Post‐Doctoral Research Assistant

RFCSR; City of Edinburgh; On-site; GBP 41,000 - 49,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Edinburgh invites applications for a Post‑Doctoral Research Assistant within the School of Genetics and Cancer. This fixed‑term, full‑time role is funded by Cancer Research UK and will run for 36 months.

You will test and develop novel colorectal cancer therapies using patient‑derived organoid models in a world‑leading cancer research environment. The successful candidate will integrate advanced molecular biology techniques with data analysis, contributing to impactful

Qualifications

• Applicants should hold (or be close to completing) a PhD in cancer biology, biomedical sciences or a closely related field.
• Candidates are expected to demonstrate strong experimental experience, critical thinking in research design, and the ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative research team.

Skills

Organoid culture experience

Flow cytometry

Viral transduction

qRT-PCR

scRNAseq

ATACseq

CUT&RUN

Analytical communication

Education

PhD in cancer biology or related field

Tools

Molecular biology techniques

Bioinformatics

Job description

The University of Edinburgh Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom

General Description

The University of Edinburgh invites applications for a Post‑Doctoral Research Assistant to join the College of Science and Engineering within the School of Genetics and Cancer. This full‑time, fixed‑term position is funded by Cancer Research UK and will initially be for 36 months. The appointee will work on a collaborative research project focussed on testing and developing novel therapeutic strategies for colorectal cancer using patient‑derived organoid models. This research sits at the interface of academic and translational science, offering an opportunity to contribute to impactful experimental design and analysis in a world‑leading cancer research environment. The role requires integration of advanced laboratory techniques and active participation in the research culture of the institute, contributing to meaningful progress in cancer biology and treatment insights.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants should hold (or be close to completing) a PhD in cancer biology, biomedical sciences or a closely related field. Candidates are expected to demonstrate strong experimental experience, critical thinking in research design, and the ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative research team.

Required expertise/skills

• Previous experience with organoid culture systems and patient‑derived models is essential.
• Proficiency in advanced molecular biology techniques including flow cytometry, viral transductions, qRT‑PCR, scRNAseq, ATACseq, and CUT&RUN is expected.
• Excellent analytical skills and the ability to communicate complex scientific information clearly, both orally and in writing, are fundamental to success in this role.

Salary details

• Position is graded at UE07 with a salary range of £41,064 to £48,822 per annum, dependent on experience.

Application Deadline

The closing date to submit applications is 31March2026 (applications are typically considered until 11:59pm UK time).