Postdoctoral Research Assistant - MRC PPU - UOD1782

We are recruiting highly motivated postdoctoral researchers to participate in a new academic-industrial global initiative supported by the Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. The project aims to: (1) Explore and validate new approaches to target LRRK2; (2) Perform systematic mechanistic, structural and safety analyses to benchmark new LRRK2 modifiers that emerge from this effort and (3) identify clinically relevant biomarkers for LRRK2-driven Parkinson’s disease that will facilitate the selection of patients who respond to LRRK2 inhibitor therapy. We aim to galvanise research and accelerate the development of Parkinson’s disease therapeutics. These positions enable further training in state-of-th e-art methods through the course of the project, and involve wider collaboration with Protein Phosphorylation and Ubiquitylation Unit members, other academic Institutions worldwide and industrial partners working in this area.

The appointed post holders will be based within the laboratories of Dario Alessi, Esther Sammler and Paul Davies within the University of Dundee’s MRC Protein Phosphorylation and Ubiquitylation Unit (MRC-PPU, www.ppu.mrc.ac.uk).

The successful applicant will have previous knowledge and expertise in one or more of the following areas:

1. Mechanistic cell biology employing a multidisciplinary approach including molecular, biochemical, physiological, mass spectrometry, pharmacological and genetic methodologies.
2. Screening and characterisation of compounds in in vitro and in vivo assays.
3. Protein purification.
4. Structural biology.
5. Computational and AI modelling for hit discovery and optimisation.
6. Biophysical assays to investigate protein/protein interactions and for compound screening.
7. Quantitative mass spectrometry analysis (proteomic, lipidomic, metabolomic, post translational modifications), preferably in clinical samples.
8. Bioinformatic methodologies and analysis of large datasets including mass spectrometry data.

Your priorities will include:

• To lead a research project in the relevant discipline area using the appropriate methods and/or techniques.
• To take responsibility for project development and implementation, including experimental design and identification and development of a broad range of techniques necessary to achieve the research objectives.
• To collaborate with research colleagues and support staff internally as appropriate to the research.
• To provide guidance and support to other staff and students associated with the project.
• To support the production of research reports and/or publications as required by the funding body or for dissemination to the wider academic community.
• To undertake any other duties relevant to the programme of research as required.

Who we’re looking for:

• • Applicants must have a PhD in a relevant discipline with strong academic track record and at least one first authored publication either submitted to a preprint server or published in an internationally recognised peer-reviewed journal.
  • Significant hands-on expertise in one or more of the following: biochemistry, mass spectrometry, cell biology, molecular biology, structural biology, signal transduction, data analysis and bioinformatic analysis.
  • Strong knowledge and interest in understanding pathways that are linked to neurodegeneration and Parkinson’s disease and an appreciation of how research in this area can be exploited to accelerate drug discovery.
  • Hands-on experience in experimental techniques and data analysis that are relevant to the role.
  • Experience in independent research projects including interdisciplinary work.
  • Ability to work in a team in a highly collaborative manner, embracing the principles of Open Science.
  • Excellent interpersonal and organisational skills.
  • Excellent knowledge of the English language is essential.
  • Experience in multi-institutional and/or industry collaborations is highly desirable.

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