The Hardwick and Jeyaprakash groups at the University of Edinburgh and the Sanyal 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.
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.
About you
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;
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 our staff 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. 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.
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.
The Institute of Cell Biology (ICB) is a world-leading research centre for cell and molecular biology. Our research aims to uncover fundamental mechanisms responsible for the stability, transmission and expression of genetic information in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes, as well as studies of processes underlying microbial physiology and pathogenesis. We work with a wide range of experimental systems including cell culture, bacteria, yeast, Drosophila and mouse.
We work closely with other areas of the School and with colleagues in the College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, and have particularly strong links with members of the Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology and with SynthSys (the centre for Synthetic & Systems Biology) with whom we have common research interests and many collaborative projects. Facilities include high through-put DNA sequencing, protein production and purification, biophysical and kinetic analysis of proteins, in silico screening for drug leads, proteomics, optical and electron microscopy.
ICB incorporates the Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell Biology, a flagship research centre answering fundamental questions relating to cellular function. Our research is funded by, amongst others, BBSRC, CR-UK, European Commission, Gates Foundation, Mayo Foundation, MRC, Royal Society and the Wellcome Trust.
