Clinical Senior Lecturer in Molecular Psychiatry
The Chancellor's Building, Edinburgh (100% On-campus) CMVM / School of Neurological and Cardiovascular Sciences / Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences Permanent / Full Time £111,430 to £148,064 per annum
The Opportunity
The University of Edinburgh invites applications for a Clinical Senior Lecturer in Molecular Psychiatry based in the Institute of Neuroscience and Cardiovascular Research (INCR). This is an exceptional opportunity to join one of the world’s leading centres for genetics and neuroscience, and to pioneer the development of disease models or new approaches to severe mental illness.
We are seeking an outstanding clinical (preferred) or non‑clinical scientist whose research bridges genetics, molecular and cellular neuroscience and psychiatry. The successful applicant will develop innovative programmes that harness genetic discoveries to generate new biological models of severe mental illness, providing the foundation for mechanistic insights and new therapeutic targets.
You will join a vibrant, multidisciplinary environment spanning psychiatry, experimental neuroscience, genomics, and data science. The University of Edinburgh offers access to unique resources including large‑scale population cohorts, biobanks, and advanced computational platforms, as well as strong partnerships with NHS services and international research consortia.
Applicants should have a strong track record of internationally recognised research, an ability to secure research funding, and a commitment to mentoring the next generation of scientists. A clinical qualification in psychiatry is desirable but not essential.
This role offers the chance to shape a transformative research agenda in psychiatry, within a supportive, world‑class academic community committed to advancing mental health research and improving lives globally.
Salary will be determined on the basis of previous service in the NHS training grades. Normally you will be matched to your current incremental point or nearest equivalent. If you are currently a member of the NHS Pension Scheme and are employed in a clinical post it may be possible for you to remain a member of the NHS Pension Scheme.
An Honorary NHS contract will be sought for the successful post holder. You therefore must be eligible to hold an honorary contract with NHS Lothian, and must also be registered with the General Medical Council.
Applications will be considered from exceptional non‑clinical candidates who would be placed on UE09 of the payscales. Working hours in this case will be 35 hours per week.
Your skills and attributes for success
* A strong track record of high‑quality research in molecular and cellular neuroscience and complex trait genetics
* A clinical qualification in psychiatry (preferred) or equivalent non‑clinical expertise in molecular neuroscience.
* Evidence of ability to secure research funding and to supervise postgraduate students.
* A commitment to research‑led teaching and knowledge exchange.
* Strong interpersonal skills and enthusiasm for working collaboratively across disciplines.
Application Information
Please ensure you include the following documents in your application:
* CV
* Cover letter
Please note holding a PVG is a requirement for the role; you will be unable to start in this position if you are successful without a PVG check.
As a valued member of our team you can expect
* A competitive salary and a contribution to lab consumables
* An exciting, positive, creative, challenging and rewarding place to work.
* To be part of a diverse and vibrant 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 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.
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 20th November 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.
About the Team Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences
The Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences (CCBS; Director Professor Colin Smith), part of Edinburgh Medical School and Edinburgh Neuroscience, integrates laboratory and clinical research to study the causes, consequences and treatment of major brain disorders. Anchored in the Edinburgh BioQuarter adjacent to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, and with bases at other Edinburgh hospital sites, CCBS’ locations link clinical and laboratory science with informatics and commerce to encourage the free‑flowing exchange of ideas, the efficient use of clinical data and joint academic/health service delivery.
CCBS comprises 64 Principal Investigators (47 staff and 17 honorary) – including 21 Personal Chairs. Of these, 70% are active NHS clinicians, which grounds the Centre’s research aims close to unmet clinical need and facilitates the translation of research findings into real‑world impact. The 300+ members of CCBS conduct research of international recognition and reputation and publish approximately 300 papers a year. Major strengths include clinical trials and trial methodology, neuroimaging, neuropathology and regenerative neurology (including human stem cell research) in a wide range of conditions encompassing brain vascular disease/stroke, neurodegenerative disease, prion disease and psychiatric disorders. CCBS researchers attracted £57M in grant‑funding over the last three years and collaborate widely, leading national and international clinical trials in stroke (e.g. IST‑3, FOCUS, RESTART) and dementia (e.g. EPAD, AMYPAD) and playing a major role in the UK Dementia Research Institute at the University of Edinburgh. The National CJD Research and Surveillance Unit is a WHO Reference Centre for Human Prion Disease. The research generates significant and measurable impact in terms of patient health and wellbeing, NHS policy and economy, and public awareness.
Within Edinburgh University’s REF 2021 submission the second largest submission was for “Neuro”; that is formally classified as Psychology, Psychiatry and Neuroscience (Unit of Assessment 4). Edinburgh was ranked second in the UK by quality (grade point average), and third in the UK by the power measure which takes into account the size of the submission as well as the quality. The combined metric of quality and power places Edinburgh 1st in the UK. 52% of our research papers were awarded the highest score of 4*, defined as world‑leading, and a further 38% were rated 3*, defined as internationally excellent. 100% of our ten impact case studies – measuring health and wealth gain – were awarded 4*, meaning they are world‑leading in reach and significance. Importantly 100% of our environment was awarded 4*, meaning the context in which our research takes place is world‑leading in vitality and sustainability.
CCBS currently has 49 postgraduate students, mostly PhDs. It is particularly strong in clinical PhD training, with a number of innovative schemes including Rowling Scholars and Princess Margaret Research Development Fellowships. The Edinburgh Imaging Academy is a flagship for e‑learning MSc and CPD courses. The Centre also has a strong record of attracting philanthropic donations to establish specialist research hubs (Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic, Euan MacDonald Centre for MND Research, Edinburgh Dementia Prevention, MS Society Edinburgh Centre for MS Research, Muir Maxwell Epilepsy Centre, Salvesen Mindroom Research Centre, Sackler Institute for Psychobiological Research, Row Fogo Centre) that are maintained and expanded by community fundraising.
For further information about our Centre is available on the Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences Website (https://www.ed.ac.uk/clinical-brain-sciences).
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