Job Description

Grade UE06: 34,610 to 39,906 per annum

CSE / School on Biological Sciences / Institute of Molecular Plant Science

Full Time: 35hrs per week

Fixed Term: 30 months

We are looking for a Research Associate to assist our study of the role of ZHOUPI genes in the cell death and breakdown of the embryo-surrounding maternal tissues of the model liverwort Marchantia polymorpha and several other non seed plant models. The post is in the group of Prof. Justin Goodrich in the Institute of Molecular Plant Sciences and will be supported by a full time Post Doctoral Research Assistant (PDRA).

The Opportunity:

The aim of the project is to characterize genes that control the programmed cell death and cell separation that occurs during the breakdown of the maternal tissues that surround the developing embryo in plants. We are mainly working with the model liverwort Marchantia polymorpha , for which we have developed extensive genetic tools, but will extend this to several other distantly related plant species (a hornwort, a club moss, a pine). Ultimately our results will inform how the endosperm of flowering plant seed, a key tissue for human nutrition, has evolved. The RA will work closely with and support a full time PDRA, for example by helping with plant transformation, molecular cloning, maintaining genetic stocks and mutant screens. The Goodrich group collaborate with the neighbouring Hetherington lab, with relevant expertise in club mosses ( Selaginella apoda ), with Moritz Nowack's group (University of Ghent) with expertise in programmed cell death analysis and several other leading plant research groups.

Your skills and attributes for success:

BSc or equivalent Degree in an appropriate biological science and preferably a post graduate qualification such as a Masters degree Experience with plant genetics and molecular biology Two years or more experience working in a lab Good communication skills Good record keeping and organisation

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Application Information

For informal enquiries please contact the hiring manager Justin Goodrich at Justin.Goodrich@ed.ac.uk or the School of Biological Sciences Staffing / HR Team at SBS.Contracts@ed.ac.uk .



Please ensure you 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, such as a generous holiday entitlement, competitive pension schemes, staff discounts, and family-friendly initiatives. Check out the full list on our

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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

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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

13th October 2025

.




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