Research Technician - UOD1966

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

We are recruiting a highly motivated research technician to participate in a new academic-industrial global initiative supported by the Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, aimed at accelerating the development of Parkinson’s disease therapeutics. The project aims to explore and validate new approaches to target LRRK2 and to perform systematic mechanistic, structural and safety analyses to benchmark new LRRK2 modifiers that emerge from this effort. This position enables further training in state of the-art methods through the course of the project, and involves wider collaboration with Protein Phosphorylation and Ubiquitylation Unit members, other academic Institutions worldwide and industrial partners working in this area.

The appointed post holder will be based within the laboratories of Dario Alessi 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 strong expertise in one or more of the following areas:

1. Protein expression and purification;
2. Mammalian cell culture;
3. SDS-PAGE and immunoblotting techniques;
4. Quantitative enzyme assays, including kinase assays.

Your priorities will include:

• To undertake research in the relevant discipline area using the appropriate methods and/or techniques.
• 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 collaborate with research colleagues and support staff internally as appropriate to the research.
• To undertake any other duties relevant to the programme of research as required.

Who we’re looking for:

• Strong hands-on experience in one or more of the following is essential: Protein expression and purification;

Mammalian cell culture; SDS-PAGE and immunoblotting techniques; Quantitative enzyme assays, including kinase assays.

• Experience with the baculovirus expression system in insect cells, protein expression in mammalian systems, and size exclusion chromatography is highly desirable.
• Hands-on experience in experimental techniques and data analysis that are relevant to the role.
• Knowledge and interest in understanding pathways that are linked to neurodegeneration and Parkinson’s disease.
• 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.

Additional requirements for Grade 6 positions include:

• MSc in a relevant discipline.
• Experience in independent research projects.
• Experience in multi-institutional and/or industry collaborations is highly desirable.

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.

For further information about this position please contact please contact Prof. Dario Alessi (d.r.alessi@dundee.ac.uk) or Dr. Francesca Tonelli (f.tonelli@dundee.ac.uk). To find out more about MRC PPU please visit www.ppu.mrc.ac.uk.

Commitment to DORA

The School of Life Sciences has been fully committed to the principals 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 and do not consider journal-based metrics, such as Journal Impact Factors.

As an internationally diverse institution, we welcome job applicants from all countries and nationalities. The School of Life Sciences is proud to employ staff from over 40 different nations.

The diversity of our staff and students helps to make the University of Dundee a UK university of choice for undergraduate, postgraduate and distance learning. Family friendly policies, staff networks for BME, Disabled and LGBT staff, membership of Athena SWAN, the ECU Race Equality Charter and Stonewall as well a full range of disability services, create an enjoyable and inclusive place to work.