AdresseVenous thromboembolism (VTE), including deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), is the leading cause of lost disability-adjusted life years and the third leading cause of cardiovascular death, affecting >10 million people worldwide per year. Up to 50% of patients with a DVT develop post-thrombotic syndrome and ~4% patients with a PE develop chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension, both reduce quality of life and result in a significant economic health care burden globally.
VTE is initiated by a combination of endothelial dysfunction and inappropriate expression of plasma and cellular procoagulant activity under low blood flow/stasis precipitated by systemic inflammation. New targeting strategies are needed to support development of therapies with improved efficacy and safety profiles for the prevention and treatment of venous thrombosis.
This project aims to elucidate the contribution of the endothelium to the regulation of coagulation and venous thrombosis during inflammation and identify novel endothelium targets for future development as anti-thrombotics.
This is an exciting opportunity for a part time (0.8 FTE) fully funded Senior Research Assistant. This project will involve working with a collaborative team of researchers at Manchester Metropolitan University.
The Role:
The main purpose of this role is to provide research support to colleagues and support staff with the investigation of novel regulators of the endothelium and coagulation and their contribution to venous thrombosis.
The Senior Research Assistant will work with Dr Amanda Unsworth and other researchers to:
- Determine how dysfunctional endothelial cells alter coagulation and characterise the protective properties of novel compounds.
- Characterise the protective properties of novel compounds on the contribution of the endothelium to platelet and leukocyte mediated inflammation and coagulation.
- Characterise the anti-thrombotic properties of novel compounds using an endothelialised in vitro model of venous thrombosis.
The candidate will need to be familiar with endothelial cell and platelet biology and thrombosis assays. The candidate will need to be able to perform cell culture, confocal microscopy with associated imaging analysis and will need to have experience of flow cytometry.
The candidate will also be expected to be familiar with DNA/RNA/protein extractions, qPCR and western blotting amongst other molecular biology techniques.
Other duties and responsibilities includes:
- Maintain accurate records of research conducted and carry out analysis of the results obtained using the most appropriate method.
- Work independently and in conjunction with other investigators and collaborators.
- Prepare research findings for publication and presentation.
- Assist in the supervision of undergraduate and postgraduate students and PhD students in the laboratory.
- Participate in the activities of the research group via meetings and seminars
You will work within the Department of Life Sciences, which provides state of the art research facilities located newly refurbished laboratories. The Faculty of Science and Engineering is an exciting and dynamic environment in which to conduct cutting edge research.
Qualification we require:
A post graduate degree, equivalent qualification in biomedical science or related course or substantial relevant experience, and evidence of continuous professional development.
Application Requirements:
Experience of the following would be advantageous:
- Cell culture of primary endothelial cell lines
- Western blotting
- qPCR
- Flow cytometry
- Confocal microscopy.
- Working with and preparing human blood samples for platelet based experiments.
- Experience of using in vitro flow models of thrombosis
- Proficiency in the use of relevant software packages such as Microsoft Excel, ImageJ, Flow Logic and GraphPad Prism
To Apply:
Please submit your CV and Cover Letter
For an informal discussion, please contact; Dr Amanda Unsworth (a.unsworth@mmu.ac.uk).
Manchester Met University is committed to creating an intentionally inclusive culture of belonging that promotes equity and celebrates diversity. We understand the importance of having a diverse workforce and the benefits it can bring to ensuring diversity of thought and innovation in everything we do. We, therefore, encourage applications from our local and international communities, in particular people from ethnic minority groups, disabled people and people who identify as LGBTQIA+
We recognise the benefits and importance of an environment that supports flexible working and are open to conversations about this throughout the application process.
Documents
- Senior Research Assistant - Job Description.pdf (113.14 KB)
- Reward and Benefit Brochure.pdf (444.73 KB)
