Postdoctoral Scientist: Structures and Mechanisms of Ubiquitin-like Signalling in Immunity

We are recruiting a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to join the laboratory of Dr Kirby Swatek. The goal of the Swatek lab is to understand the immunoregulatory roles of a ubiquitin-like modifier called Interferon-Stimulated Gene 15 (ISG15). As its name suggests, ISG15 is highly upregulated in interferon-treated and virus-infected cells and labels thousands of proteins to help shape the host immune response. However, the mechanisms underlying ISG15's contribution to immunity are largely unknown. This project focuses on the structural analysis of the writers of the ISG15 system. The postdoc will utilise several exciting new tools and reagents in the lab and expand on our recent progress in the area. A significant portion of the structural work will be performed using a brand-new Glacios Cryo Transmission Electron Microscope (Cryo-TEM) conveniently located in the School of Life Sciences. The successful applicant will gain hands-on training in Cryo-EM and work closely with the Cryo-EM facility. The project complements our efforts to understand the cellular roles of ISG15 modifications, and therefore, the postholder will have several opportunities for internal and external collaborations.

For further information about this position please contact Dr Kirby Swatek, kswatekOOl@dundee.ac.uk. To find out more about Dr Kirby Swatek's lab, please visit www.ppu.mrc.ac.uk/research/principal-investigator/kirby-swatek. MRC Protein Phosphorylation and Ubiquitylation Unit

The Medical Research Council Protein Phosphorylation and Ubiquitylation Unit (MRC PPU, http://www.ppu.mrc.ac.ukl) is a top-tier research institute conveniently located in the School of Life Sciences at the University of Dundee, a leading university in life science research. Research Groups within the MRC PPU focus on understanding how protein phosphorylation and ubiquitylation control fundamental aspects of human health and how disruption of these cellular signals results in disease.

Additional Information:

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The School of Life Sciences at the University of Dundee is 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 goo 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.

Your priorities will include:

• Structural analysis of the ISG15 system.
• Performing a wide array of multidisciplinary techniques.
• Advising and mentoring undergraduate and PhD students.
• Presenting your research at lab meetings, workshops, and conferences.
• Writing manuscripts for publication.

Candidate requirements:

• PhD (or will complete your PhD studies within six months of the application deadline).
• A track record of academic success.
• Expertise in cryo-EM and/or X-ray crystallography is highly desirable.
• Experience in chemical biology, biochemistry, and purification of multiprotein complexes.
• A strong background in immune signalling and ubiquitin biology would be advantageous.
• The ability to teach a small multidisciplinary team of enthusiastic scientists.
• Excellent communication skills (both verbal and written).

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, amongst many others. Our purpose is to transform lives, locally and globally, which we do as a community of staff (Professional Services and academic Schools), students and alumni. Professional Services directorates are key to delivering the University strategy and driving change across the University.

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