At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct groundbreaking research on epigenetic biomarkers and disease outcomes.
- Company: Join the University of Edinburgh, a leader in medical research.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborate with top researchers globally and contribute to significant scientific advancements.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in understanding ageing and disease through innovative research.
- Qualifications: PhD in molecular epidemiology or related field 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 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
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the field of molecular epidemiology. Attend conferences, seminars, or even local meet-ups. You never know who might have a lead on a job or can put in a good word for you!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the University of Edinburgh and their recent projects. Be ready to discuss how your skills in genetic and epigenetic epidemiology can contribute to their research goals. Show them you’re not just a fit, but the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, send a thank-you email expressing your appreciation for the opportunity. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it easy for you to find and apply for positions that match your expertise. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves!
We think you need these skills to ace Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Molecular Epidemiology – Title of the Post
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 any standout publications. We want to see your passion for the research and how you can contribute to our exciting projects.
Tailor Your CV:Don’t just send a generic CV! Tailor it to showcase your skills and experiences that align with the job description. Highlight your advanced statistical analysis skills and any project management experience, as these are key for us.
Showcase Your Research Impact:When detailing your past research, focus on the impact of your work. We love to see how your contributions have advanced the field or led to new insights, especially in genetic and epigenetic epidemiology.
Apply Through Our Website:Make sure to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at RFCSR
✨Know Your Research Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the specifics of molecular epidemiology and the research project. Familiarise yourself with the key studies mentioned in the job description, especially those related to DNA methylation and biomarkers. This will help you answer questions confidently and show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Publications
Since an outstanding track record of first-author publications is a must, be prepared to discuss your work in detail. Highlight how your research aligns with the project’s goals and be ready to explain the impact of your findings. This will demonstrate your expertise and commitment to advancing the field.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect to face technical questions related to statistical analysis and research design. Brush up on advanced statistical methods relevant to genetic and epigenetic epidemiology. Practising how to articulate your thought process when tackling complex problems will impress the interviewers.
✨Demonstrate Mentorship Skills
As the role involves mentoring students and postdoctoral researchers, think of examples from your past experiences where you’ve successfully guided others. Be ready to discuss your approach to mentorship and how you can contribute to the team’s development, which will show that you’re not just a great researcher but also a supportive colleague.
