Research Assistant

Edinburgh
- Western General, Midlothian, United Kingdom (Hybrid working)

• Job Identification 14746
• Locations Edinburgh
  - Western General, Edinburgh
  - Western General, EH4 2XU
  , GB (Hybrid working)
• Organization Edinburgh University Group
• Department Institute of Genetics and Cancer
• Health and Safety Requirements No key hazards identified for this post
• Criminal Record Check No criminal record check required
• Contract Type Fixed Term
• Work Duration Months 18
• Job Schedule Full time
• Grade UE06
• Number of Openings 1
• Job Function Researcher

CMVM / Institute of Genetics and Cancer

Full-time: 35 hours per week

Fixed-term: 18 months contract

The Opportunity

An exciting research assistant position is available to research the role of epigenetic marks in gene regulation.

We are looking for a self-motivated, enthusiastic research assistant to join the laboratory of Dr Duncan Sproul at the University of Edinburgh’s Institute of Genetics and Cancer and support research into the role of DNA methylation in gene regulation. This project is a close collaboration with 3 other groups based at the Universities of Edinburgh and Exeter.

We have recently characterised mutations that prevent the DNA methyltransferase DNMT3B from being recruited to actively transcribed gene bodies (Taglini et al. 2024, EMBO Reports 25
:1130, DOI: 10.1038/s-5). Our new project will use this knowledge combined with recently developed synthetic approaches as an entry point to probe the non-canonical regulation of transcription by DNA methylation within gene bodies and its functional impact on cellular phenotypes.

The successful candidate will work with the Sproul and collaborating laboratories as part of a successful multidisciplinary research team. This role will have a particular emphasis on the use of synthetic vector libraries combined with cellular landing pads high throughput sequencing data of variant libraries from mammalian cells.

Candidates who have a degree in a relevant subject and have experience in laboratory research in the areas of molecular biology, cellular biology or biochemistry are invited to apply. Applicants must possess the ability to work with others as part of an interdisciplinary research team to support research projects towards publication. Candidates with prior experience of research in the fields of epigenomics, gene regulation and/or the use of synthetic approaches in these fields are particularly welcome.

The post is full-time (35 hours per week) and funding is available from 1 st January 2027 for 1.5 years pending review after 6 months.

Further details of work from the Sproul research group are available at:

• An exciting, positive, creative, challenging and rewarding place to work.
• To be part of a diverse and vibrant international community.
• Comprehensive Staff Benefits, including generous annual leave entitlement, a defined benefits pension scheme, a wide range of staff discounts, family-friendly initiatives, and flexible work options. Check out the full list on our staff benefits page (opens in a new tab) and use our reward calculator to discover the 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.

On this occasion the University will not consider applicants requiring sponsorship for this role. International workers will therefore only be able to take up this role if they can demonstrate an alternative right to work in the UK.

Key dates to note

The closing date for applications is
23 rd October 2026.

Unless…