Research Assistant

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With roles from hospitality to research, there’s a career for everyone at the University of Edinburgh. We can offer opportunities for you to develop in your career and make a real difference in the communities around us while contributing to the world at large.

We are inviting applications for a Research Assistant position to undertake an Engineering Biology project entitled “Engineering genetically tractable induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived models to dissect susceptibility and resilience to Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus.” funded by the Roslin Foundation.

The project is jointly led by Drs Tom Burdon and Finn Grey at The Roslin Institute and Dr James Kelly at The Pirbright Institute. The post will be held at The Roslin Institute and will entail developing new pig iPSC differentiation methodologies to produce cell types suitable for studying how host genetics regulates Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus. The Burdon group has established expertise in livestock pluripotent stem cell biology and genome engineering, including development of edited pig iPSC lines suitable for efficient genetic manipulation and directed differentiation. Dr Grey and Kelly have an established ongoing collaboration investigating FMDV host resilience factors.

Successful applicants will have a strong scientific background in areas such as developmental/stem cell biology, and work closely with the Roslin and Pirbright teams. Applicants must be highly motivated, self-driven, and able to work both independently and collaboratively. Applicants will have an honours degree in stem cell/developmental biology or closely related area of biological science. Experience in stem cell differentiation is highly relevant for the project.

The post is from October 1st 2026 on a 9-month full time fixed-term contract. Given the short duration of the contract, flexible working or hybrid working arrangements are not possible.

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