University of Edinburgh
Postdoctoral Research Associate
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UE07: £41,064 - £48,822 per annum
CSE / School of Biological Sciences
Full time: 35 hours per week
Fixed term: 36 months
The Opportunity:
An exciting opportunity to join the lab of Stephen Wallace as part of the Carbon-Loop Sustainable Biomanufacturing Hub is available. We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to develop novel, sustainable and circular biomanufacturing methods. You would become part of a large multidisciplinary friendly team, working in the new BioFactory with collaborations across the UK with industrial and academic partners.
Specifically, the candidate would be optimising microbial strains for efficient conversion of plastic waste-derived carbon into high-value targets, and develop both downstream and upstream parameters for scale-up.
We value colleagues with drive, determination and a passion for what they do. We are a place where everyone is welcome and offer a range of policies and benefits designed to support you in building the right meaningful flexibility that works for you.
A career with us has a range of other benefits that can be tailored to your lifestyle:
- Opportunities to develop new skills and broaden your experience
- Leading-edge research
- Variety every day
- Responsibility and autonomy
- Excellent benefits and support
This post is full-time (35 hours per week); however, we are open to considering part-time or flexible working patterns. We are also open to considering requests for hybrid working (on a non-contractual basis) that combines a mix of remote and regular on-campus working.
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How to apply
Please include the following documents in your application:
- CV
- Cover letter
- Two academic references
As a valued member of our team, you can expect:
- A competitive salary.
- An exciting, positive, creative, challenging and rewarding place to work.
- To be part of a diverse and vibrant international community.
- Comprehensive Staff Benefits, including generous annual leave entitlement, a defined benefits pension scheme, a wide range of staff discounts, family-friendly initiatives, and flexible work options. Check out the full list on our staff benefits page (opens in a new tab) and use our reward calculator to discover the value of your pay and benefits.
Championing equality, diversity, and inclusion
The University of Edinburgh holds a Silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment to advance gender equality in higher education. We are members of the Race Equality Charter, and we are also a Stonewall Proud Employer, actively promoting LGBTQ+ equality.
We welcome applications from all qualified candidates.
Prior to any employment commencing with the University, you will be required to evidence your right to work in the UK. Further information is available on our right to work webpages (opens new browser tab)
The University is able to sponsor the employment of international workers in this role. If successful, an international applicant requiring sponsorship to work in the UK will need to satisfy the UK Home Office’s English Language requirements and apply for and secure a Skilled Worker Visa.
Key dates to note
The closing date for applications is 31 August 2026.
Unless stated otherwise the closing time for applications is 11:59pm UK time. If you are applying outside the UK the closing time on our adverts automatically adjusts to your browser’s local time zone.
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Interviews will be held September 2026.
As a world-leading research-intensive University, we are here to address tomorrow’s greatest challenges. Between now and 2030 we will do that with a values-led approach to teaching, research and innovation, and through the strength of our relationships, both locally and globally.
As the modern inheritors of our 400-year-old reputation for excellence, our staff and students contribute to a vibrant academic community whose visions are shaping tomorrow’s world. The School of Biological Sciences is at the leading edge in teaching, research and innovation. Independent rankings such as the Times Higher Education consistently place us amongst the top 25 universities in the world for biological sciences. We aim to ensure that our culture and systems support flexible and family-friendly working and to recognise and value diversity across all our staff and students. The School has an active programme offering support and professional development opportunities for all staff. We place a particular focus on development for early-career researchers (postgraduate and postdoctoral research staff and personal fellowship holders), offering mentoring and an active ‘BioDocSoc’ organisation that brings together researchers for networking, events and training opportunities.
The School of Biological Sciences holds a Silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment to advance the representation of women in science, mathematics, engineering and technology.
Our website [http://www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/biology] contains more information about the School.
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