Advanced Therapeutics Postdoctoral Research Associate; Genetic Switches

Advanced Therapeutics Postdoctoral Research Associate (Genetic Switches)

UE07 £ 41,064 - £53,301

College of Science and Engineering, School of Biological Sciences

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 the 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 five‑year UKRI‑sponsored research programme across four 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.

• 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

• CV
• Cover letter

• A competitive salary
• 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 generous holiday entitlement, competitive pension schemes, staff discounts, and family‑friendly initiatives

The University of Edinburgh holds a Silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of its commitment to advance gender equality in higher education. The University is a member of the Race Equality Charter and a Stonewall Scotland Diversity Champion, 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 right to work webpages
. The University may be able to sponsor the employment of international workers in this role, depending on a number of factors specific to the successful applicant.

The closing date for applications is 12 January 2026. Unless stated otherwise the closing time for applications is 11:59 pm GMT. Interviews will be held at a date to be confirmed upon review of the applications.