Postdoctoral Research Fellow
19 hours ago
Edinburgh
Job Description Grade UE07: £41,064- £48,822 per annum CMVM, School of Regeneration and Repair Full Time: 35 hours per week Fixed Term: 12 months The Opportunity The laboratory of Prof Steven Pollard explores molecular and cellular mechanisms that regulate neural stem cells and how these become deregulated in brain cancers. We now a postdoctoral research position available to explore the transcriptional and epigenetic mechanisms underpinning glioblastoma, with a focus on the SOX family of transcription factors and the role of histone regulation in driving disease. We will explore novel strategies to target the chromatin landscapes using innovative gene therapy approaches. You will build on our recent discoveries that have identified key transcription factors, regulatory enhancers and epigenetic reconfigurations underpinning glioblastoma. Specifically, you will use a combination of the latest biochemical, genome editing and genomics technologies, to dissect the mechanisms underlying the identity of glioblastoma stem cells and roles of key histone regulatory pathways. This knowledge is also being deployed in our therapeutics discovery programs, with gene therapy strategies aimed at targeting glioblastoma stem cell identity. These projects build upon our recently reported publications (Cell, Cell Stem Cell, Nature Genetics and Nature Comms). This is a particularly appealing opportunity for recently completed PhD students with a background in cancer genomics and chromatin regulation who may now wish to move into the related field of cancer advanced therapies. The salary for this post is £41,064 to £48,822 per annum. Your Skills And Attributes For Success • Demonstrated track record in molecular and cellular mechanisms of stem cells, development or cancer, ideally with strong publication record in chromatin regulation and human primary cancer cell line models., • Good understanding of the fundamental biology of gene regulation, stem cell or cancer biology, with demonstrated expertise in the latest techniques from imaging, genomics, biochemistry or cell biology., • Past experience, or enthusiasm to develop, bioinformatics skills for analysis of genomics/NGS datasets., • Ability to work well collaboratively across multiple projects. 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, • Cover letter outlining your specific experimental skills appropriate to this role. As a valued member of our team you can expect: • To work in a laboratory with international reputation and track record in stem cell and cancer biology., • To be part of the new community of Engineering Biology Mission Hub researchers (Edinburgh, Glasgow and Oxford collaborators), • A competitive salary, • A world-leading local research environment offering state of the art facilities, training and a supportive environment for career progression., • Opportunities to work with industry collaborators to drive discoveries into patient impact., • To be part of a diverse and vibrant local 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 5th January 2026. 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. Interview dates to be confirmed. 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. About The Team IRR (Director: Prof Stuart Forbes)has a 5-year income of over £200M and supports over 800 staff and 200 students within a collaborative hub for commercial, clinical and academic endeavour. We are based on the Edinburgh Bioquarter campus. Our three main centres are the Centre for Reproductive Health (CRH), the Centre for Regenerative Medicine (CRM), and the Centre for Inflammation Research (CIR). Bringing together world leading research expertise to drive understanding and deliver clinical and translational outcomes. IRR contains staff and students from two colleges (CMVM and CSE) and 4 Schools add to the complexity of the role. IRR has a work environment built on trust and encourages the very best talent from all backgrounds and at all levels to join us as a diverse team strengthens our ability to innovate and support the cutting-edge world leading research we aspire to. We collaborate widely to advance understanding and knowledge as outlined in the University’s Strategy 2030. Employees and students are supported and empowered to build, shape and inform aspects of our culture in areas such as sustainability, mental health and wellbeing. Our team is ambitious, acts with integrity and demonstrates commitment to progress and impact. In aiming to be an accessible employer and creating an inclusive environment, we encourage applicants who wish to work flexibly (including part-time, condensed hours and other forms).