Research Assistant

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The University of Edinburgh is a world-class organisation. We look for the best in the field across all disciplines and provide a working environment where academics can develop their careers and passion for their chosen subject area. We offer the full range of academic roles and have a genuine focus on our students performance and wellbeing.

Help develop new optical technologies for measuring the mechanical properties of living cells and tissues.

We are looking for a Research Assistant to support the development of optical elastography technologies that use light to measure the biomechanics of cells, organoids and tissues. Building on our group’s advances in optical coherence elastography, you will help translate a new quantitative imaging approach into practical, commercial applications.

Working with the Principal Investigator and a Postdoctoral Research Associate, you will fabricate and mechanically characterise soft gels, undertake biomechanical and optical elastography measurements, support prototype assembly and testing, and collect, analyse and document research data. You will also contribute to research dissemination, knowledge exchange and engagement with academic and industry partners.

You should hold a degree in biomedical engineering, mechanical engineering or an equivalent discipline. You will have experience of relevant engineering methods, gathering data using defined research procedures, computational data analysis and preparing clear reports. Strong communication, teamwork and problem-solving skills are also essential. Experience of mechanical measurements, biomaterial characterisation, 3D printing or prototyping would be advantageous.

People have always been at the heart of our work. As part of the University, you are a part of our community. We are looking for people with drive, determination, and a passion for what they do. We are a place where everyone is welcome and offer a range of policies and benefits designed to support you in building the right meaningful/personalised flexibility for you.

A career with us has a range of other benefits that can be tailored to your lifestyle:

This post is full-time (35 hours per week).

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

Please include the following documents in your application:

• CV
• Cover letter

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 (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 a Stonewall Proud Employer, actively promoting LGBTQ+ equality.

We welcome applications from all qualified candidates and are committed to creating an inclusive working environment where everyone is respected, supported and able to thrive.

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 (opens new browser tab)

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 14th of October 2026

Unless stated otherwise the closing time for applications is 11:59pm UK time. If you are applying outside the UK the closing time on our adverts automatically adjusts to your browsers local time zone.

Interview dates to be confirmed.

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.