At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct groundbreaking research on protein quality control in yeast and human cells.
- Company: Join a leading university's School of Life Sciences with a focus on innovative research.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and opportunities to publish your work.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with excellent networking opportunities and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the field of molecular biology and advance your research career.
- Qualifications: PhD in a relevant area with expertise in yeast genetics and ribosome biology.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
Duration of employment: 2 years in the first instance
Role
Protein secretion is an essential process that delivers a diverse array of proteins to the extracellular milieu. The Miller lab studies the conserved cellular machinery that mediates biogenesis of secreted and membrane proteins, focusing on protein quality control in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). This project will focus on early stages of secretory protein synthesis and how specific conditions can trigger a stress-response pathway known as ER-associated ribosome-associated quality control (ER-RQC). We aim to understand how cells maintain quality control during protein biogenesis by tuning translation to prevent ribosome collisions, how ribosome collisions are sensed and resolved, and how cells respond to this quality control event. Specifically, we will use genetic approaches in yeast to dissect the molecular mechanisms that govern ER-RQC, define the spectrum of protein clients that are subject to this pathway, and translate these findings to mammalian cells.
Principal Duties
- Undertake research aimed at dissecting the mechanisms of ER-RQC in yeast and human cells
- Work independently to identify, develop and apply a broad range of techniques to pursue the research objectives, including yeast genetics, biochemistry, and ribosome profiling.
- Interact with other labs and Divisions within the FLS to deliver on research outputs
- Present scientific work at seminars within the FLS and at external meetings
- Draft scientific papers and contribute to the overall preparation of research for publication
- Assist in the training of students (Honours, M.Sc. and PhD) and others within the SLS.
Communication
The successful candidate will demonstrate excellent written and oral communication skills, actively contributing to group meetings, journal clubs and informal lab meetings, as well as writing scientific manuscripts and literature reviews. Excellent interpersonal skills and proven ability to work independently are essential.
Liaison & Networking
The successful applicant(s) will be expected to interact well with other groups within the Division, sharing resources and equipment as required. Additional engagement will include interacting with a variety of University facilities, including proteomics, imaging, cryo-EM, and others. This is an essential part of the job, requiring excellent interpersonal skills.
Decision Making and Problem Solving
The successful applicant will demonstrate the ability to work independently and as part of a team; they will have initiative to develop new ideas and investigate new methods; they will conceive, design and execute appropriate experimental programs; they will be involved in strategic planning of the project including setting research objectives and working to deadlines.
Team Development
The successful applicant will be expected to train other staff members in experimental techniques and use of equipment; candidate(s) appointed at higher grade levels will be expected to design and oversee independent projects to be undertaken by Honours and MSc students.
Knowledge and Experience
- PhD in a relevant area; expertise in yeast genetics and ribosome biology is particularly valued
- Minimal requirement of a major contribution to at least one paper in a peer-reviewed journal
- Experience with standard molecular biology techniques; additional experience with yeast genetics, biochemistry, ribosome profiling, mRNA analyses are advantages
- Quantitative analytical skills, including statistical analysis
- Experience with independently running a project that has demonstrated creativity and initiative
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.
Postdoctoral Research Assistant - UOD2336 in Dundee employer: University of Dundee
The University of Dundee is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and collaborative academic environment where innovation thrives. As a Senior Computational Chemist, you will have access to cutting-edge resources and the opportunity to contribute to meaningful drug discovery projects, all while benefiting from professional growth and development within a supportive team. Located in a city known for its rich cultural heritage and commitment to research excellence, this role promises not only career advancement but also a fulfilling work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Postdoctoral Research Assistant - UOD2336 in Dundee
✨Get Involved in Local Research Communities
Tap into local biotechnology meetups and research forums. These are great places to mingle with industry professionals, share your passion, and even discover unadvertised job openings. It's all about getting your face known in the field!
✨Leverage University Alumni Networks
If you're a recent grad, don’t underestimate the power of your university’s alumni network! Reach out to alumni working in biotechnology to gather tips about job openings at companies like University of Dundee. You'd be surprised how willing people are to help out a fellow grad!
✨Show Off Your Projects
Curate a portfolio showcasing any research projects or internships you've completed in biotechnology. This tangible evidence of your skills can really impress employers when you chat with them at networking events or interviews. It's about making that killer first impression!
✨Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends
Biotech is a fast-paced field, so keeping yourself updated with the latest advancements is crucial. Attend industry conferences, webinars, or workshops to broaden your knowledge and meet potential employers. Plus, it’ll give you fantastic talking points for your interviews at places like University of Dundee!
We think you need these skills to ace Postdoctoral Research Assistant - UOD2336 in Dundee
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Lab Skills:In the biotechnology field, it's super important to highlight your lab experience in your CV. Be sure to mention specific techniques or instruments you've mastered (think PCR, gel electrophoresis, etc.) and any relevant projects you've worked on. This will show University of Dundee that you have the hands-on skills they need.
Tailor Your Technical Skills:Make sure to emphasise your technical skills, especially those relevant to the biotechnology sector. Include any software tools or programming languages you've used, like R or Python for data analysis, which could be key for this role at University of Dundee.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Since this is a full-time role, your cover letter should reflect not only your passion for biotechnology but also your long-term career ambitions. Share why you're excited about the work that University of Dundee does and how you envision contributing to their goals. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but you're genuinely invested in this opportunity.
Include Your Papers and Projects:If you've published any papers or contributed to significant projects, mention them! These documents can boost your application and provide tangible evidence of your expertise in the biotechnology field. Don’t forget to link to any relevant publications or project summaries—this can set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Dundee
✨Brush Up on Lab Techniques
Since you're eyeing a full-time gig in biotechnology, make sure you're well-versed in the lab techniques relevant to the role. Be ready to talk about PCR, CRISPR, or any specific methods mentioned in the job description at University of Dundee. You might even be asked to demonstrate your understanding of these processes.
✨Know Your Bioinformatics Tools
Get comfortable with bioinformatics tools that are commonly used in the industry, like BLAST or Bioconductor. These are key in biotechnology, and having hands-on experience or at least familiarity can set you apart. Prepare to discuss any relevant projects you've worked on, especially if they involved data analysis or genomic research.
✨Show Your Teamwork Skills
Biotech often involves collaboration across multiple disciplines. Be ready to share stories that highlight your teamwork and communication skills, especially in research projects. Think about working with different teams at university or any internships – this is where you can show how well you fit into University of Dundee's culture.
✨Research Recent Biotech Innovations
Stay updated on the latest trends and breakthroughs in biotechnology. Knowing what's happening in the field can help you engage in more meaningful discussions during your interview. Bring up recent articles or advancements that excite you, especially those related to the work being done at University of Dundee. This shows your passion for the industry!
