Assistant Research Associate

Full-time: 35 hours per week
Fixed-term: 32 months
We have an opportunity for a Research Assistant, based at the University of Edinburgh, to contribute to a LifeArc funded project investigating a novel therapeutic strategy against the rare genetic calcification diseases Generalised Arterial Calcification of Infancy (GACI) and pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE), working in the laboratories of Vicky MacRae (PI) and Patrick Hadoke (Co-I). This work forms a central part of the larger research programme of our team, investigating mechanisms of cardiovascular calcification. The successful applicant will work closely with the group leader and other team members, including a post-doctoral research assistant. They will benefit from training in a vibrant and collaborative research environment, which offers the opportunity to develop skills in a wide range of state-of-the-art biomedical research methods.
This post is full-time (35 hours per week); however, we are open to considering part-time or flexible working patterns.
Experience of histology (preparing, processing and staining samples) and tissue collection.
A solid knowledge in molecular and cell biology techniques
BSc or equivalent in a biology or chemistry based area
BSc or equivalent in a biology or chemistry based area
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, such as a generous holiday entitlement, competitive pension schemes, staff discounts, and family-friendly initiatives. Championing equality, diversity and inclusion
We are members of the Race Equality Charter and we are also Stonewall Scotland Diversity Champions, actively promoting LGBT equality.
The closing date for applications is 15th January 2026.
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As a world-leading research-intensive University, we are here to address tomorrow’s greatest challenges. Between now and 2030 we will do that with a values-led approach to teaching, research and innovation, and through the strength of our relationships, both locally and globally.
The Roslin Institute receives strategic investment from the Biotechnology & Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) and provides national capability to achieve sustainable agriculture, control diseases and enhance health through pioneering animal bioscience.
The Institute is a key part of the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies. In the most recent Research Excellence Framework exercise, a joint submission by the School and Scotland’s Rural College placed first in the United Kingdom for agriculture, food and veterinary sciences.
It has a vibrant programme ( ) (opens in a new browser tab) of postgraduate research and a thriving student community.
Research at the Institute is organised across eight divisions (Quantitative Biology, Genome Biology, Functional Genetics, Translational Bioscience, Bacteriology, Virology, Immunology, and Epidemiology) and two Institute Strategic Programmes funded by the BBSRC from 2023-28 (Genes & Traits for Healthy Animals and Prevention & Control of Infectious Diseases).
Over £380M has been invested in physical infrastructure at Easter Bush since 2008, including for research on key terrestrial and aquatic farmed animals. This includes the National Avian Research Facility, a £24M Large Animal Research & Imaging Facility, Aquaculture facilities for fish and shellfish, and an Innovation Centre that is now fully occupied with commercial tenants. The campus serves as a key innovation hub for the Agri-Tech, Aquaculture and Animal Bioscience (3A) sector and Roslin has extensive partnerships with businesses, including animal breeding and pharmaceutical businesses able to translate its discoveries at global scale.
The Institute has a positive and inclusive culture and holds a prestigious Athena SWAN Gold award in recognition of its commitment to advance the careers of women in science.
Further details of the research conducted at the Institute can be found at The Roslin Institute website ( ) (opens in a new browser tab).