Research Assistant

 Grade UE06: £34,610 - £39,906 per annum
 CSE / School of Biological Sciences / Institute of Cell Biology 
 Full Time: 35 hours per week 
 Fixed term: 12 months

The Opportunity: 

Project title: Investigating global RNA homeostasis with cell size  

We are seeking highly motivated candidates to join the Swaffer lab as a research assistant to work on how cell size impacts RNA biology. 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.  

Cell size is a fundamental but poorly understood cellular property, and cells must adapt their global RNA metabolism as they grow larger to keep their internal biochemistry stable. This project will involve using yeast genetics to understand this phenomenon and build on our recent progress (Swaffer et al., Cell 2023). This project will involve using standard molecular biology, quantitative imaging and sequencing-based assays to investigate how different aspects of RNA biology are altered as cell size increases, including investigating non-coding RNAs, ribosome assembly and RNA turnover. 

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.  
• Understanding of key techniques in molecular biology and yeast genetics. 
• Understanding of key concepts and techniques in RNA biology. 

View the full job description.

Please contact the hiring manager (Dr. Matthew Swaffer at [email protected]) for any queries. Informal enquiries are encouraged. 

How to apply

Please include the following documents in your application:

- CV

- Motivation statement detailing your research experience, interests and motivations for joining the lab

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, including generous annual leave entitlement, a defined benefits pension scheme, a wide range of staff discounts, family-friendly initiatives, and flexible work options. Check out the full list on our staff benefits page and use our reward calculator to discover the 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.

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.

Please note if the role is offered on a part-time basis, it may result in sponsorship being dependent on a number of factors specific to the successful applicant or the role no longer meeting the Home Office’s criteria for sponsorship

Key dates to note

The closing date for applications is 30th July 2026.

Unless stated otherwise, the closing time for applications is 11:59 pm (UK time). If you are applying from outside the UK, the closing time shown on our adverts will automatically adjust to your browser’s local time zone.