Advanced Therapeutics Postdoctoral Research Associate; Genetic Switches

Full-Time 35hrs per week

Fixed Term 36 months

We are looking to employ a postdoctoral researcher on a 36 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 development of gene switches for use in gene therapy. The selected researcher will join an internationally recognised, friendly, diverse, inclusive and enthusiastic team.

You will become part of the Engineered Genetic Control Systems for Advanced Therapeutics Hub. The hub, Directed by Prof Rosser, is a £14M 5‑year UKRI sponsored research program across 4 institutions (Edinburgh, Oxford, Imperial, CRUK SI) pioneering engineering biology for advanced therapeutics. It is developing novel genetic tools to render gene therapies safe and effective, with initial focus on oncology, cardiovascular diseases and rare diseases.

This specific role looks at conducting experimental work developing alternative splicing based engineered genetic switches for tissue specificity and small molecule induction for applications in gene therapy. The ideal candidate will be experienced with synthetic/engineering biology tools and possess relevant expertise in this field. You will need to be familiar with engineering mammalian cells and RNA biology.

The post holder will have many opportunities for multidisciplinary collaborative working with academic colleagues from the different institutional partners and industry. This includes training and professional development opportunities arising from being embedded and working with communities of translational scientists.

This post offers an excellent opportunity for academic career advancement in a world renowned centre of excellence for synthetic/engineering biology. The University of Edinburgh hosts a large diverse, dynamic and multidisciplinary engineering biology community of more than 50 research groups. The University of Edinburgh’s synthetic biology facilities are second-to-none, and include a the Edinburgh Genome Foundry () and Edinomics ().

Applicants must have a PhD in synthetic/engineering biology, molecular biology, RNA biology for appointment at Research Associate level. Applicants close to completion of their PhDs will also be considered where experience is directly relevant. Please see the job description and person specification document associated with this advert for the full list of criteria.

This post is advertised as full-time (35 hours per week), however, we are open to considering part-time or flexible working patterns.

• PhD (or completion within 3 months) in engineering biology or related subject with synthetic/engineering biology experience
• Experience in engineering biology, RNA biology and molecular biology.
• Experience of mammalian Cell Engineering
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with ability to build rapport with colleagues and collaborators.

Apply Before: 12/01/2026, 23:59

Salary: £41,064 to £53,301 per annum