About this role
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. 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. 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
Please contact the hiring manager (Dr. Matthew Swaffer at [email protected]) for any queries. Informal enquiries are encouraged. 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. You will benefit from a competitive reward package and a wide range of staff benefits, including generous holiday entitlement, a defined benefits pension scheme, staff discounts, family-friendly initiatives, and more. Click to access our staff benefits page (opens new browser tab) for further information and use our reward calculator to find out the total value of pay and benefits provided.
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 a Stonewall Proud Employer, actively promoting LGBTQ+ 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) 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 application is 16 July 2026. Unless stated otherwise the closing time for applications is 11:59pm UK time. If you are applying outside the UK the closing time on our adverts automatically adjusts to your browsers local time zone.