REACT Postdoctoral Research Associate (Genetic Switches for Cardiovascular Diseases)
University of Edinburgh | UK | Salary: £41,064 – £48,822 | Contract: 24 months (full‑time, 35 hours per week)
Description
We are looking to employ a post‑doctoral researcher on a 24‑month contract to join the research group of Professor Susan Rosser, chair of synthetic biology at the University of Edinburgh Centre for Engineering Biology, to work on developing gene switches for cardiovascular gene therapy.
The University of Edinburgh hosts a large, diverse, dynamic and multidisciplinary engineering biology community of more than 50 research groups. The centre’s synthetic biology facilities, including the Edinburgh Genome Foundry and Edinomics, are world‑class.
You will become part of the REACT consortium whose mission is to regenerate injured hearts and reverse established damage with genetic medicines. This 14‑year funded £50 M MRC/BHF centre of research of excellence is led by King’s College London and co‑directed by the University of Edinburgh and Oxford.
Your work will also closely align to the Engineering Biology for Advanced Therapeutics Hub, a £14 M 5‑year UKRI‑sponsored programme spanning Edinburgh, Oxford, Imperial and Cancer Research UK.
Responsibilities
* Develop, test and optimise drug‑induced controllable genetic switches for use in clinical AAV vectors.
* Iteratively refine these switches to reliably turn therapeutic genes on and off for cardiovascular treatment.
* Collaborate with academic and industry partners across the REACT consortium and the Engineering Biology for Advanced Therapeutics Hub.
* Contribute to the development of novel genetic tools that render gene therapies safe and effective, focusing on oncology, cardiovascular diseases and rare diseases.
* Engage in multidisciplinary collaborative working and contribute to scientific publications and presentations.
Qualifications
* PhD (or completion within 3 months) in engineering biology, synthetic biology, molecular biology, RNA biology or a related subject.
* Experience in engineering biology, RNA biology and mammalian cell engineering.
* Demonstrated ability to perform high‑quality molecular and cellular assays.
* Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to build rapport with colleagues and collaborators.
Application Information
Please include the following documents in your application: CV and cover letter.
Enquiries: Susan.Rosser@ed.ac.uk
Benefits
* Competitive salary.
* Positive, inclusive and rewarding working environment.
* Part of a diverse and vibrant international community.
* Comprehensive staff benefits including generous holiday entitlement, competitive pension scheme, staff discounts and family‑friendly initiatives.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
The University of Edinburgh holds a Silver Athena SWAN award, is a member of the Race Equality Charter and Stonewall Scotland Diversity Champions, actively promoting LGBT equality.
Prior to employment commencing 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 sponsor the employment of international workers in this role, subject to individual circumstances.
Key Dates
Closing date for applications: 19 December 2025 at 11:59 pm GMT.
#J-18808-Ljbffr