At a Glance
- Tasks: Join cutting-edge research on Parkinson's disease and explore novel regulatory pathways in the brain.
- Company: MRC Protein Phosphorylation and Ubiquitylation Unit at the University of Dundee.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, dynamic research environment, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Collaborative atmosphere with strong industry links and excellent career growth potential.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in medical research and contribute to groundbreaking discoveries.
- Qualifications: PhD in relevant fields with strong academic and publication record.
The predicted salary is between 37174 - 42882 € per year.
Closing date: Tuesday, 23 December 2025, 23:59
Salary: £37,174 - £42,882 per annum
Contract type: Fixed Term
Campus: City
School/Directorate: School of Life Sciences
Unit/Department: MRC PPU Unit: MRC Protein Phosphorylation and Ubiquitylation Unit
The 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, 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, its high-quality teaching and student experience, and the strong impact of its activities outside academia. 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) was established in 1998. This division 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 operates as a simple bridging mechanism to enable our PIs working on ubiquitylation and phosphorylation to effectively interact with major pharmaceutical companies to help accelerate the early stages of drug discovery.
We are recruiting for Postdoctoral Researchers for a fixed-term 24-month appointment. We are seeking up to two postdoctoral researchers to join the labs of Professors Ian Ganley and Miratul Muqit at the MRC Protein Phosphorylation and Ubiquitylation Unit (MRC PPU), Dundee. Candidates with expertise in signalling, cell biology, and mouse neurobiology will investigate novel regulatory pathways controlling mitophagy in the brain.
The Ganley and Muqit labs aim to uncover the molecular mechanisms of Parkinson's disease (PD) through open, collaborative research. The successful applicants will work on a Michael J. Fox Foundation-funded translational project using human iPSC-derived cells and mouse models to assess small molecule modulators of mitophagy-related signalling, with the goal of identifying new therapeutic strategies for PD.
Your priorities will include:
- Generate knockout iPSC lines and perform quality control followed by differentiation to iNeurons.
- Breeding and characterisation of alpha-synuclein and PINK1 knockout models crossed to mitophagy (mito-QC) reporter lines.
- Biochemical and cell biological characterisation of mitophagy in vitro and in vivo.
- 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.
Who we’re looking for:
- 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 an interest in signal transduction research and how disruptions of these pathways are linked to human disease.
- Strong background in mouse neurobiology, biochemistry, cell biology proteomics and/or gene editing.
- Ability to work independently but with excellent ability to work in a team, and an open and collaborative approach to science.
- Excellent communication skills and knowledge of the English language are essential.
- Experience in mouse neurobiology or proteomics would be highly desirable.
- Expertise in iPSC culture is desirable, although the successful candidate would be supported and trained (if necessary).
For further information about this position please contact Prof Ian Ganley or Prof Miratul Muqit.
To find out more about MRC PPU please visit.
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.
Postdoctoral Researcher in Dundee employer: University of Dundee
The MRC Protein Phosphorylation and Ubiquitylation Unit at the University of Dundee offers an exceptional environment for Postdoctoral Researchers, characterised by a dynamic and collaborative culture that fosters innovation in cutting-edge medical research. With access to state-of-the-art facilities and strong industry links, employees benefit from extensive training opportunities and the chance to contribute to impactful projects aimed at understanding and treating diseases like Parkinson's. The diverse and inclusive atmosphere, combined with the university's commitment to professional development, makes it an outstanding employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in life sciences.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Postdoctoral Researcher in Dundee
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current researchers or alumni from the MRC PPU. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the lab's work!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for that interview! Brush up on your knowledge of protein phosphorylation and ubiquitylation. Be ready to discuss how your skills align with their research goals. Confidence is key, so practice makes perfect!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your passion! When you get the chance, share why you're excited about the research at MRC PPU. Whether it's about Parkinson's disease or innovative techniques, let your enthusiasm shine through.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to make a difference!
We think you need these skills to ace Postdoctoral Researcher in Dundee
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Postdoctoral Researcher role. Highlight your relevant experience in cell biology, mouse neurobiology, and any publications that showcase your expertise in signalling research.
Show Your Passion:Let us see your enthusiasm for the research area! In your application, mention why you're excited about working on Parkinson's disease and how your background aligns with our goals at the MRC PPU.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your skills and experiences, making it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit for our team.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website. It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your materials and can review them promptly!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Dundee
✨Know Your Research
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest findings related to protein phosphorylation and ubiquitylation. Familiarise yourself with the work of Professors Ian Ganley and Miratul Muqit, especially their recent publications. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you engage in meaningful discussions during the interview.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect to be asked about your expertise in cell biology, mouse neurobiology, and biochemistry. Brush up on key concepts and methodologies relevant to the role, such as iPSC culture and gene editing techniques. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will demonstrate your technical proficiency.
✨Show Your Collaborative Spirit
The MRC PPU values teamwork and collaboration. Be ready to share examples of how you’ve successfully worked in teams or contributed to collaborative projects in the past. Highlight your ability to mentor others and engage with public and patient involvement, as this is a key aspect of the role.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that reflect your understanding of the research environment and the specific projects at MRC PPU. Inquire about future directions of the research, potential collaborations, or how the lab integrates with industry partners. This shows your enthusiasm and forward-thinking mindset.
