At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop next-gen magnetic nanoparticle technologies for drug delivery to the CNS.
- Company: Join the University of Edinburgh, a world-class research institution.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, pension scheme, and flexible work options.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse, vibrant community with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in neuroscience and nanomaterial research.
- Qualifications: PhD in Biomedical Engineering or related field; expertise in cell culture and assays.
The predicted salary is between 48822 - 48822 £ per year.
Grade UE07: £41,064 - £48,822 per annum
College of Science and Engineering / School of Engineering
Full-time: 35 hours per week
Fixed-term: for up to 24 months
The Opportunity:
Develop next-generation magnetic nanoparticle technologies for drug delivery to the CNS. This is an academic research role.
The School of Engineering seeks to appoint a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Cell Culture Screening of Proteins and Nanomaterials to contribute to an Advanced Research + Invention Agency (ARIA)-funded project on targeted drug transport to the Central Nervous System (CNS). The post will be supervised by Prof Guangzhao Mao and will involve close collaboration with Prof Michael Chen and Dr Jamie Marland in the School of Engineering, Prof Giles Hardingham in the Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, and other ARIA project partners.
The successful candidate will develop and operate microfluidic platforms for mammalian cell culture and biological assay development, with a particular focus on primary neurons and applications in nanomaterial screening and CNS delivery. The role will combine mammalian cell culture, biological assays, fluorescence microscopy, and quantitative image and data analysis to investigate protein and nanoparticle movement within and across cells and nanomaterial-cell interactions relevant to the CNS.
Applicants should have, or be within three months of completing, a PhD in Biomedical Engineering, Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience, or a closely related discipline. Expertise in mammalian cell culture, including primary neurons, biological assays, fluorescence microscopy and quantitative image/data analysis is particularly relevant. Knowledge of molecular and cellular neuroscience and experience or a strong interest in nanomaterial-cell interactions are also valuable.
We are looking for a motivated researcher with expertise in neuronal cell culture, microfluidic assay development and quantitative cellular analysis to join this collaborative ARIA-funded programme.
This post is full-time. The role is primarily laboratory-based on the University of Edinburgh campus.
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 5 October 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.
Research Associate in Cell Culture Screening of Proteins and Nanomaterials in Edinburgh employer: University of Edinburgh
The University of Edinburgh is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture where every team member is valued. As an Operations Supervisor, you will enjoy a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for professional growth while contributing to a world-class institution that prioritises community impact and diversity. With award-winning facilities and a commitment to equality, this role provides a unique chance to make a meaningful difference in the lives of students and visitors alike.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Associate in Cell Culture Screening of Proteins and Nanomaterials in Edinburgh
✨Get Involved in Local Research Communities
Tap into local biotechnology meetups and research forums. These are great places to mingle with industry professionals, share your passion, and even discover unadvertised job openings. It's all about getting your face known in the field!
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If you're a recent grad, don’t underestimate the power of your university’s alumni network! Reach out to alumni working in biotechnology to gather tips about job openings at companies like University of Edinburgh. You'd be surprised how willing people are to help out a fellow grad!
✨Show Off Your Projects
Curate a portfolio showcasing any research projects or internships you've completed in biotechnology. This tangible evidence of your skills can really impress employers when you chat with them at networking events or interviews. It's about making that killer first impression!
✨Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends
Biotech is a fast-paced field, so keeping yourself updated with the latest advancements is crucial. Attend industry conferences, webinars, or workshops to broaden your knowledge and meet potential employers. Plus, it’ll give you fantastic talking points for your interviews at places like University of Edinburgh!
We think you need these skills to ace Research Associate in Cell Culture Screening of Proteins and Nanomaterials 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 University of Edinburgh 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 University of Edinburgh.
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 University of Edinburgh 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 University of Edinburgh
✨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 University of Edinburgh. You might even be asked to demonstrate your understanding of these processes.
✨Know Your Bioinformatics Tools
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.
✨Show Your Teamwork Skills
Biotech often involves collaboration across multiple disciplines. Be ready to share stories that highlight your teamwork and communication skills, especially in research projects. Think about working with different teams at university or any internships – this is where you can show how well you fit into University of Edinburgh's culture.
✨Research Recent Biotech Innovations
Stay updated on the latest trends and breakthroughs in biotechnology. Knowing what's happening in the field can help you engage in more meaningful discussions during your interview. Bring up recent articles or advancements that excite you, especially those related to the work being done at University of Edinburgh. This shows your passion for the industry!
