Postdoctoral Research Associate

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

CMVM / Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies / Roslin Institute

Full-time: 35 hours per week

Fixed-term: 3 years or until 31 March 2030

The Opportunity:

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in livestock genome engineering to join a Gates Foundation-funded project aiming to improve dairy productivity in cattle in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Working alongside quantitative geneticists and computational biologists, you will develop and deploy genome engineering approaches in cattle cells to test genetic changes prioritised by AI models and genetic studies as candidates for improving milk production and feed efficiency. 

You will join a team of wet-lab and computational biologists using genetic improvement to tackle challenges in livestock production, from productivity and sustainability to disease. The role offers a unique opportunity to combine genome engineering skills with understanding of gene regulation to address real-world challenges facing tropical small-holder livestock systems. You will build an international network spanning academia, industry and breeding partners, while contributing to the wider engineering biology environment at Roslin (https://vet.ed.ac.uk/roslin/engineering-biology/about)..

For more details on the post please contact Dr Musa Hassan ([email protected]).

View the full job description (opens in a new browser tab)

How to apply

To apply, please include a cover letter stating your fit and motivation for the position and a CV detailing your academic qualifications and relevant research experience and track record.

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. Check out the full list on our staff benefits page and use our reward calculator to discover the value of your pay and benefits. 

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 19 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.

The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies (https://vet.ed.ac.uk/about/what-we-do) (opens in a new browser tab) is a one-of-a-kind centre of excellence in clinical activity, teaching and research. Our purpose-built campus, set against the Pentland Hills Regional Park, is home to over 800 staff and a thriving student community (https://vet.ed.ac.uk/education) (opens in a new browser tab).  

The School comprises the Roslin Institute, three veterinary hospitals, a pathology unit, innovation centre and a range of research centres and services.

We represent one of the largest concentrations of animal science expertise in Europe, impacting local, regional, national and international communities in terms of economic growth, the provision of clinical services and the advancement of scientific knowledge.

Education
The School is widely accredited, enabling our graduates to practise across the globe. We are ranked among the best vet schools in the UK and internationally, evidencing our leadership in veterinary education, research and clinical practice.

The Roslin Institute collaborates closely in delivering research-led teaching to undergraduate veterinary students, and promoting clinical veterinary research and translation.

The School’s position as part of the College of Medicine & Veterinary Medicine enables the translation of expertise and knowledge into human health and vice-versa. 

Research Impact
In a joint submission to the latest UK Research Excellence Framework exercise, research at the School and Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) ranked number one in the UK for agriculture, food and veterinary sciences by combining ratings for each institution. The research environment was rated 100 per cent world leading or internationally excellent, as was the impact of our research on society.

Community
The School holds Athena SWAN Silver, and the Roslin Institute Gold. The campus is home to a thriving and diverse community of staff and students, with access to facilities including allotments, cycle facilities, fitness trails, restaurants and a gym.