Postdoctoral Research Associate

UE07: £41,064 - £48,822 Per Annum.

College of Sciences & Engineering / School of Biological Sciences.

Full Time - 35 hours per week

Fixed Term Contract - 24 months.

The Opportunity:

We are looking for a skilled and motivated postdoctoral researcher to investigate the causes and consequences of sex-differences in recombination rates and landscapes. The award holder will integrate whole-genome, single-cell, and gamete-sequencing approaches from house sparrows in Helgeland in Norway, to understand fine-scale individual variation in recombination, the sex-specific genetic architectures associated with functional variation, and impacts of recombination on individual fertility. The award holder will join Susan Johnston’s lab in the dynamic Institute of Ecology and Evolution, University of Edinburgh, as part of a project funded by the Natural Environmental Research Council (NERC). Applicants must have a PhD (or to be completed in 3 months) in population genetics, quantitative genetics, and/or bioinformatics. The post requires experience in genomic analyses, creativity in problem solving, and strong communication and organisational skills. An understanding of the biology of meiotic recombination and inference methods using sequence and/or pedigree-based approaches is desirable. 

This post is full-time (35 hours per week).

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 (opens new browser tab).

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 03.07.2026

Unless stated otherwise the closing time for applications is 11:59pm UK time. If you are applying outside the UK the closing time on our adverts automatically adjusts to your browsers local time zone.

Interviews will be held online the week of 13.07.2026