Postdoctoral Research Assistant - MRC PPU - UOD1989 in Dundee

The MRC Protein Phosphorylation and Ubiquitylation Unit (MRC PPU) is one of the world's most renowned centres for research on protein phosphorylation and ubiquitylation. The major aims of the MRC PPU are to advance understanding of the role of protein phosphorylation and ubiquitylation in cell regulation and human disease, to facilitate the development of drugs to treat diseases caused by abnormalities in phosphorylation, and to generate reagents and improve technologies. A key remit of the MRC PPU is to train the next generation of scientists who will advance our understanding in this crucial area of medical research.

The MRC PPU is based within the School of Life Sciences at the University of Dundee, a world-class academic institution with a reputation for the excellence of its research, high-quality teaching, and student experience. With 900 staff from over 60 countries worldwide, the School provides a dynamic, multi-national, collegiate, and diverse environment with state-of-the-art laboratory, technology, and teaching facilities.

The Division of Signal Transduction Therapy (DSTT) operates as a unique collaboration between scientists in the MRC PPU and signalling researchers at the University of Dundee's School of Life Sciences and the pharmaceutical industry. The DSTT is widely regarded as a model for how academia should interact with industry.

We are recruiting for exceptional individuals to join as Postdoctoral Researchers in the laboratory of Prof Miratul Muqit. This is a fixed-term appointment for 36 months. We are recruiting up to three postdoctoral scientists to investigate the function of the PINK1 kinase in neurons and the brain. The overarching goal of the Muqit lab is to undertake fundamental research to understand the molecular basis of the neurodegenerative disorder, Parkinson's disease (PD), through open and interdisciplinary collaborations with leading research groups across the world.

The successful applicant(s) will undertake discovery-driven research projects as part of a Medical Research Council Programme Grant Award that will lead to better understanding of PD and how to diagnose and treat it. The project(s) will investigate mechanisms of the PINK1 kinase which is frequently mutated in early-onset PD and is a master-regulator of mitophagy in the brain.

The successful candidate(s) will benefit from an interdisciplinary environment in the Muqit Lab in the MRC PPU in Dundee. The laboratory forms part of the national UK DRI and the EMBO YIP networks and successful applicants will have access to UK DRI and EMBO sponsored opportunities for training and self-development. The Lab actively participates in Public Engagement and successful candidates will be encouraged to be involved in public and patient involvement.

Your priorities will include:

• Primary mouse differentiation protocols to CNS cell types including neurons and astrocytes.
• Designing and performing kinome-wide CRISPR/Cas9 knock-down screens and sgRNA enrichment analysis.
• Proteomic discovery platforms including PTM proteomics and organellar isolation workflows.
• Public and patient involvement and engagement presentations.
• Dissemination of protocols and data openly and through formal peer-reviewed publications.
• Advising and mentoring undergraduate and PhD students.

Candidate requirements:

• Have a PhD in Cell Biology, Mouse Neuroscience, Biochemistry, Proteomics or related discipline with outstanding academic track record and a publication record in internationally recognised peer-reviewed journals.
• Have a strong interest in signal transduction research and how disruptions of these pathways are linked to human disease.
• Have a strong background in mouse neurobiology, biochemistry, cell biology proteomics and/or gene editing.
• Have a strong ability to work independently but with excellent ability to work in a team, and an open and collaborative approach to science.
• Highly organised, motivated and meticulous, with an ability to work independently and to drive a project forward robustly and at pace.
• Have excellent communication skills and knowledge of the English language are essential.
• Prior experience in mouse neurobiology or proteomics would be highly desirable.

For further information about this position please contact Prof Miratul Muqit at [emailprotected]. To find out more about MRC PPU please visit https://www.ppu.mrc.ac.uk/.

Commitment to DORA: The School of Life Sciences has been fully committed to the principles of the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA) since 2013. In assessing applicants, we consider the scientific quality of their published research papers, but do not take into account where the papers were published and do not consider journal-based metrics, such as Journal Impact Factors.

As an internationally diverse institution, we welcome job applicants from all countries and nationalities. The School of Life Sciences is proud to employ staff from over 40 different nations. The diversity of our staff and students helps to make the University of Dundee a UK university of choice for undergraduate, postgraduate and distance learning.