University of Edinburgh
Postdoctoral Research Associate
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Grade UE07: £41,064 - £48,822 per annum, pro rata if part-time
CMVM / School of Genetics and Cancer
Full-time: 35 hours per week
Fixed-term: 3 years
Where passion meets purpose. Be part of something bigger.
We offer careers and roles in just about every area you can think of. Whether you’re looking to take the next step in your current specialism, explore a new challenge, or broaden your experience, we offer opportunities where you can flourish and make a real difference. Our people come from a wide range of backgrounds, each bringing their abilities and experiences to our organisation, helping us thrive and innovate together.
The University of Edinburgh is a world-class organisation. We look for the best in the field across all disciplines and provide a working environment where academics can develop their careers and passion for their chosen subject area. We offer the full range of academic roles and have a genuine focus on our student’s performance and wellbeing.
The Opportunity:
Epigenetic regulation of stem/progenitor cells in growth and ageing
We are seeking an enthusiastic cell biologist to join our research team as a postdoctoral researcher. Funded by an ERC Advanced Grant, we aim to address fundamental mechanisms controlling tissue cellularity that result in epigenetic ageing and determine size in mammals.
We have discovered a new accelerated ageing syndrome, that links a cell intrinsic clock with both ageing and human size (Sarni et al. Nat Genet 2026). The project team will use stem cell culture systems, targeted epigenomic engineering, CRISPR barcoding and mouse models; to define mechanisms connecting DNA methylation at lineage-determining genes to profound changes in stem cell output and tissue regeneration. The long-term goal is to identify targetable cellular pathways for future therapies, and to shed light on how this DNA methylation clock could regulate size and longevity across mammalian evolution.
The post-holder will be part of a multidisciplinary team in the lab of Prof. Andrew Jackson FRS, working in a cross-disciplinary environment that addresses both fundamental cellular processes and disease mechanisms. The lab is based in the Institute of Genetics and Cancer, a highly collaborative and supportive environment.
The research group is internationally diverse and strongly competitive, consistently publishing in high-level journals. For further details on the research group: https://institute-genetics-cancer.ed.ac.uk/research/research-groups-a-z/a-jackson-group
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People have always been at the heart of our work. Our people are at the centre of the University community and everything we do. 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:
- Professional development and subject matter expertise
- Opportunities to develop new skills and broaden your experience
- Leading-edge research
- Working within one of the world’s leading universities
This post is full-time (35 hours per week); however, we are open to considering part-time or flexible working patterns.
View the full Job Description
How to apply
Please include the following documents in your application:
- CV
- Cover letter
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 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 Stonewall Scotland Diversity Champions, actively promoting LGBT equality.
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 https://www.ed.ac.uk/human-resources/demonstrating-rtw.
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The University may be able to sponsor the employment of international workers in this role. This will depend on a number of factors specific to the successful applicant.
Please note if the role is offered on a part-time basis, it may result in sponsorship being dependent on a number of factors specific to the successful applicant or the role no longer meeting the Home Office’s criteria for sponsorship.
Key dates to note
The closing date for applications is 29 October 2026.
Unless stated otherwise, the closing time for applications is 11:59 pm (UK time). If you are applying from outside the UK, the closing time shown on our adverts will automatically adjust to your browser’s local time zone.
Interviews will be held shortly after the advert closes.
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.
The School of Genetics and Cancer is one of the six Schools that make up the College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine (CMVM). The School is home to the Institute of Genetics and Cancer (IGC) whose goals are to carry out excellent genetic, genomic, cellular and clinical science, so that we contribute significantly to the understanding of human development, physiology and disease, and apply this knowledge for the benefit of patients and society. The IGC is one of the College’s five world-leading research institutes. The teams in the six CMVM Schools work together to build outstanding discovery and translational research programmes designed to answer the major challenges facing humanity, animal and planetary health, now and in the future. The College’s undergraduate and postgraduate teaching is delivered through Edinburgh Medical School and the Royal (Dick) School of Medical Studies with contributions from all six schools.
To find out more visit: School of Genetics and Cancer webpage
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