Postdoctoral Research Associate

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

CMVM/ Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies

Full Time: 35 hours per week

Fixed term: 36 months

The Opportunity:

Take your next step. Be part of something bigger

We are looking for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to understand horses’ experiences when being transported via road, and leading to the development of a welfare assessment tool for transportation. This position is funded by World Horse Welfare, and the successful candidate will collect both physiological and behavioural measures of horses being transported by road to better understand the horses’ experience.

This position represents a unique opportunity to join a renowned equine behaviour and welfare research team at the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies.  In Edinburgh, you are in one of the world’s most attractive cities with active arts and social sectors, while working in a University that has made significant contributions to society, medicine, physics and teaching for over four centuries. Our people have helped create the modern world and are working on more ground-breaking technologies and practices. 

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 students 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.

This post is full-time (35 hours per week) and will involve flexible working hours

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

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. Check out the full list on our staff benefits page (opens in a new tab) 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 a Stonewall Proud Employer, actively promoting LGBTQ+ 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 30th October 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 at the beginning of November.

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.