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- Tasks: Conduct groundbreaking research in molecular epidemiology and develop innovative biomarkers.
- Company: Join the prestigious University of Edinburgh's College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on health research and contribute to understanding disease mechanisms.
- Qualifications: PhD in molecular or epigenetic epidemiology with strong publication record.
- Other info: Collaborate with leading experts and enjoy a dynamic research environment.
The predicted salary is between 41064 - 48822 £ per year.
The University of Edinburgh’s College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine (CMVM), School of Genetics and Cancer, invites applications for two Postdoctoral Research Fellow positions in Molecular Epidemiology. These full-time positions (35 hours per week) are offered at Grade UE07 and are fixed-term for 36–48 months. The posts are funded through a Medical Research Council (MRC) grant titled “Blood- and saliva-based DNA methylation biomarkers of disease.” The research will investigate epigenetic biomarkers of organ ageing, proteins, and disease outcomes.
The project will analyse DNA methylation data from three large Scottish studies, using approximately 35,000 samples across blood and saliva. The successful researchers will contribute to developing and testing biomarkers and integrating multi-omics data to understand disease mechanisms and ageing processes.
Key research activities:- Building epigenetic biomarkers for 11 organ age estimates and 10,000 proteins using longitudinal data from approximately 800 members of the Lothian Birth Cohort 1936.
- Testing these biomarkers in a subset of 1,000 volunteers from Generation Scotland.
- Determining correlations of biomarkers across biosamples such as blood and saliva.
- Applying biomarkers to blood-based DNA methylation data from 19,000 Generation Scotland participants and saliva-based data from 11,000 additional volunteers.
- Investigating associations between biomarkers and the incidence of 174 disease outcomes as well as all-cause mortality.
- Developing pipelines to replicate findings through international consortia projects including GoDMC and DEEP.
- Developing and applying a multivariate genome-wide association (GWA) framework to identify shared and unique SNP correlates of measured proteins and their DNA methylation analogues.
- Using summary-level bivariate associations across omics layers (SNPs, CpGs, EpiScores, and proteins) and disease outcomes to build graph models identifying age‑specific causal pathways.
The research management team includes Riccardo Marioni, Simon Cox, and Sarah Harris (University of Edinburgh), Matthew Robinson (Institute of Science and Technology Austria, Vienna), Josine Min and Hannah Elliott (University of Bristol), with project partners Professor Tony Wyss-Coray (Stanford University) and Professor Dan Belsky (Columbia University).
Applicants will be required to submit a CV and a cover letter as part of their application. The University may be able to sponsor international candidates depending on individual circumstances. Candidates must provide evidence of their right to work in the United Kingdom prior to employment. Interviews will take place shortly after the application closing date.
Eligibility Criteria:- PhD in molecular epidemiology, epigenetic epidemiology, or a closely related discipline.
- Outstanding track record of first‑author publications.
- Strong understanding of genetic and epigenetic epidemiology.
- Advanced statistical analysis skills.
- Ability to design and manage complex research projects.
- Ability to mentor students and postdoctoral researchers.
Salary Details: £41,064 to £48,822 per annum (Grade UE07).
Application Deadline: 16 March 2026 (11:59 PM GMT).
Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Molecular Epidemiology – Title of the Post in Edinburgh employer: RFCSR
Contact Detail:
RFCSR Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Molecular Epidemiology – Title of the Post in Edinburgh
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with folks in your field! Attend conferences, seminars, or even local meet-ups. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help land that dream job.
✨Nail the Interview
When you get that interview, prep like it’s the final exam! Research the team, understand their projects, and think about how your skills fit in. We want to see you shine and show them why you’re the perfect fit for their research goals.
✨Show Your Passion
Let your enthusiasm for molecular epidemiology and research come through in every conversation. We love candidates who are genuinely excited about their work and can articulate their ideas clearly. It makes a huge difference!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we’ve got loads of resources to help you along the way. Let’s get you that postdoc position!
We think you need these skills to ace Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Molecular Epidemiology – Title of the Post in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in molecular epidemiology and how it aligns with our research goals. Keep it engaging and personal – we want to see your passion for the field!
Tailor Your CV: Don’t just send a generic CV! Tailor it to showcase your first-author publications and any advanced statistical analysis skills you have. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your expertise in genetic and epigenetic epidemiology.
Showcase Your Project Management Skills: Since this role involves managing complex research projects, make sure to include any relevant experiences where you've successfully led a project or mentored others. We love seeing candidates who can take charge and guide their peers!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at RFCSR
✨Know Your Research Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the specifics of your research area, especially molecular epidemiology and epigenetics. Be prepared to discuss your previous work, publications, and how they relate to the project at hand. This shows your passion and expertise.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions about advanced statistical analysis and the methodologies you’ve used in your research. Brush up on your knowledge of DNA methylation data and multi-omics approaches, as these will likely come up during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Be ready to discuss how you’ve designed and managed complex research projects in the past. Highlight any experience mentoring students or postdoctoral researchers, as this is a key aspect of the role.
✨Engage with the Interview Panel
Don’t just answer questions; engage with the panel. Ask insightful questions about their ongoing projects and how you can contribute. This demonstrates your enthusiasm for the role and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.