12649 - Postdoctoral Research Associate

University of Edinburgh; City of Edinburgh; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 49,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research institution in Edinburgh is seeking a postdoctoral scientist to join a dynamic research programme studying genome transmission in fungal pathogens. The role involves exploring cell division and chromosome segregation, utilizing various advanced techniques. Candidates should possess a PhD and relevant experience in fungal biology and genome engineering. This fixed-term position is available full-time or part-time, offering flexible working patterns.

Qualifications

• Experience with CRISPR-mediated genome engineering.
• Familiarity with microfluidics and live-cell imaging.
• Background in protein complex purification and structural analysis.

Responsibilities

• Study mechanics and regulation of cell division and chromosome segregation.
• Investigate polyploidy and aneuploidy using live-cell microscopy.
• Utilize genome engineering and OMICS approaches in research.

Skills

fungal pathogen biology

CRISPR-mediated genome engineering

microfluidics

live-cell imaging

super-resolution microscopy

quantitative mass spectrometry

Education

PhD in relevant field

Job description

The Hardwick (https://biology.ed.ac.uk/hardwick) and Jeyaprakash (https://biology.ed.ac.uk/jeyaprakash) groups at the University of Edinburgh and the Sanyal (https://molecularmycologylab.wixsite.com/kaustuv) group at JNCASR, Bengaluru, have received significant funding to study non-canonical mechanisms of genome transmission in the human fungal pathogen, Cryptococcus neoformans.

We are seeking a postdoctoral scientist to join our interactive research programme.

You will study mechanics and/or regulation of cell division and chromosome segregation, including fascinating aspects of both polyploidy and aneuploidy, using a range of live-cell microscopy, genome engineering, structural biology and OMICS approaches.

This PDRA position in the Hardwick group is fixed-term (for 3 years) and full-time (35 hours per week), however, we are open to considering part-time or flexible working patterns.

The salary for this role is at Grade UE07: £40,497 - £48,149 per annum, pro-rata if part-time.

For an overview of our recent research see: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pgen.1011552; https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pgen.1011302; https://doi.org/10.1126/science.ado8270;
https://doi.org/10.1038/s44319-024-00183-w;
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-56876-w; https://doi.org/10.1101/2022.09.21.508923.

Research in the Institute of Cell Biology is directed towards an understanding of the molecular mechanisms that underpin genomic and cellular structure and function. It consists of around 36 research groups, including the newly formed Centre for Cell Biology and the Discovery Research Platform. Our programme is funded by the Wellcome Trust for a period of 8 years.

Your skills and attributes for success should include a PhD with experience of one or more of:

fungal pathogen biology, including CRISPR-mediated genome engineering
microfluidics, live-cell imaging, super-resolution and/or expansion microscopy
Cryptococcus neoformans infection models
protein complex purification, followed by structural and functional analyses
whole genome-sequencing and/or quantitative mass spectrometry.