At a Glance
- 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.
- Other info: Collaborate with leading experts and enjoy a dynamic research environment.
- 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.
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
The University of Edinburgh is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and collaborative work culture that fosters innovation and research excellence in the field of Molecular Epidemiology. With access to cutting-edge resources and a supportive environment for professional development, employees are encouraged to grow their skills and contribute to impactful research projects. Located in the historic city of Edinburgh, the university provides a unique opportunity to engage with a diverse community while working on groundbreaking studies that aim to improve health outcomes.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Molecular Epidemiology – Title of the Post in Edinburgh
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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 🫡
Show Off Your Lab Skills:In the biotechnology field, it's super important to highlight your lab experience in your CV. Be sure to mention specific techniques or instruments you've mastered (think PCR, gel electrophoresis, etc.) and any relevant projects you've worked on. This will show RFCSR that you have the hands-on skills they need.
Tailor Your Technical Skills:Make sure to emphasise your technical skills, especially those relevant to the biotechnology sector. Include any software tools or programming languages you've used, like R or Python for data analysis, which could be key for this role at RFCSR.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Since this is a full-time role, your cover letter should reflect not only your passion for biotechnology but also your long-term career ambitions. Share why you're excited about the work that RFCSR does and how you envision contributing to their goals. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but you're genuinely invested in this opportunity.
Include Your Papers and Projects:If you've published any papers or contributed to significant projects, mention them! These documents can boost your application and provide tangible evidence of your expertise in the biotechnology field. Don’t forget to link to any relevant publications or project summaries—this can set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at RFCSR
✨Brush Up on Lab Techniques
Since you're eyeing a full-time gig in biotechnology, make sure you're well-versed in the lab techniques relevant to the role. Be ready to talk about PCR, CRISPR, or any specific methods mentioned in the job description at RFCSR. You might even be asked to demonstrate your understanding of these processes.
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Get comfortable with bioinformatics tools that are commonly used in the industry, like BLAST or Bioconductor. These are key in biotechnology, and having hands-on experience or at least familiarity can set you apart. Prepare to discuss any relevant projects you've worked on, especially if they involved data analysis or genomic research.
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