Postdoctoral Research Assistant - UOD2317 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 Faculty 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, and the strong impact of its activities outside academia. With 900 staff from over 60 countries worldwide, the Faculty 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 Faculty 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 an outstanding and highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join the Liang Laboratory as an MRC PPU-funded Research Associate. The successful candidate will investigate the role of ER-phagy in maintaining endoplasmic reticulum (ER) homeostasis and explore how dysregulation of this pathway contributes to human disease. Applicants should hold a PhD in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Biochemistry, or a related discipline. Candidates with experience in autophagy, organelle biology, or related research areas are particularly encouraged to apply.

Candidate Profile

• The successful candidate should have a strong track record in molecular and cellular biology research, evidenced by at least one peer-reviewed first-author publication or equivalent research achievement.
• The ideal applicant will possess excellent communication, organisational, and problem-solving skills, and will be able to work both independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary research environment.
• They should demonstrate creativity, critical thinking, and a commitment to scientific excellence.

This position is offered on a fixed-term basis for 2 years, with the possibility of extension subject to funding availability and satisfactory performance.

Your priorities will include:

• Conduct research to uncover the molecular mechanisms regulating ER-phagy and ER homeostasis.
• Design, perform, and analyse experiments using state-of-the-art molecular and cell biology approaches.
• Contribute to the development of research projects, manuscripts, and grant applications.
• Present research findings at laboratory meetings, national and international conferences.
• Collaborate effectively with researchers within the MRC PPU and external academic partners.

Who we're looking for:

• PhD in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Biochemistry, or a related discipline.
• Strong track record of research achievement, evidenced by peer-reviewed publications.
• Experience in molecular and cellular biology, with experience in autophagy-related research desirable.
• Excellent analytical, organisational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary research environment.

Interested candidates should submit the following documents:

• Cover letter describing their previous research accomplishments, their research interests, and how they align with the advertised position (up to 2 pages).
• Curriculum vitae (CV) including a list of publications.
• Contact information of three referees who can provide letters of recommendation upon request.

The Faculty 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 Faculty 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.

Family friendly policies, staff networks for BME, Disabled and LGBT staff, membership of Athena SWAN, the ECU Race Equality Charter and Stonewall as well as a full range of disability services create an enjoyable and inclusive place to work.