Postdoctoral Researcher

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. Its major aims are to advance understanding of the role of protein phosphorylation and ubiquitylation in cell regulation and human disease, facilitate the development of drugs to treat diseases caused by abnormalities in phosphorylation, and generate reagents and improve technologies. A key remit 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 research excellence, high‑quality teaching and student experience, and a strong impact outside academia. With 900 staff from over 60 countries, the School provides a dynamic, multi‑national, collegiate and diverse environment with state‑of‑the‑art laboratories and technology.

The Division of Signal Transduction Therapy (DSTT) was established in 1998. It operates as a unique collaboration between scientists in the MRC PPU, signalling researchers at the University of Dundee’s School of Life Sciences and the pharmaceutical industry. The DSTT is a model for academia‑industry interaction, bridging primary investigators working on ubiquitylation and phosphorylation with major pharmaceutical companies to accelerate early‑stage drug discovery.

We are recruiting for exceptional individuals to join as Postdoctoral Researchers in the laboratory of Professor Miratul Muqit. This is a fixed‑term appointment for 36 months. We are recruiting one postdoctoral scientist to join the laboratory of Professor Miratul Muqit, 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 worldwide.

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 Muqit Lab is exemplary in collaborative research to make robust discoveries and share data openly to accelerate progress. 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. Previous research by the Muqit lab has contributed to the development of targeted therapies for PINK1‑induced mitophagy that entered clinical trials for PD patients last year.

Much of the knowledge on PINK1 comes from in vitro studies and very little is known about how the PINK1 pathway is regulated and functions in the brain. Projects will aim to uncover entirely new understanding that may lead to novel therapeutic concepts. The successful candidate(s) will benefit from an interdisciplinary environment in the Muqit Lab, part of the MRC PPU, and will have access to UK DRI and EMBO YIP networks. They will also have opportunities for interaction with industry partners that support the DSTT. The Lab actively participates in public engagement and successful candidates will be encouraged to be involved in public and patient involvement. Overall, this position offers an exciting opportunity to be involved in world‑class research projects and to build a major international reputation. The successful applicant(s) will be trained in a suite of state‑of‑the‑art techniques.

Your priorities will include:

• Molecular based mechanistic research studies
• Design and perform 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 a 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 teamwork and an open and collaborative approach to science
• Be highly organised, motivated and meticulous, capable of driving a project forward robustly and at pace
• Have excellent communication skills and proficiency in the English language
• Prior experience in mouse neurobiology or proteomics would be highly desirable

For further information about this position please contact Prof Miratul Muqit at m.muqit@dundee.ac.uk. To find out more about the MRC PPU please visit https://www.ppu.mrc.ac.uk/.

The School of Life Sciences is 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 or journal‑based metrics such as Impact Factors.

As an internationally diverse institution we welcome job applicants from all countries and nationalities. The School of Life Sciences employs staff from over 40 nations and offers inclusive support through BME, Disabled and LGBT staff networks, and is a member of Athena SWAN, the ECU Race Equality Charter and Stonewall. We provide a full range of disability services, creating an enjoyable and inclusive place to work.