We are excited to offer this exciting opportunity for a research associate to join the Cardiac Pathophysiology group within The Division of Cardiovascular Sciences to conduct research funded by a LifeArc PathFinder award to The Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health.
The purpose of the research is to undertake a defined programme of work to evaluate the therapeutic potential of a novel approach to prevent cardiac arrhythmias. The work will involve evaluation of targeting the cyclic guanosine monophosphate signalling pathway using a preclinical model of the inherited arrhythmia syndrome, catecholaminergic polymorprphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT).
CPVT is an inherited condition which leads to dangerous heart rhythm disturbances. These life-threatening rhythm disturbances are first experienced in childhood and early adulthood during exercise or emotional stress when levels of the hormone adrenaline are increased. The normal treatment for CPVT is β-blocker tablets but these are not very effective at preventing the occurrence of dangerous heart rhythms and, due to their side effects, are often poorly tolerated by patients meaning that more acceptable and more effective treatments are desperately needed.
We know a great deal about the causes of CPVT. Our work has shown a critical role for changes in the way in which calcium is handled in the cells of the heart. From this work we have demonstrated proof of concept that targeting this abnormality in calcium handling can prevent heart rhythm disturbances in CPVT using isolated cardiac myocytes and in intact hearts. In these experiments we used a drug that works in a similar way to Viagra. We now need to determine if this family of drugs are also effective when the heart is working normally in the body before we can progress to clinical trials in patients with CPVT.
The successful candidate will be required to undertake a series of studies using preclinical (mouse) models of CPVT to evaluate the antiarrhythmic effectiveness, and mechanisms of action of targeting the sGC signalling pathway. Studies will involve both in vivo and in vitro methodologies and will require prior experience of in vivo techniques and a current Home Office Personal Licence (modules A, B & C in rodents) due to the time-limited nature of the funding of this programme of work.
Successful candidates may be subject to pre-employment screening carried out on our behalf by a third party. The offer of employment will be dependent on the successful candidate passing that screening. Whilst you will be required to provide express consent at a later stage, by continuing with your application now you acknowledge that you are aware that such screening will take place, and agree to take part in the process.
The School/Department is strongly committed to promoting equality and diversity, including the Athena SWAN charter for gender equality in higher education. The School/Department holds a Silver Award which recognises their good practice in relation to gender; including flexible working arrangements, family-friendly policies, and support to allow staff achieve a good work-life balance. We particularly welcome applications from women for this post. All appointment will be made on merit. For further information, please visit: https://www.bmh.manchester.ac.uk/about/equality/
Our University is positive about flexible working – you can find out more here
Blended working arrangements may be considered
Please note that we are unable to respond to enquiries, accept CVs or applications from Recruitment Agencies.
Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:
Name: Professor Andrew Trafford
Email: Andrew.W.Trafford@manchester.ac.uk
General enquiries:
Email: People.Recruitment@manchester.ac.uk
Technical support:
https://jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home
This vacancy will close for applications at midnight on the closing date.
Please see the link below for the Further Particulars document which contains the person specification criteria
