Research Fellow, Medicine, Medical Sciences & Nutrition (IMS295R)

We seek an enthusiastic individual with an interest in cardiovascular sciences to work in the laboratory of Professor Nicola Mutch & Dr Claire Whyte. The successful candidate will join a well-funded, dynamic research group within the Institute of Medical Sciences. 

Job Description

Cardiovascular diseases cause approximately one-third of all deaths in the world, of which acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is the leading cause. In ACS survivors there is a high incidence of recurrent events, despite these patients being on preventative medication. Current treatment options for ACS include antiplatelet agents, with or without anticoagulants. However, this combination of drugs is associated with a higher risk of bleeding, is not suitable for all patients and is not sufficient in preventing recurrent cardiovascular events. The body also has its own system for breaking down clots, called fibrinolysis. Our work has shown that individuals with ACS show impaired spontaneous fibrinolysis and that those with the slowest rates of spontaneous fibrinolysis are more likely to have a future cardiovascular event.

This project investigates new treatment strategies that could help promote spontaneous fibrinolysis in patients to reduce recurrent cardiovascular events. We will test novel combinations of existing antiplatelet and anticoagulant drugs in either normal healthy volunteer blood that has been spiked with these drugs and in patients that have suffered an ACS. We have a sophisticated model of blood clot formation and stability, which incorporates flow rates of blood like those found in our arteries which will be adapted to mimic the diseased artery in terms of narrowing of the vessel wall and exposure of the ‘plaque’ material which drives blood clot formation in these conditions. Laboratory data will be correlated with results from point of care instruments, that are used to monitor patient characteristics at their bedside. This will allow us to see how best we could monitor impaired fibrinolysis and the efficacy of various treatment strategies in these patient groups. Finally, we will test novel strategies that specifically target fibrinolysis thereby determine if this is a good treatment strategy for the design of new drugs for ACS and other cardiovascular diseases.

Salary will be at the appropriate point on the Grade 6, £37,999 - £45,163 per annum, pro rata and negotiable with placement according to qualifications and experience.

Informal enquiries should be made to Professor Nicola Mutch, Personal Chair (n.j.mutch@abdn.ac.uk).

Prior to employment, the successful candidate must be able to demonstrate their right to work in the UK. This role may be eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route under the UKVI immigration rules but is dependent on factors specific to the candidate and if tradeable points can be used under the rules.

Information on other visa options is available at https://www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa.

Please do not hesitate to contact Grant Rae, HR Adviser (e-mail: grant.rae@abdn.ac.uk) for further information.

To apply online for this position visit www.abdn.ac.uk/jobs

Job Reference Number: IMS295R

The closing date for the receipt of applications is 29 October 2024

Please Note

If you are unable to complete an application online, please contact the Recruitment Team (HRRecruitment@abdn.ac.uk) to make alternative arrangements for submitting your application within plenty of time before the advertised post closes.