Research Assistant

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

Job summary

The University of Edinburgh seeks a research assistant to join a project focused on genome transmission mechanisms in a human fungal pathogen. This full-time role will involve research on cell division mechanics using advanced biological techniques. A competitive salary and the possibility of part-time or flexible work arrangements enhance the offer.

Benefits

A competitive salary

Generous holiday entitlement

Comprehensive Staff Benefits

Possibility for part-time PhD

Qualifications

• Honours degree in relevant field required.
• Experience in fungal pathogen biology and CRISPR preferred.
• Skills in live-cell imaging and protein biochemistry valued.

Responsibilities

• Study mechanics of cell division and chromosome segregation.
• Utilize microscopy, genome engineering, and OMICS approaches.

Skills

fungal pathogen biology

live-cell imaging

protein biochemistry

CRISPR-mediated genome engineering

RNA-seq

quantitative mass spectrometry

Education

Honours degree in an appropriate subject

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 research assistant 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 RA post in the Hardwick group is fixed-term (for 6 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 UE06: £34,132 - £39,355 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 include an Honours degree in an appropriate subject along with experience of one or more of the following:

• fungal pathogen biology, including CRISPR-mediated genome engineering;
• live-cell imaging;
• protein biochemistry;
• RNA-seq or whole genome-sequencing;
• quantitative mass spectrometry;

Click to view a copy of the full job description(opens new browser tab)

Application Information

Please ensure you include the following documents in your application:

- CV

- a statement describing your research experience, scientific interest, career goals, and motivation to apply for this position

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 with strong collaborative links in Edinburgh, Bangalore and Munich.
• Comprehensive Staff Benefits, such as a generous holiday entitlement, competitive pension schemes, staff discounts, and family-friendly initiatives. Check out the full list on ourstaff benefits page(opens in a new tab) and use our reward calculator to discover the total value of your pay and benefits.
• The possibility of doing a part-time PhD in the Hardwick lab.

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 ourright to work webpages(opens new browser tab).

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 to note

The closing date for applications is 16 July 2025.

Unless stated otherwise the closing time for applications is 11:59pm GMT. If you are applying outside the UK the closing time on our adverts automatically adjusts to your browsers local time zone.

Interviews will be held early in August 2025.