The opportunity:

There is an opportunity to join Mahad lab research team, at the University of Edinburgh, that focuses basic science research on mechanisms of neurodegeneration in multiple sclerosis with a specific interest in mitochondria. Mahad lab has developed a number of animal models to better understand the pathophysiology of progressive MS and identify potentially neuroprotective drugs. The applicant will focus on characterising mitochondrial function and mitochondrial DNA at a single cell level in an animal model with chronic neurodegeneration, in collaboration with Professor Ken Smith based at the University College London. A skill set to assess mitochondrial function and mitochondrial DNA at a single cell level in brain tissue will be highly desirable. The candidate will have the opportunity to interact closely with researches at the Dementia Research Institute, led by Professor Siddharthan Chandran.

The opportunities at the University of Edinburgh will enable the candidate to be part of something bigger. For early career researchers Edinburgh University offers opportunities where the candidate can flourish and make a real difference.

Academic

As a post-doctoral researcher, the candidate will have a balance between supervised and prescriptive work and that stems from candidates own initiative. The work will primarily be based at the Chancellor s building in Little France, Edinburgh.

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); We are also open to considering requests for hybrid working (on a non-contractual basis) that combines a mix of remote and regular on-campus working.

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 23 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.