Postdoctoral Fellow in Edinburgh

Grade UE07: 41,064 - 48,822 per annum

CMVM / School of Genetics and Cancer

Full-time: 35 hours per week

Fixed-term: 12 months

Together we can do great things. Be part of something bigger. Here, you can continue to make a difference in everything around you. Take on new challenges, grow your career, be recognised for your contributions, and benefit from our commitment to your wellbeing.

The Opportunity:

This is an exciting opportunity to work on a UKRI-funded programme grant investigating the role of E3 ubiquitin ligases in cancer pathogenesis and treatment with ionising radiation. The project will focus particularly on brain cancers, including glioblastoma, and will examine how ubiquitin-dependent signalling pathways regulate tumour biology, DNA damage responses and sensitivity or resistance to radiotherapy.

Radiotherapy remains a cornerstone of treatment for many cancers, including aggressive brain tumours. However, the molecular mechanisms that determine tumour response to ionising radiation remain incompletely understood. This project aims to identify and characterise genes and pathways that regulate radiation response, with the long-term goal of discovering new therapeutic vulnerabilities.

The successful candidate will join a dynamic and collaborative research environment with expertise in cancer biology, ubiquitin signalling, DNA damage responses, proteomics, genome editing, imaging, functional genomics and translational cancer research.

The Project:

The post-holder will work within Professor D'Angiolella's research group to investigate how E3 ubiquitin ligases and related post-translational regulatory mechanisms contribute to the pathogenesis and treatment response of brain cancers. The project will combine biochemical, molecular and cellular approaches with relevant tumour models to define how ubiquitin-mediated regulation controls cancer cell responses to ionising radiation. The work will include experimental studies of DNA damage signalling, radiation response, protein regulation, tumour cell survival and potential therapeutic sensitisation strategies.

The post-holder will be expected to conduct original research, analyse and interpret data, contribute to publications and presentations, and work closely with internal and external collaborators.

Key Responsibilities:

• Perform biochemical, molecular and cellular experiments to study E3 ubiquitin ligases in the pathogenesis and treatment responses of brain cancers.
• Develop, maintain and characterise relevant experimental models, including mammalian cell culture systems and tumour models.
• Investigate cellular responses to ionising radiation, including DNA damage signalling, cell survival, treatment resistance and radiosensitisation.
• Analyse, interpret and present experimental data clearly and rigorously.
• Maintain accurate, detailed and up-to-date records documenting experimental procedures, data analysis and research progress.

Research Environment:

The successful candidate will join the D'Angiolella laboratory at the Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh. The laboratory focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms that drive cancer and exploiting this knowledge to develop improved therapeutic strategies. The group has a particular interest in ubiquitin-mediated regulation, DNA damage responses and brain tumours. The post-holder will benefit from the outstanding research environment at the Institute of Genetics and Cancer, including access to expertise in cancer biology, proteomics, imaging, functional genomics, genome editing, disease modelling and translational research. The project will involve close interactions with collaborators across the CRUK Brain Tumour Centre of Excellence and other research groups working on brain tumour biology, chromatin biology, proteomics and therapeutic discovery.

Career Development:

The postdoctoral fellow will be supported to develop as an independent scientist through regular mentoring, opportunities to present work nationally and internationally, manuscript preparation, grant-related experience, training opportunities and supervision of junior colleagues. The role provides an excellent opportunity for a researcher interested in cancer biology, radiation response, ubiquitin signalling and translational brain tumour research to develop a strong scientific profile within a collaborative and well-supported environment.

Informal Enquiries:

Informal enquiries are welcome and should be directed to:

• Professor Vincenzo D'Angiolella, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh
• Doctor Paul Smith, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh

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 student's performance and wellbeing.

People have always been at the heart of our work. Our people are at the centre of the University community and everything we do. We value colleagues 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 flexibility that works for you.

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

• Professional development and subject matter expertise
• Opportunities to develop new skills and broaden your experience
• Leading-edge research

This post is full-time (35 hours per week) however we are happy to support flexible working patterns.

How to apply:

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.

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 Stonewall Scotland Diversity Champions, actively promoting LGBT equality.

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. 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 30th July 2026. Unless stated otherwise, the closing time for applications is 11:59 pm (UK time). If you are applying from outside the UK, the closing time shown on our adverts will automatically adjust to your browser's local time zone. Interviews will be held shortly after the advertisement closes.