Post-Doctoral Research Associate

The University of Edinburgh; Easter Howgate; On-site; GBP 41,000 - 49,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous annual leave

Defined benefits pension

Staff discounts

Flexible work options

Job summary

The University of Edinburgh invites applications for a postdoctoral researcher to study how epigenetic marks regulate gene expression. Based in the Institute of Genetics and Cancer, you will join Dr Duncan Sproul's lab and collaborate with groups in Edinburgh and Exeter.

The role emphasizes sequencing-based functional genomics in human embryonic stem cell models. Applicants should hold a PhD in a relevant field and have broad experience in molecular biology, biochemistry and computational

Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant discipline and experience across molecular biology, cellular biology, biochemistry, or computational analysis.
• Ability to work independently within an interdisciplinary team to drive projects to publication.
• Strong track record in epigenomics, gene regulation and human stem cell models.

Responsibilities

• Research the role of epigenetic marks in gene regulation.
• Collaborate with Sproul group and partner labs at Edinburgh and Exeter.
• Utilise sequencing-based functional genomics assays in human embryonic stem cell models.
• Contribute to publication of research findings.

Skills

Epigenomics

Gene regulation

Computational data analysis

Molecular biology

Education

PhD in a relevant discipline

Tools

TT-seq

CUT RUN

Nanopore sequencing

Job description

UE07: £41,064 - £48,822 per annum

CMVM / Institute of Genetics and Cancer

Full-time: 35 hours a week

Fixed-term: 30 months

The Opportunity:

An exciting postdoctoral position is available to research the role of epigenetic marks in gene regulation.

We are looking for a self-motivated, enthusiastic postdoctoral research associate to join the laboratory of Dr Duncan Sproul at the University of Edinburgh’s Institute of Genetics and Cancer to understand the role of DNA methylation in gene regulation. This project is a close collaboration with 3 other groups based at the Universities of Edinburgh and Exeter.

We have recently characterised mutations that prevent the DNA methyltransferase DNMT3B from being recruited to actively transcribed gene bodies (Taglini et al. 2024, EMBO Reports 25:1130, DOI: 10.1038/s44319-024-00061-5). Our new project will use this knowledge combined with recently developed synthetic approaches as an entry point to probe the non-canonical regulation of transcription by DNA methylation within gene bodies and its functional impact on cellular phenotypes.

The successful candidate will work with the Sproul and collaborating laboratories as part of a successful multidisciplinary research team. This project will have a particular emphasis on the use of sequencing based functional genomics assays (eg TT-seq, CUT RUN, Nanopore sequencing) in human embryonic stem cell models and work with synthetic landing-pad based approaches.

Candidates who have been awarded, or are soon to be awarded, a PhD in a relevant discipline and have experience with a broad range of molecular biology, cellular biology, biochemistry and/or computational data analysis approaches are invited to apply. Applicants must possess the ability to think independently while working within an interdisciplinary research team to drive research projects towards publication. Candidates with a strong track record in epigenomics, gene regulation and/or the use of human stem cells models are particularly welcome.

The post is full-time (35 hours per week) and funding is available from 1st January 2027 for 2.5 years pending review after 6 months.

Further details of work from the Sproul research group is available at:

https://institute-genetics-cancer.ed.ac.uk/research/research-groups-a-z/sproul-group

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 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 (opens new browser tab)

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.

Key dates to note

The deadline for applications is 14th October 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 browsers local time zone.

We aim to hold initial interviews starting the week beginning [2nd November 2026]. During the process we also hope that the successful applicant will have the chance to visit the Sproul lab at the Institute of Genetics and Cancer.

The Institute of Genetics and Cancer

The Institute of Genetics and Cancer is an international research institute that is part of the University of Edinburgh and is located on the Western General Hospital campus. It hosts 70 research groups and over 500 scientists, support staff, fellows, PhD students and visiting scientists. The institute has a strong culture of collaboration, interaction and mentoring diverse careers.