Post-Doctoral Research Fellow

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

CMVM / School of Genetics and Cancer

Full-time: 35 hours per week

Fixed-term: 2 years

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 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.

The Opportunity:

We are seeking a Post-Doctoral Research Fellow to join the Guest Lab at the Institute of Genetics and Cancer (Disease Models & Mechanisms theme) for a 2-year post funded by the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation (CCF). Our lab investigates the tissue-specific selection of IDH1/2 mutations in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC), one of the most aggressive human malignancies. This project uses cutting-edge spatial multi-omics approaches to understand why IDH mutations are selected in specific hepatic cell populations. Using novel FLEx-IDH transgenic mouse models and CARLIN lineage tracing, we are building spatially-resolved metabolic-transcriptomic maps of the hepatic progenitor niche to identify the microenvironmental conditions that permit IDH-mutant clone expansion.

The post holder will lead the spatial multi-omics component of this programme, performing spatial and single-cell transcriptomics (Visium/scRNA-seq) on tissue from novel transgenic mouse models and working with collaborators at Keio University (Japan) who will perform MALDI mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI-MSI) for spatial metabolomics. A key element of the role involves the computational integration of spatial metabolomic and transcriptomic datasets to create unified spatial coordinate systems. The post holder will also contribute to the in vivo experimental work, including tissue harvesting and processing from transgenic mouse models. The post holder will work closely with the PI, collaborators, and other lab members to develop and optimise the spatial analysis pipeline and to contribute to high-impact publications.

The ideal candidate will have strong computational and bioinformatics skills for multi-modal data integration, combined with experience of working with mouse models and tissue processing. Experience with spatial omics technologies (e.g. spatial transcriptomics, mass spectrometry imaging) and/or single-cell RNA sequencing would be highly advantageous. Knowledge of liver biology, cancer metabolism, or cholangiocarcinoma is desirable.

Your skills and attributes for success:

• Strong computational and bioinformatics skills, including experience with R and/or Python for analysis of high-dimensional biological datasets (e.g. transcriptomics, metabolomics)
• Experience of working with mouse models, including tissue harvesting, processing, and cryosectioning
• Experience with spatial omics technologies (e.g. 10x Visium, MERFISH, MALDI-MSI) and/or single-cell RNA sequencing
• A proactive, collaborative approach and the ability to work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary, international team
• PhD (or near submission) in a relevant discipline such as bioinformatics, computational biology, systems biology, cancer biology, or a related biomedical science

This post is full-time (35 hours per week); however, we are open to considering flexible working patterns. We are also open to considering requests for hybrid working (on a non-contractual basis) that combines a mix of remote and regular on-campus working.

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

How to apply:

Please include the following documents in your application:

• CVCover letter
• Contact details for two academic referees

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 18th August 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.