Postdoctoral Scientist

The Kulathu Lab at the MRC PPU, University of Dundee, Scotland is looking to hire a Postdoctoral Researcher with expertise in cell biology and/or biochemistry to dissect how distinct branched heterotypic signals are formed in cells in response to stress and serve to trigger stress response pathways.

Our lab studies how posttranslational modification of proteins with monoubiquitin or different polyubiquitin chains alters protein function to signal distinct responses in cells. A new type of ubiquitin signal has been discovered recently that contains branched ubiquitin structures. These branched heterotypic ubiquitin signals are dynamically made in cells and play important roles in maintaining cellular homeostasis. Mechanistically, the functions of these branched chains have not been elucidated because of the complex nature of these modifications and the lack of ways to study them. You will employ a highly multidisciplinary approach, with techniques including quantitative proteomics, CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing combined with biochemical and cell biology approaches to dissect signalling pathways and single cell analyses to address exciting questions about the mechanisms and functions of branched ubiquitin chains in cellular stress responses.

The project is funded by an ERC Consolidator grant awarded recently to the lab, and will build on tools and methods the lab has recently developed to study branched ubiquitin. The position is available for 3 years in the first instance. The candidate will join a stimulating, diverse and collaborative research environment. Strong mentorship will be provided to help candidates achieve their career goals.

Your priorities will include:

• Undertaking research aimed at understanding the molecular mechanisms of signalling by ubiquitin and ubiquitin-like modifiers in maintaining cellular homeostasis.
• Project development and implementation, including experimental design; identification and development of a broad range of techniques necessary to achieve the research.
• Working collaboratively, coordinating with collaborators, and assisting with the training of PhD students and other lab members
• Presenting scientific work at internal seminars and at external meetings.
• Contributing to the preparation of research for publication

Who we’re looking for:

Successful candidates will have a strong background in biochemistry and/or cell biology and a track record in conducting excellent research. You should be creative and ambitious, enthusiastic to study complex biological questions, and have excellent communication skills.

Candidates are expected to have expertise in:

• Biochemistry, Cell biology and/or proteomics
• Experience in studying cell signalling, posttranslational modifications, protein quality control, protein degradation or DNA damage pathways
• Experience with microscopy would be advantageous

Appointment as a Postdoctoral Research Assistant on the Grade 7 salary scale is dependent upon you having been awarded a Ph.D. An appointment may be considered if you are shortly expected to be awarded a Ph.D. In this case, the initial appointment would be made as a Research Assistant on the Training Grade 7 salary scale (Spinal Point 25 – 28).

Additional Information

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