Job Description

Grade UE06: £34,610 - £39,906 per annum

CMVM / School of Genetics and Cancer

Full-time: 35 hours per week

Fixed-term: until 31st December 2027

The Opportunity

The Institute of Genetics and Cancer at the University of Edinburgh is seeking a motivated and highly organised Mass Spectrometry Research Assistant to support cutting-edge cancer research.

The successful applicant will contribute to projects investigating brain tumour biology, treatment resistance and therapeutic vulnerabilities, with a particular emphasis on proteomics-based approaches. Working closely with researchers across the IGC Mass Spectrometry facility and associated laboratories, the post holder will support sample preparation, proteomic workflows, data organisation and the smooth running of laboratory activities linked to mass spectrometry-based research.

This role would suit an enthusiastic scientist with experience in molecular biology, biochemistry, proteomics or analytical laboratory techniques who wishes to develop specialist expertise in mass spectrometry and its application to cancer research. Training will be provided where appropriate, and the post offers excellent opportunities for professional development within a highly collaborative research environment.

The post is based on campus at the Institute of Genetics and Cancer at the University of Edinburgh. The IGC hosts more than 600 scientists, students and technical staff and provides access to a wide range of cutting-edge technologies, including imaging, genomics, genome editing and disease-model platforms. The research environment at the IGC places strong emphasis on collaboration, mentorship, reproducibility and career development.

Informal enquiries may be directed to Vincenzo D’Angiolella - vdangio@ed.ac.uk and Alex Von Kriegsheim - Alex.VonKriegsheim@ed.ac.uk , who will be happy to discuss the post further.

Key Responsibilities:

The post holder will:

• Support mass spectrometry-based proteomics projects across associated IGC laboratories.
• Consult colleagues and collaborators on experimental design and approaches to enable optimal data generation
• Prepare biological samples for proteomic analysis, including protein extraction, quantification, digestion, peptide clean-up and related quality-control steps.
• Use and adapt established bioinformatic pipelines to analyse, quantify and interpret the experimental data.
• Support researchers using proteomic approaches to study brain tumour biology, treatment response and mechanisms of therapeutic resistance.
• Maintain accurate experimental records, sample inventories and data-management systems.
• Contribute and develop reproducible and standardised workflows across multiple projects and research groups.
• Assist with ordering, stock management, reagent preparation and general laboratory organisation.

Your skills and attributes for success

• Motivation to apply mass spectrometry, proteomics and molecular biology techniques to important questions in cancer research.
• Experience in biochemistry, molecular biology, analytical laboratory work or related experimental techniques.
• Familiarity with protein-based workflows, such as protein extraction, gel electrophoresis, Western blotting, immunoprecipitation or sample preparation for proteomics.
• Working knowledge of common scientific software, data handling tools and quantitative analysis packages is desirable.
• Previous experience with mass spectrometry, proteomics sample preparation, LC-MS/MS workflows or facility-based research support is desirable but not essential.

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How to apply

Please include the following documents in your application:

- CV

- One page-cover letter highlighting your previous relevant experience

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 pageand 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

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 16th July 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.

Interviews will be held a week after the closing date according to candidate and panel availability.

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.