King's College London

About Us

The School of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine & Sciences (SCMMS) provides an outstanding multi-disciplinary environment for the pursuit of cutting-edge cardiovascular and metabolic research. We study the fundamental molecular, cellular, and physiological processes that underly normal and abnormal cardiovascular and metabolic function and drive the translation of this strong basic science into advances in clinical practice. Our community of world-renowned researchers have access to state-of-the art core facilities and expertise, including facilities for high-throughput screening and high content imaging, multimodality in vivo imaging, proteomics, spatial and single-cell transcriptomics. As part of King’s Health Partners, we have an excellent environment for basic-clinical interaction and a strong focus on mentoring and career development. The School hosts the British Heart Foundation Centre of Research Excellence at King's, which brings together a unique range of internationally recognised scientists and clinicians from across the School and King’s College London.

More information:  https://www.kcl.ac.uk/scmms 

About The Role

This is an exciting opportunity to join the research group of Professor Cathy Shanahan at King’s College London (Denmark Hill).  The post is funded by a BHF Programme Grant and will support ongoing research into the mechanisms of vascular smooth muscle (VSMC) dysfunction in ageing and disease.

The role will be responsible for managing the overall operations for the Shanahan lab, including management of research grants and budgets.  The post holder should have a solid knowledge of, and practical experience of, key laboratory skills which could include tissue processing, immunohistochemistry, vascular histology, tissue culture, microscopy, standard cell and molecular biological techniques, good basic computer skills, and laboratory and operations management.  The post holder should also have knowledge of working to HTA regulations. Applicants who hold a personal license under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 are strongly encouraged to apply.

This is a full-time post (35 hours per week), and you will be offered a fixed term contract until 30th October 2027.

Research staff at King’s are entitled to at least 10 days per year (pro-rata) for professional development. This entitlement, from the Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers, applies to Postdocs, Research Assistants, Research and Teaching Technicians, Teaching Fellows and AEP equivalent up to and including grade 7. Visit the Centre for Research Staff Development for more information.

About You

To be successful in this role, we are looking for candidates to have the following skills and experience:

Essential criteria

1. Level 6  qualification, e.g., relevant undergraduate degree or equivalent, plus substantial work experience in relevant technical/scientific service posts.
2. Evidence of an active commitment to professional development, such as working towards CSci and clear progression in increasingly demanding jobs.
3. Comprehensive technical experience and knowledge of a range of scientific procedures and the underpinning scientific theory applicable to the work area and their environmental impact.
4. Excellent spoken and written communication skills, with advanced computer use and strong interpersonal and influencing/behavioural skills to build a strong network to support the delivery of the service.
5. Solutions-focused self-starter, with excellent planning and analytical skills, able to manage staff and facilities, setting performance standards, and establishing protocols to deliver these.
6. Comprehensive knowledge of regulations and best practice governing area of work, including Health & Safety and environmental sustainability.
7. Knowledge of using the Integrated Research Application Systems (IRAS) for ethics submission and/or working to HTA regulations.
8. Experience in tissue processing, immunohistochemistry, and histology or tissue culture.

Desirable criteria

1. Formal Health & Safety qualification e.g., NEBOSH/IOSH.
2. Experience of supervising/advising junior team members, giving feedback on performance levels and training/coaching where necessary.
3. Hold a personal license under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986.
4. Able and willing to provide support beyond core hours, as required.
5. Experience in Cardiovascular research.

Downloading a copy of our Job Description

Full details of the role and the skills, knowledge and experience required can be found in the Job Description document, provided at the bottom of the page. This document will provide information of what criteria will be assessed at each stage of the recruitment process.

Further Information

We pride ourselves on being inclusive and welcoming. We embrace diversity and want everyone to feel that they belong and are connected to others in our community.

We are committed to working with our staff and unions on these and other issues, to continue to support our people and to develop a diverse and inclusive culture at King's.

As part of this commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and through this appointment process, it is our aim to develop candidate pools that include applicants from all backgrounds and communities.

We ask all candidates to submit a copy of their CV, and a supporting statement, detailing how they meet the essential criteria listed in the advert. If we receive a strong field of candidates, we may use the desirable criteria to choose our final shortlist, so please include your evidence against these where possible.

To find out how our managers will review your application, please take a look at our ‘How we Recruit’ pages.

Interviews are due to be held on 31st July 2025.