Postdoctoral Research Associate

Grade UE07 £41,064 - £48,822 per annum

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

Full time contract: 35 hours per week

Fixed Term: until 30th September 2029

 

The Opportunity:

We are looking to recruit an ambitioned, motivated, and creative postdoctoral research associate (PDRA) with structural biochemistry and/or cell biology expertise to the Muir lab at the University of Edinburgh. 

You will work on a Wellcome-funded project that will establish mechanisms by which human SMC complexes reorganise the genome during mitosis to facilitate chromosome segregation. The project has the potential to lead to exciting and significant discoveries in the fundamental biological process of genome inheritance. 

The candidate will benefit from excellent core resources including a state-of-the-art Glacios 2 electron microscope equipped with a Falcon 4i direct detector and Selectris-X energy filter, as well as proteomics and light-microscopy facilities.

 

This post is advertised as full-time (35 hours per week), however, we are open to considering flexible working patterns.  We are also open to considering requests for hybrid working (on a non-contractual basis) that combines a mix of remote and regular on-campus working. 

 

Your skills and attributes for success: 

• Expertise in structural biochemistry (cryo-electron microscopy and X-ray crystallography), and chromosome biology
• A deep interest in uncovering fundamental mechanisms of chromosome organisation and cell division
• The ability to devise and apply relevant hypotheses and approaches to drive forward the research project
• A track record of high-quality research outputs (peer reviewed publications, PDB/EMDB depositions)
• Good teamwork and the capacity to collaborate within and outwith the research group
• Effective communication skills as evidenced by publications, and conference participation

 

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, including a list of publications

- Cover letter

- Contact details for at least two academic referees

 

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, 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 

 

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 closing date for applications is 26 September 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. 

 

 

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.