Postdoctoral Research Assistant: Regulation of organelle-selective autophagy by ubiquitin E3 ligases

Organelle-selective autophagy is emerging as a critical and highly coordinated cellular process, and its dysfunction is linked to cancer and neurological diseases. Crucially, organelle-selective autophagy requires the timely ubiquitination of substrates, yet the E3 ligases involved and how their activity is regulated are poorly understood. Our lab has pioneered the development of activity-based probes for ~350 E3 ligases, and this project will deploy them on a proteome-scale to identify E3 ligases that regulate these pivotal homeostatic pathways (Pao et al., Nat Chem Biol 2016; Pao et al. Nature 2018; Mathur et al. Cell Chem Biol 2020). The role of E3 ligases in will be validated and their regulatory mechanism delineated. For informal enquiries please contact Prof. Satpal Virdee s.s.virdee@dundee.ac.uk.

Passionate candidates should ideally have recently carried out a PhD working in cell biology or biochemistry. The position will be a fantastic opportunity for candidates to broaden their skillset by working in a multidisciplinary lab using state-of-the-art technologies. Coupled with this exciting area of biological focus, the project will provide excellent opportunity for career development with mentoring support to reach career aspirations. The successful applicants will join an international team in an exciting and interactive environment, equipped to the very highest standards, and with generous consumable support.

Your priorities will include:

• Plan and carry out multidisciplinary research program aimed at identifying E3 ligases regulating organelle- selective autophagy
• Presentation of research at lab meetings and scientific meetings
• Preparation of data for manuscript preparation
• Liaise with other lab members and collaborators
• Maintenance of meticulous lab records

Who we’re looking for:

Passionate candidates should ideally have recently carried out a PhD working in the biochemistry, structural biology or cell biology.

• A passion for ubiquitin biology
• Experience in cell biology or biochemistry

This contract is for a fixed term period of 3 years with the possibility for extension. The closing date for applications is 11th May.

MRC Protein Phosphorylation and Ubiquitylation Unit (MRC PPU):

The MRC PPU is one of the world’s most renowned centres for research on protein phosphorylation and ubiquitylation (http://www.ppu.mrc.ac.uk/). Many world-leading researchers in the field of signal transduction have trained within the MRC PPU. 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.

School of Life Sciences (SLS):

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, multi-national, collegiate and diverse environment with state-of-the-art laboratory, technology and teaching facilities.