Postdoctoral Research Associate

Overview

Queen Mary University of London invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate position within the Centre for Bone and Joint Health at the Blizard Institute. The successful researcher will work on a programme led by Dr Massimo Ganassi focused on human muscle ageing and sarcopenia. The research aims to enhance the understanding of mechanisms that impair muscle regeneration during aging and to assess candidate interventions. This position is full-time for a duration of 18 months and is located in the United Kingdom on site.

Who can apply

Candidates must hold a PhD, be close to completion, or possess equivalent research experience in a relevant biomedical or life-science discipline. Applicants should have knowledge in areas such as cell biology, skeletal muscle biology or myogenesis, regenerative medicine, or ageing biology. Essential qualifications include hands-on experience in mammalian cell culture and cell-based assays. Desirable backgrounds involve working with primary human cells, skeletal muscle, or myoblast models, alongside skills in viral transduction, immunostaining, quantitative image analysis, live-cell imaging, reporter assays, or pharmacological testing.

What you get

The salary ranges from £39,187 to £52,790 per annum. Candidates who are close to completion of their PhD will be appointed initially in the junior research training zone on Grade 4, with salaries between £39,187 and £39,802, which increases upon completion of the PhD. Additional benefits include a pension scheme, 30 days of annual leave on a pro-rata basis, a season ticket loan scheme, and professional development opportunities. The university also provides flexible working arrangements, family-friendly inclusive employment policies, and campus facilities.

Requirements

The role requires the development and characterization of in vitro human muscle models using molecular, cellular, imaging, and quantitative approaches. Responsibilities include planning and executing experiments, analyzing and interpreting data, maintaining accurate records, and contributing to reports, publications, seminars, and conferences. For appointments at Grade 5, extra duties involve contributing to grant applications, developing new models, publishing research, and supervising research assistants. Applicants must possess strong analytical and communication skills, the ability to work both collaboratively and independently, and a commitment to laboratory safety, confidentiality, and good research practice.

Key dates

The closing date for applications is 2026-11-05.