Our priority is to be an inclusive group where science is fun

Dr Luke Boulter

Principal Investigator

Luke is a Cancer Research UK Senior Fellow and Reader. He received his BSc(Hons) in Biology from the University of York and his PhD from Edinburgh. Luke established the Liver Growth and Cancer lab at the MRC Human Genetics Unit in 2014 where he hopes to foster a lab that is inclusive, supportive and fun. Since 2026 we are a part of the CRUK Scotland Centre and Institute of Genetics and Cancer.

Dr Scott Waddell

MRC Postdoctoral Fellow

Scott is a CSO-funded post-doctoral fellow. With a BSc in Biochemistry and MSc in Drug Discovery & Translational Biology, Scott now studies the role of primary cilia in liver homeostasis and disease. Outside of the lab, Scott likes to keep fit, play saxophone and explore Edinburgh’s pubs with friends.

Dr Paula Olaizola

CRUK Postdoctoral Fellow

Paula is a post-doctoral fellow She completed her PhD at the University of the Basque Country studying the role of post-translational modifications in the pathogenesis of cholangiocarcinoma. Paula’s current research is focused on understanding of the reciprocal interactions between cholangiocarcinoma cells and cancer associated fibroblasts within the emerging tumour microenvironment.

Andreea Gradinaru

CRUK Research Assistant

Andreea completed her BSc in Life Sciences at Queen’s University in Canada. She then came to Edinburgh University for Masters by Research in reproductive science looking at cellular interactions in the ovary.

Within the lab Andreea supports Scott, Paula and Sara with their work on liver disease and cancer.

Mairi Hodge

MRC Research Assistant

Mairi undertook her BSc in Molecular Biology with the University of Edinburgh graduating in 2023. She previously worked in Inflammatory Bowel Disease research before joining the liver growth and cancer lab in 2025. As a Research Assistant, Mairi primarily works with Scott Waddell to investigate the molecular mechanisms behind Polycystic Liver Disease.

Euan Brennan

MRC PhD Student

Euan is a cell biologist having undertaken his BSc at the University of York and completed a year in industry at the University of Glasgow. Euan is now an MRC funded PhD student and joined the lab as a program PhD student here in the HGU.
His thesis project aims to elucidate the role changes in tissue mechanics has in bile tract cancer initiation.

Connor Dorrell

Melville Trust PhD Student

Connor completed his BSc and MSc in Biochemistry at University of Edinburgh. He is now a PhD student using spatial transcriptomics to study the origins of precancerous neoplasms. Outside of the lab he fences for the university and enjoys baking.

Jane Yung

CRUK TRACC PhD Student

Jane completed her three pre-clinical years of medical school at the University of St Andrews and was awarded a BSc in Medicine before transferring to the University of Edinburgh to begin the latter clinical years of medical school. Taking time out of medicine, she is now undertaking an intercalated PhD under the TRACC program to investigate the interactions between cancer cells and their surroundings in tumour initiation.

Want to join us?

Please take a look at our “Join Us” page to see our latest positions or contact Luke if you are interested in applying for external fellowships and would like to discuss a project.

Want to join us?

We are always looking for people to join our team. If you are interested in any aspect of ductular biology - form development through to cancer then why not drop us an email to discuss fellowship opportunities?