Research Assistant

The University of Edinburgh; City of Edinburgh; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a dynamic research team at a prestigious university, focusing on how cell size influences gene expression through innovative imaging techniques. This role offers a unique opportunity to work in a supportive and collaborative environment, utilizing state-of-the-art technology to drive groundbreaking research. You'll receive expert training and mentoring, ensuring your professional growth while contributing to vital scientific advancements. If you're passionate about cell biology and eager to make an impact, this is the perfect opportunity for you.

Benefits

Generous holiday entitlement

Competitive pension schemes

Staff discounts

Family-friendly initiatives

Qualifications

• Strong motivation to contribute to cell biology research.
• Technical experience in quantitative single-cell microscopy.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research on how cell size impacts gene expression.
• Utilize quantitative live cell imaging techniques.

Skills

Molecular Biology

Mammalian Cell Culture

Single-Cell Imaging

Quantitative Image Analysis

Organizational Skills

Communication Skills

Critical Thinking

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Biology or related field

Job description

Job Description

Grade UE06: £34,132 to £39,355 per annum

College of Science and Engineering, School of Biological Sciences, Institute of Cell Biology

Full Time: 35 hrs per week

Fixed Term: 12 months

Start date: 1 October 2025

We are seeking highly motivated candidates to join the Swaffer lab as a Research Assistant to work on how cell size impacts gene expression. Using mammalian cell lines, this project will use quantitative imaging to build on recent progress (Swaffer et al., Cell 2023).

The Opportunity

We're a multi-disciplinary group that combines approaches across cell, molecular, systems & quantitative biology to study how core cellular processes are altered by cell size. This project aims to use quantitative live cell imaging (e.g., single molecule tracking) to investigate how transcriptional machinery alters its association with the genome as cell size increases. Candidates with technical experience in quantitative single-cell microscopy and imaging data analysis are encouraged to apply.

Your Skills And Attributes For Success

• Strong motivation to contribute to a novel area of cell biology research: i.e., cell size.
• Strong organisational, communication, and critical thinking skills to drive success working both independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Command of standard techniques in molecular biology and mammalian cell culture.
• Expertise & training in single-cell imaging and/or quantitative image analysis.

Click to view a copy of the full job description (opens new browser tab). Please contact the hiring manager (Dr Matthew Swaffer at [e-mail]) for any queries. Applicants are requested to provide a research statement outlining their past research experience and motivation for joining the Swaffer lab.

As a valued member of our team you can expect:

• To be part of an exciting, creative, and rigorous research team. The Swaffer lab is based within the Institute for Cell Biology, which provides an inclusive, supportive, and highly collaborative scientific environment supported by state-of-the-art technology facilities via the Discovery Research Platform for Hidden Cell Biology. You will benefit from expert training in cutting-edge approaches in cell, molecular, and systems biology, as well as wider career mentoring and support to nurture your talents and drive success.
• Comprehensive Staff Benefits, such as a generous holiday entitlement, competitive pension schemes, staff discounts, and family-friendly initiatives. Check out the full list on our staff benefits page (opens in a new tab) and use our reward calculator to discover the total value of your pay and benefits.

Champioing 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.

If invited for interview, 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, depending on specific factors.

Key Dates To Note

The closing date for applications is 16 May 2025. Unless stated otherwise, the closing time for applications is 11:59 pm GMT. If applying outside the UK, the closing time on our adverts automatically adjusts to your browser's local time zone.

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

As the modern inheritors of our 400-year-old reputation for excellence, our staff and students contribute to a vibrant academic community whose visions are shaping tomorrow’s world. The School of Biological Sciences is at the leading edge in teaching, research, and innovation. Independent rankings such as the Times Higher Education consistently place us amongst the top 25 universities in the world for biological sciences. We aim to ensure that our culture and systems support flexible and family-friendly working and to recognize and value diversity across all our staff and students. The School has an active programme offering support and professional development opportunities for all staff, with a particular focus on early-career researchers, offering mentoring and active networking and training opportunities.