Postdoctoral Scientist — PD Mechanisms & Neurobiology 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.

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 looking for a postdoctoral scientist with expertise in signalling, molecular mechanisms, cell biology, mouse neurobiology, CRISPR gene-editing, or proteomics 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 a 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.

Your priorities will include:

• Molecular based mechanistic research studies
• 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, Biochemistry, Proteomics, Mouse Neuroscience, or related discipline with an 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
• Prior experience in mouse neurobiology or proteomics would be highly desirable

We are one of the UK's leading universities, internationally recognised for our expertise across a range of disciplines and research breakthroughs in multiple areas, including science, medicine, and engineering. Our purpose is to transform lives, locally and globally, which we do as a community of staff, students, and alumni.

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 diversity of our staff and students helps to make the University of Dundee a UK university of choice for undergraduate, postgraduate, and distance learning.