Postdoctoral Research Scientist

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

College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine/School of Neurological and Cardiovascular Sciences/Institute for Neuroscience and Cardiovascular Research

Full-time: 35 hours per week, 100% on-site

Fixed-term: for 36 months

The Opportunity:

This is an exciting opportunity to work in a dynamic translational research lab that has expertise in working with organoids.

The position is for a senior post-doctoral research scientist and is focused on supporting the development of a novel cardiac drug screening platform, with the primary responsibility being the generation of human stem cell–derived (iPSC) cardiospheroids, subsequent biochemical and molecular testing and engagement with the development of a commercialisation strategy. The post is based at the University of Edinburgh, and the post-doctoral research scientist will work under the guidance of Professor Shareen Forbes.

The post-holder will produce and test the cardiospheroids using the novel biomedical instrument developed which is currently at the prototype stage which has been designed by the investigators to overcome bottlenecks in screening for drug-induced cardiac arrhythmias. Testing will include comparison of biochemical and molecular status with electrical responses from the cardiospheroids with standard electrophysiological measurements and other modalities working alongside electrophysiologists.  Following drug exposure and manipulation cardiospheroids will be further assessed with downstream analyses using a range of molecular/cellular techniques.

The post holder will work closely with engineers at Heriot-Watt University (Dr Euan Brown) and scientists in drug discovery (Professor Neil Carragher) and their respective teams in order to support the further development of the device for commercial readiness including the development of the device with an automated throughput system for cardiospheroid handling.

The role also includes participation in the implementation of a Quality Management System to ensure ISO compatibility. The post-doctoral research scientist will contribute to report writing, IP reviews, business planning, and regulatory documentation, working alongside experts in commercialisation and regulatory development.

The position is supported by a British Heart Foundation Translational Award to develop a diagnostic platform for screening new drugs for cardiac arrhythmias, with the goal of commercial readiness. The project offers a unique opportunity for a senior researcher to understand the steps necessary for successful commercialisation.

The laboratory also hosts projects funded by charitable foundations and industry, including work on stem cell–derived islets, and comprises a multidisciplinary team of post-doctoral researchers, clinician scientists, technicians, coordinators and PhD students.

Your skills and attributes for success:

• Experience in stem cell organoid generation.
• Experience in a wide range of molecular biology techniques, imaging software and statistical skills.
• Ability to work in a team and communicate ideas well between disciplines.
• Ability to think critically and direct own research independently.
• Record of publications.

Diverse career opportunities

With roles from hospitality to research, there’s a career for everyone at the University of Edinburgh. We can offer opportunities for you to develop in your career and make a real difference in the communities around us while contributing to the world at large.

Roles for every stage of your career

We offer careers and roles in just about every area you can think of. Whether you are looking for entry-level, mid-career or roles at the top of your chosen specialism, we can offer you a career where you can flourish and make a real difference in the communities around us while contributing to the world at large. Our people come from a wide range of backgrounds, each bringing their abilities and experiences to our organisation.

A unique employer in a vibrant city

The University isn’t just any employer. We are part of a local community and a contributor to global thinking, progress and research. 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.

Make a meaningful impact

Join the University of Edinburgh and you’ll be making a difference to everything around you. Be part of something bigger — where you’ll do meaningful work, grow and progress, be rewarded and recognised, and benefit from our strong commitment to your wellbeing. There are so many reasons to join us.

Job type: Academic

People have always been at the heart of our work. As part of the University, you are a part of our community. We are looking for people 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/personalised flexibility for you.

View the full job description. 

How to apply

Please include the following documents in your application:

– CV

– Cover letter

Informal enquiries are welcomed and can be addressed to Professor Shareen Forbes, Shareen.Forbes@ed.ac.uk 

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.

We welcome applications from all qualified candidates.

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.

On this occasion the University will not consider applicants requiring sponsorship for this role. International workers will therefore only be able to take up this role if they can demonstrate an alternative right to work in the UK.

Key dates to note

The closing date for applications is 13^th April 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.