Postdoctoral Research Associate - Comparative Oncology

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

Job summary

A leading academic institution in Scotland is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to advance comparative oncology research. You will lead experimental work integrating analyses of canine and human melanoma samples while collaborating with colleagues. The position offers a competitive salary, benefits, and opportunities for career development within a supportive research environment.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Generous holiday entitlement

Comprehensive pension schemes

Staff discounts

Family-friendly initiatives

Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant field or close to completion.
• Experience with molecular/immunological techniques.
• Proven capability in producing scientific outputs.

Responsibilities

• Conduct molecular and immunological experiments.
• Manage biobank samples with accurate records.
• Collaborate across UK and industry to integrate data.

Skills

Laboratory expertise in molecular techniques

Laboratory expertise in immunological techniques

Analytical and problem-solving skills

Education

PhD in cancer biology, immunology, molecular pathology

Tools

RNA/DNA extraction

Immunohistochemistry

Bioinformatics workflows

Job description

Job Description

Grade UE07: £41,064 to £48,822 per annum pro-rata

CMVM / The Roslin Institute

Full-time: 17.5 hours per week

Fixed-term: 3 years

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA) to join our comparative oncology research group at the University of Edinburgh. The successful candidate will work with Professor Kelly Blacklock, Professor Liz Patton, and Dr Mark Stares.

This position is funded by the Humanimal Trust as part of the GENOMICS: Gene Expression in Oral Melanoma for Integrated Cross-Species Stratification project.

The PDRA will lead experimental work integrating molecular, immunological, and histopathological analyses of canine and human oral melanoma samples. The role will focus on:

1. Generating, optimising, and validating a gene expression assay using canine and human oral melanoma tissue.
2. Linking tumour subtypes (assigned using RNA sequencing, the validated gene assay, and immunohistochemistry) to treatment outcomes in NHS patients.

Main Responsibilities

• Conduct molecular and immunological experiments, including RNA/DNA extraction, molecular profiling, immunohistochemistry, and bioinformatics workflows.
• Manage biobank samples and ensure accurate record-keeping and compliance with ethical approvals.
• Collaborate with colleagues across the UK and industry partners to integrate data and deliver project aims.
• Support MSc, PhD, and clinical residents engaged in the project.
• Prepare manuscripts, abstracts, and reports for funders and scientific audiences.

Qualifications and Attributes

• You will hold (or be close to completing) a PhD in cancer biology, immunology, molecular pathology, or a related field. Essential experience includes laboratory expertise in molecular or immunological techniques, strong analytical and problem-solving skills, and evidence of producing scientific outputs.
• Experience in comparative oncology, translational research, bioinformatics/statistical analysis, and mentoring would be an advantage.

Please note Disclosure Scotland Level 1 Disclosure check (basis disclosure) is required for this role.

Application Information

Please ensure you include the following documents in your application:

• CV
• Cover letter
• 2 references

Informal enquiries are welcome to [e-mail]

Benefits and Working Environment

• 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, such as a generous holiday entitlement, competitive pension schemes, staff discounts, and family-friendly initiatives.

You will join a supportive and collaborative environment within the Roslin Institute and Institute of Genetics & Cancer, with access to unique cross-species research networks in veterinary and human oncology. This role provides the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to translational cancer research and develop your career within a world-leading research community.

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.

On this occasion the University will not consider applicants requiring sponsorship for this role. International workers will therefore only be able to take up this role if they can demonstrate an alternative right to work in the UK.

Key Dates

The closing date for applications is 27th October 2025.

Interviews will be held in December 2025.

About Us

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.

About the Team

The Roslin Institute receives strategic investment from the Biotechnology & Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) and provides national capability to achieve sustainable agriculture, control diseases and enhance health through pioneering animal bioscience.

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