Research Assistant

Full Time: 35 hours per week

Fixed term: for 24 months

The Opportunity:

Together we can do great things. Be part of something bigger.

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.

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.

Help develop new optical technologies for measuring the mechanical properties of living cells and tissues.

We are looking for a Research Assistant to support the development of optical elastography technologies that use light to measure the biomechanics of cells, organoids and tissues. Building on our group’s advances in optical coherence elastography, you will help translate a new quantitative imaging approach into practical, commercial applications.

Working with the Principal Investigator and a Postdoctoral Research Associate, you will fabricate and mechanically characterise soft gels, undertake biomechanical and optical elastography measurements, support prototype assembly and testing, and collect, analyse and document research data. You will also contribute to research dissemination, knowledge exchange and engagement with academic and industry partners.

You should hold a degree in biomedical engineering, mechanical engineering or an equivalent discipline. You will have experience of relevant engineering methods, gathering data using defined research procedures, computational data analysis and preparing clear reports. Strong communication, teamwork and problem-solving skills are also essential. Experience of mechanical measurements, biomaterial characterisation, 3D printing or prototyping would be advantageous.

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.

A career with us has a range of other benefits that can be tailored to your lifestyle: 

This post is full-time (35 hours per week).

Apply Before: 14/10/2026, 23:59

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