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 imagining (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.
Applicants are requested to provide a research statement outlining their past research experience and motivation for joining the Swaffer lab.
What we offer
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. 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 16 May 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.
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.
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 recognise and value diversity across all our staff and students. The School has an active programme offering support and professional development opportunities for all staff. We place a particular focus on development for early-career researchers (postgraduate and postdoctoral research staff and personal fellowship holders), offering mentoring and an active ‘BioDocSoc’ organisation that brings together researchers for networking, events and training opportunities.
The School of Biological Sciences holds a Silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment to advance the representation of women in science, mathematics, engineering and technology.
