Postdoctoral Research Associate

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in livestock genome engineering to join a Gates Foundation-funded project aiming to improve dairy productivity in cattle in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Working alongside quantitative geneticists and computational biologists, you will develop and deploy genome engineering approaches in cattle cells to test genetic changes prioritised by AI models and genetic studies as candidates for improving milk production and feed efficiency.

You will join a team of wet-lab and computational biologists using genetic improvement to tackle challenges in livestock production, from productivity and sustainability to disease. The role offers a unique opportunity to combine genome engineering skills with understanding of gene regulation to address real-world challenges facing tropical small-holder livestock systems. You will build an international network spanning academia, industry and breeding partners, while contributing to the wider engineering biology environment at Roslin (https://vet.ed.ac.uk/roslin/engineering-biology/about)..

For more details on the post please contact Dr Musa Hassan (Musa.Hassan@roslin.ed.ac.uk).

View the full job description (opens in a new browser tab)

To apply, please include a cover letter stating your fit and motivation for the position and a CV detailing your academic qualifications and relevant research experience and track record.

As a valued member of our team, you can expect:

• 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, 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 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.

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 19 October 2026.

Unless stated otherwise, the closing time for applications is 11:59 pm (UK time). If you are applying from outside the UK, the closing time shown on our adverts will automatically adjust to your browser’s local time zone.

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.