ensure that you upload a covering letter and CV in the Upload section of the online application. The covering letter should outline how you match the criteria for the post and why you are applying for this role. If you upload any additional documents which have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application.

Please include details of your referees, including email address and phone number, one of which must be your most recent line manager.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

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