Postdoctoral Researcher - UOD2024

The MRC Protein Phosphorylation and Ubiquitylation Unit (MRC-PPU) is a world-renowned centre dedicated to understanding how protein phosphorylation and ubiquitylation control cell regulation and human disease. Its mission is to uncover the molecular basis of disease, accelerate drug discovery, and train the next generation of biomedical researchers.

Based within the University of Dundee’s School of Life Sciences (SLS), the Unit benefits from a vibrant, international environment of more than 900 staff representing over 60 nationalities and supported by state-of-the-art laboratory and technology facilities.

We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to investigate the molecular mechanisms by which WNK family protein kinases are activated by osmotic stress and regulated by the NRBP1 family of pseudokinases. The overarching goal is to understand how these signalling pathways integrate osmotic stress responses with the control of human ion homeostasis and blood pressure.

Recent evidence also suggests that NRBP1 interacts with the ubiquitylation machinery. A key focus of this project will therefore be to determine whether NRBP1 regulates ubiquitylation of WNK1 pathway components and to define the functional consequences of this regulation. The successful applicant will also study the assembly, regulation, and function of NRBP1–WNK1 complexes, including their expression and purification for mechanistic analysis.

Essential and desirable expertise

Applicants should have prior experience in the following areas:

• WNK1 signalling pathway or ion homeostasis and blood pressure regulation
• Mechanistic cell biology, employing molecular, biochemical, physiological, pharmacological, genetic, and/or mass-spectrometry-based approaches
• Protein purification, structural biology, and characterization of multiprotein complexes
• Strong understanding of protein kinase and ubiquitylation signalling

Key responsibilities

• Lead a research project using appropriate experimental approaches
• Develop and implement experimental design and techniques to achieve research aims
• Collaborate with research colleagues and support staff within the Unit
• Provide guidance and mentorship to students and research staff
• Contribute to preparation of research reports and publications

Candidate profile

Applicants must hold a PhD in a relevant discipline, with a strong academic record and at least one first-authored publication (submitted or published). Expertise in biochemistry, physiology, mass spectrometry, cell or molecular biology, structural biology, or bioinformatics is required. A strong interest in signal transduction and disease mechanisms is essential, and experience in collaborative or interdisciplinary research is highly desirable. Excellent teamwork, communication, and organisational skills are expected.

Further information

For informal enquiries, please contact Prof. Dario Alessi (d.r.alessi@dundee.ac.uk). For details on the MRC-PPU, visit www.ppu.mrc.ac.uk.

The School of Life Sciences supports the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA), evaluating candidates based on scientific quality rather than journal metrics. The University of Dundee is proud of its international and inclusive community, supported by family-friendly policies, equality charters, and networks for BME, Disabled, and LGBT+ staff.

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